MSU Extension to discuss using yield data, precision farming and conservation agronomy on Virtual Breakfast Series

Learn how to utilize yield data to enhance precision farming and conservation agronomy on your farm during the Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series on September 4.

A farmer sits in the cab of a tractor equipped with multiple digital displays and control screens, monitoring precision agriculture equipment. Through the windshield, another large red farming machine is visible working in a field at sunset.
Photo by Mindy Tape, MSU Extension

Modern combines have been collecting grain yield data over the past two decades season after season. The integration of this technology into our farming systems has improved but utilizing this data to effectively interpret and make decisions can be a challenge for producers. One example would be visualizing this data with maps that can show farmers which areas of the field are producing below, at or above average. Although costly, platforms like John Deere Operations Center, Climate Fieldview and others make it easy to quickly view these maps. These maps can be a tool to drive how we manage our fields in the following season, potentially saving you time and money in your production system.

This brings about the question of how do we effectively manage these areas that are producing below the standard using precision agriculture? Rich Price, conservation systems agronomy educator with Michigan State University Extension, will join the Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series on Thursday, Sept. 4 to discuss ways to use mapping, cataloging and analyzing yield data with precision farming and conservation agronomy. This is a timely topic to discuss as we approach the 2025 harvest season.

Immediately following the presentation, MSU Extension agricultural climatologist Jeff Andresen will present a 15-minute weather summary and forecast. A question-and-answer period will follow. Other MSU Extension specialists and educators will be available for discussion.

Sign up for Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series

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The Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series sessions from the MSU Extension field crops team are held every week during the growing season via Zoom. The Virtual Breakfast series keeps attendees informed of in-season updates and issues of concern for field crops. These virtual meetings take place every Thursday morning from 7-8 a.m., March through September 2025. Participants are encouraged to log into the Zoom link 5 minutes prior to the start time to ensure connectivity and receive announcements. The first half of each session includes a timely presentation from a topic expert and the weekly weather forecast. The second half of each session includes time for Q&A’s and updates with MSU specialists and educators.

Participating is easy and free! You can join the live meeting via Zoom using a computer, tablet, mobile device or regular phone line. If you are new to Zoom, simply download the Zoom app and you will be ready to join online every week to see visuals shared by presenters. A call-in by phone option is also available but note that you will only hear the audio portion.

Restricted use pesticide (RUP) credits and certified crop adviser (CCA) continuing education units are available most weeks for live attendees.

Participants must sign up to receive an email notification with instructions for joining the Virtual Breakfast. You only need to do this once and you will receive the Zoom link and call-in phone number, as well as weekly reminders every Wednesday and Thursday. Participants receiving emails can opt out at any time.

Sign up for Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series

If you cannot participate in the live session at 7 a.m., you can view the recorded version at any time. However, only the live session will be eligible for RUP and CCA credits. Recordings will be closed-captioned and available at the Field Crops Virtual Breakfast webpage and the following MSU Extension field crops team social media platforms: Facebook, Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Twitter/X.

If you are unable to sign up online, call the Montcalm County MSU Extension office at 989-831-7500 .

Follow @MSUEFieldCrops on Facebook, Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Twitter/X for breaking news.

 

This work is supported by the Crop Protection and Pest Management Program [grant no 2024-70006-43569] from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

 

 

 

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