Ag PhD Ag Minute
6 Seasons
A companion piece to Ag PhD, the Ag Minute is a weekly 60-second vignette designed to provide a quick burst of insight into how and why farmers do what they do.
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01:00Episode 1279
Spring Forward This Fall | Ag PhD
Episode 1279
Want a better lawn next year? A little autumn attention can save you stress in the spring, says Darren Hefty.
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01:00Episode 1278
Early Corn Harvest | Ag PhD
Episode 1278
Darren talks about factors that can allow farmers to harvest corn earlier than normal.
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01:00Episode 1277
Is Farming Easy? | Ag PhD
Episode 1277
Did you know that it takes about 8 months of nearly daily work to raise one ear of corn? Darren Hefty says there is much more to farming than throwing seed in the soil!
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01:00Episode 1276
How Many Ears Are on a Corn Plant? | Ag PhD
Episode 1276
Find out why most corn plants have just one ear.
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01:00Episode 1275
Spray Time | Ag PhD
Episode 1275
Spray or delay? Darren explains how farmers find their window of opportunity.
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01:00Episode 1274
Beneficial Insects | Ag PhD
Episode 1274
Not all bugs in gardens and crops are harmful. Darren talks about beneficial insects.
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01:00Episode 1273
Weather and Farming | Ag PhD
Episode 1273
Hot or cold, the corn and beans still have to grow. Darren Hefty weathers the storm out in his fields in today's Ag Minute.
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01:00Episode 1272
Heat Tolerance of Crops | Ag PhD
Episode 1272
07/06/25 Ag Minute #1272
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01:00Episode 1271
Drones in Agriculture | Ag PhD
Episode 1271
When it comes to protecting their crops, farmers have a new altitude. Darren explains how new tech is transforming farming from the top down.
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01:00Episode 1270
Crops In Dry Weather | Ag PhD
Episode 1270
Find out why short-term dry spells may actually be good for a crop in the long term.
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01:00Episode 1269
Little Bugs, Big Problems | Ag PhD
Episode 1269
Darren Hefty says sometimes it's the tiniest things that bug farmers the most.
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01:00Episode 1268
Goss's Wilt | Ag PhD
Episode 1268
Darren talks about a troublesome corn disease called Goss's wilt.
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01:00Episode 1267
Investing in Crops | Ag PhD
Episode 1267
Farming can be a lot like the stock market. Expert agronomist Darren Hefty explains how smart farmers balance their portfolio.
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01:00Episode 1266
Crop Canopy | Ag PhD
Episode 1266
Darren talks about keeping weeds out of fields by having a crop that shades out the ground.
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01:00Episode 1265
Farmers Keep Their Soil in Place | Ag PhD
Episode 1265
Whether it's surface solutions or digging deep, farmers are on the front line against erosion. Darren Hefty dishes the dirt.
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01:00Episode 1264
Growing Points of Plants | Ag PhD
Episode 1264
05/11/25 Ag Minute #1264
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01:00Episode 1263
Love Me Dew | Ag PhD
Episode 1263
Dew not underestimate the importance of dew. Darren Hefty talks about the benefits of this morning gift for lawns and crops.
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01:00Episode 1262
Plants Look Greener After Rain | Ag PhD
Episode 1262
Darren explains how plants and crops benefit in the hours after a rain.
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01:00Episode 1261
Magnesium in Pasture Grass | Ag PhD
Episode 1261
The cows have asked Darren Hefty to explain the easy way to avoid the metabolic disorder Grass Tetany.
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01:00Episode 1260
Get A Green Lawn With Less Work | Ag PhD
Episode 1260
Darren talks about having a great lawn by following a few easy steps.
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01:00Episode 1259
Cover Crop Management | Ag PhD
Episode 1259
One big difference between cash and cover crops: you never try to kill your money-maker! Darren Hefty explains why and how out-of season fields must always have an end.
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01:00Episode 1258
Deciding When To Plant | Ag PhD
Episode 1258
Darren lists a few factors that farmers consider when deciding when to plant crops.
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01:00Episode 1257
Farmers Stay Busy | Ag PhD
Episode 1257
Crops grow slowly, but farmers can't stand still for a second! Darren Hefty explains why farming is both a sprint and a marathon.
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01:00Episode 1256
Drain Tile in Spring | Ag PhD
Episode 1256
Find out how drain tile is helpful both in the fall and in spring.