Produce Pointers is hosted by Penn State Extension Horticulture Educators Glen Bupp, Leah Fronk, and Karly Regan. The podcast broadcasts timely growing information to the vegetable and small fruit industries featuring interviews with guests who are experts in research, extension, and farming.
Developing Successful Farmers focuses on starting farming, production, and topics to help make beginning farmers more successful. Join the Penn State Extension New and Beginning Farmer Team for informal educational conversations with educators, industry experts, and Penn State faculty and research. Each week we will cover topics that will help new and beginning farmers become more aware of the resources to assist their journey to enter farming. Guests will provide information within their fi ...
Our landscapes have many functions; they add beauty to our surroundings, provide a place to recreate, reduce stress, and clean and cool the surrounding environment. They also provide pollen and nectar for pollinators and provide habitat for birds. Keeping It Green is a weekly podcast in which Penn State extension educators talk with ornamental plant professionals and enthusiasts who add beauty and function to our landscapes. Topics will range from design, installation and maintenance, plant ...
Fresh Cut Grass is a weekly podcast in which hosts Jeff Fowler and Tanner Delvalle, Commercial Horticulture Educators with Penn State University, discuss various turfgrass topics with industry professionals from around the US. Topics include all aspects of sports turf management, lawn care, parks, golf, and any other professional turf. Professionals from different segments of the turf industry will be featured as guests, and casual conversation about turf management and turf improvement will ...
This podcast focuses on providing timely commercial tree fruit production advice for beginning industry professionals and seasoned growers. Educators from Penn State Extension and faculty from Penn State University’s horticulture, entomology, and plant pathology departments drop in to give insights and observations about what is going on in the orchards.
Bovine Banter focuses on management, production, and profitability to help make farms more successful. Join the Penn State Extension Dairy Team for informal educational conversations with dairy producers, industry representatives and Penn State faculty and research. Each week we will cover hot topics in the dairy industry that will help dairy producers become more profitable. Guests will compare research with experiences of what has and has not worked on their farms and provide tips to help ...
Between the Vines focuses on timely viticulture, business management, and Integrated Pest Management issues to help vineyards achieve commercial success. The podcast covers timely topics and research updates throughout the year. It is brought to you by the Lake Erie Regional Grape Program. This regional Extension team is a collaboration between Penn State and Cornell University.
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Keeping It Green


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Season 1 Episode 8: Conversation with Frank Pizzi, Former Zoo Horticulturist at Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
48:16
48:16
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Margaret and Sandy discuss the world of plants in zoo settings with Frank Pizzi, former zoo horticulturist at Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. Join us as Frank talks about how zoos have transitioned over the past several decades. Where zoo exhibits have gone from concrete and ceramic tile buildings to enclosures that try to mimic the animals' natural…
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Keeping It Green


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Season 1 Episode 7: Conversation with Shari Edelson, Outgoing Director of Operations at the Arboretum at Penn State
48:18
48:18
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Margaret and Tom discuss horticulture adventures with Shari Edelson of the Arboretum at Penn State. What is it like working at a relatively new arboretum (opened in 2009)? How are gardens initiated, funded, and constructed? Maintained? Shari will share her experience and changing role in almost a decade of time at the Arboretum. Plus, we discuss th…
We have a conference coming up, among a host of other winter educational opportunities to improve vineyard management and farm business. In the meantime, LERGP takes a second to check out what is going on in the fertilizer market. LERGP.com https://lergp.cce.cornell.edu/contact_information.phpBy Lake Erie Regional Grape Program
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Keeping It Green


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Season 1 Episode 6: Talking with Jim MacKenzie, President and Co-owner of Octoraro Native Plant Nursery
43:06
43:06
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Margaret and Tim discuss plants and more with Jim MacKenzie. The conversation covers a wide range of topics within the nursery industry, starting with his journey from landscape architecture to co-owner of Octoraro Native Plant Nursery. He’ll also give insight into labor issues, sustainability, and philosophy on mentorship within the industry. Marg…
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Developing Successful Farmers


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Episode 5.2: An Interview with Alex Hoffman of Breezy Acres Farm
17:20
17:20
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Meet second-generation farmer Alex Hoffman from Breezy Acres Farm. As the new owner and operator of a livestock and crop operation, Alex shares his story of farm transition and how diversifying the operation has allowed him to access new markets. Visit his Facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/breezyacresfarm.pa…
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Fresh Cut Grass


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Season 2 Episode 43: Field Safety from a Unique Perspective with Nina Johnson-Pitt, Little League International
48:45
48:45
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In this episode, Tanner, Jeff, and Nina discuss field safety from a different perspective. Nina Johnson-Pitt works for Little League International as a Senior Strategist and is also a Little League Mom. This episode discusses how field safety goes deeper than player safety on the field. Nina’s daughter is a softball pitcher, and we discuss the mech…
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Produce Pointers


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Season 1 Episode 13: The Pesticide Applicator Short Course with Tom Butzler, Penn State Extension
34:14
34:14
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Do you need the pesticide applicator short course? Listen in and hear from Tom Butzler, Penn State Extension educator, about why it may be a good idea for you or your employees to take the course. In addition, we discuss the many ways to earn credits for your PA Pesticide License. Whether it’s online, in-person, or through workbooks—there are vario…
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Fresh Cut Grass


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Season 2 Episode 42: Managing the Penn State Turf Research Facility with Tom Bettle, Penn State University
49:29
49:29
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Tanner and Jeff talk with Tom Bettle, facility manager of the Joseph Valentine Turf Research Facility in University Park, PA. Tom was a golf course superintendent for 25 years prior to working for Penn State. He works with university faculty to ensure they have space and the proper conditions for field research. Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension Ta…
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Produce Pointers


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Season 1 Episode 12: The Mushroom Industry in Pennsylvania with Maria Gorgo, Penn State Extension
19:13
19:13
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Our guest is Extension educator Maria Gorgo, based in Chester County, who talks with us about the mushroom industry in PA. Our state produces a large portion of the world’s mushroom supply. Maria discusses the industry's economic impact, specialty mushrooms, white button mushroom production, and spent mushroom substrate. She describes the environme…
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Fresh Cut Grass


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Season 2 Episode 41: Update on Spotted Lanternfly with Brian Walsh, Penn State University
52:28
52:28
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Tanner and Jeff talk with their colleague, Brian Walsh, about the spotted lanternfly. The spotted lanternfly was first discovered in Berks County, PA, and moved as far west as Detroit and as far south as North Carolina. While not a turf pest, it is one that turf professionals do find periodically. Brian talks about the insect and the damage that it…
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Keeping It Green


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Season 1 Episode 5: Talking Michael Skvarla, Assistant Research Professor of Arthropod Identification, Penn State University
38:58
38:58
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Margaret and Tom talk insects with Dr. Michael Skvarla. We’ll cover his role with Penn State’s Insect ID Lab and the process of identification. Plus, what he sees as the insects that Green Industry professionals could see as our next invasive species in managed landscapes. Margaret Pickoff, Penn State Extension (host) Tom Butzler, Penn State Extens…
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Keeping It Green


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Season 1 Episode 4: Talking with Kathleen Salisbury, Director of the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University
47:48
47:48
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Margaret and Tim talk with Kathleen Salisbury about her path to becoming the Director of the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University. The conversation steers towards extreme weather and the effects of the September 2021 tornado that tore through the arboretum. Listen carefully as a bird crashes the interview! Margaret Pickoff, Penn State Extension (h…
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Keeping It Green


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Season 1 Episode 3: Insight on Urban Forestry with Vinnie Cotrone, Extension Urban Forestry Educator, Penn State
47:12
47:12
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Margaret and Tom talk with Vinnie Cotrone about his role and journey within Penn State Extension’s Urban Forestry program. The discussion looks at how the perceptions of urban trees have changed over the decades and some of the ecosystem services these trees provide to communities. Plus, what are some of the biggest stressors trees face in urban en…
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Keeping It Green


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Season 1 Episode 2: Natural Swimming Pools with Dr. Margaret Hoffman, Penn State University
56:27
56:27
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Margaret and Tim talk with Dr. Margaret Hoffman about the components, benefits, and issues with natural swimming pools. We’ll cover a few of the workhorse plants in this system. We also discuss Margaret’s journey from undergrad to landscape design owner to program coordinator of Penn State’s Landscape Contracting major. Margaret Pickoff, Penn State…
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Keeping It Green


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Season 1 Episode 1: A Conversation with the Keeping It Green Podcast Team
46:28
46:28
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Meet four of Penn State’s Green Industry team members in this first episode of the Keeping It Green podcast. Each host shares their background, interests, and the things they encounter throughout their work day. This episode introduces the Keeping It Green podcast, and the hosts discuss Penn State Extension, what it is, what the educators do, and h…
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Developing Successful Farmers


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Episode 5.1: An Interview with Ashley Raspen of Buttinhead Farms
31:35
31:35
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Meet Ashley Raspen, owner of Buttinhead Farms. Ashley incorporated her love of fitness instruction with farming and created a unique kind of business. Where she farms fun. The only expectation she has when you visit her farm or one of her events is that you leave happier than when you came and you leave behind the every day stresses in your life. T…
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Fresh Cut Grass


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Season 2 Episode 40: A Turf Industry Discussion with Dr. Mike Goatley, Virginia Tech
1:04:53
1:04:53
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Tanner and Jeff talk with industry expert Dr. Mike Goatley of Virginia Tech. He talks about his research and his proudest moments in his 34 years in academia. Dr. Goatley is a world-renowned pillar of the turf industry—you won’t want to miss this one! Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) Tanner Delvalle, Penn State Extension (host) Dr. Michael …
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Produce Pointers


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Season 1 Episode 11: Farmers Market Challenges with Brian Moyer, Penn State Extension
21:46
21:46
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In this episode, Brian Moyer shares the challenges faced by farmers' market managers and growers. We discuss what appeals to different generations as they shop for produce and how market managers can add new features to their market to attract customers. Brian shares how consumers more easily accept adjusting pricing to specific types of farm produ…
LERGP discusses happenings this winter. Bud cutting, temperature data, sensors, fertilizer and labor prices. Stay tuned for virtual and in person meeting opportunities. LERGP.com https://lergp.cce.cornell.edu/contact_information.phpBy Lake Erie Regional Grape Program
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Fresh Cut Grass


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Season 2 Episode 39: Dealing with Compaction—Pulling Cores is Not the Only Way, with Jerad Minnick
1:26:40
1:26:40
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Tanner and Jeff talk with Jerad Minnick, Founder and Lead Advisor of Natural Grass Advisory Group. There are more than a dozen ways to reduce compaction's effects. In this episode, we discuss several different pieces of equipments that can be used under different scenarios. Jerad is a longtime natural grass advocate who brings years of turf managem…
In this episode, we’re joined by Jeff Stoltzfus, a fellow educator with Penn State Extension specializing in food safety considerations for produce growers. We spend the episode discussing the Food Safety Modernization Act as it pertains to produce growers, including what growers should be considering in their operations, how to know if the regulat…
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Produce Pointers


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Season 1 Episode 9: Avoiding Soluble Salt Buildup in High Tunnels
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In this episode, we interview Elsa Sanchez and Tom Ford on avoiding, diagnosing, and managing soluble salt buildup in high tunnel soils. Email us at producepointers@psu.edu if you need more information on the topics we discuss. Hosts: Leah Fronk and Glen Bupp, Penn State Extension Image: G. Bupp, Penn State Extension We are having five webinars in …
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Fresh Cut Grass


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Season 2 Episode 38: Taking Care of Yourself with Jeff Salmond, United Turf and Track
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40:18
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Tanner and Jeff talk with Jeff Salmond with United Turf and Track about his personal decision to take better care of himself. A routine physical led to a bunch of tests, and a couple of days later, it led to major surgery! We talk about the impact of stress on our bodies and how to better care of our own bodies for the sake of our loved ones! Jeff …
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Fresh Cut Grass


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Season 2 Episode 37: Managing Grass Tennis Courts with Mike Buras, Longwood Cricket Club
58:15
58:15
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Tanner and Jeff talk with Mike Buras, head grounds manager for Longwood Cricket Club in Chestnut Hills, Massachusetts. The club opened in 1878, and Mike is only the 5th head grounds manager. On the show, we discuss the agronomic practices used in caring for grass courts. Mike surprises us with a discussion about turf species used for tennis courts.…
With harvest behind us Kevin and Jenn discuss strategies for 2023. Economic conditions are key to planning for 2023. Volatility should be expected in the prices of many things for 2023. Short-term practices should anticipate elevated grape prices. Longer term LERGP.com https://lergp.cce.cornell.edu/contact_information.php…
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Fresh Cut Grass


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Season 2 Episode 36: From a Bad Hop to SFMA Field of the Year with Andy Ommen
55:09
55:09
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Tanner and Jeff talk with Andy Ommen about his journey to transform McLean County PONY Field into a Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) Field of the Year! Since then, Andy has started a company that renovates and maintains natural grass surfaces. He has a fantastic story to tell about volunteer involvement in making improvements to turf surf…
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Bovine Banter


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Episode 11.5: Research at Penn State University: Interseeding Forage Crops with Corn (ft. Dr. Kathy Soder)
9:26
9:26
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In this episode, Dr. Soder, research animal scientist with the USDA agricultural research service, discusses some of her research studies regarding interseeding forage crops in corns and potential applied benefits for dairy and beef producers.By Penn State Extension
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Fresh Cut Grass


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Season 2 Episode 35: Late Fall Turfgrass Maintenance Practices
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Tanner and Jeff talk with the University of Connecticut’s Vicky Wallace. Conversation highlights aerification, topdressing, and overseeding, as well as the late fall fertilization application. Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) Tanner DelValle, Penn State Extension (host) Vicky Wallace, University of Connecticut Extension Lead photo: Jeffrey …
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Dr. Tree Fruit and Don


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Fruit Bites 9: 10-18-2022 End of Season Tips and Reminders
16:31
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In this 9th Fruit Bite, Don and Kari discuss Fall/Winter weed control, some end-of-season disease management, and year-end weather station maintenance. Don Seifrit (host) Kari Peter (speaker) Image courtesy of SeagullNady on Pixabay.comBy Penn State Extension
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Bovine Banter


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Episode 11.4: Exploring the Effects of Fat Supplements in Feed on Cows and in Dairy Foods (w/ Dr. Kevin Harvatine)
26:20
26:20
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In this episode, we'll explore two research projects being conducted by Dr. Kevin Harvatine, Professor of Nutritional Physiology at Penn State University. He is looking at the effects of feeding fat supplements to cows along with monitoring characteristics of dairy foods such as butter that are produced from cows that are fed certain fat supplement…
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Bovine Banter


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Episode 11.3: Genetic Selection for Feed Efficient Dairy Cows
19:38
19:38
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In this episode, Dr. Chad Dechow, an Associate Professor of Dairy Cattle Genetics from Penn State University, discusses his recent research relating dairy cow genetics to feed utilization efficiency. The content of this podcast, including text, graphics, and images is educational only and not intended to be a substitute for veterinary medical advic…
Harvest is continuing to progress with varying results. Variable crop load last year is directly translating to different challenges this year. Some growers are wrapping up progress this week. A few are just getting started. In general, more than half of tonnage is contained. This week, Jenn and Kevin discuss efficiently harvesting in these conditi…
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Bovine Banter


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Episode 11.2: Research at Penn State University: Inflammation in the Transition Period and the Potential Effect on the Following Lactation
18:19
18:19
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In this episode, Esteban Jimenez, a graduate student at Penn State University will discuss his current research projects. The content of this podcast, including text, graphics, and images is educational only and not intended to be a substitute for veterinary medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a licensed Doctor of Vet…
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Fresh Cut Grass


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Season 2 Episode 34: Pennsylvania’s New Fertilizer Bill with Dr. Peter Landschoot
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Tanner and Jeff talk with Extension Specialist Dr. Pete Landschoot about the new Pennsylvania Fertilizer Bill, which was signed into law in July 2022. We talk about the law and the effects that it will have on fertilizer applications in the state. Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) Tanner DelValle, Penn State Extension (host) Dr. Peter Landsc…
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Bovine Banter


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Episode 11.1: Exploring Research at Penn State: Interview with visiting professor, Dr. Piotr Borawski
19:02
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In this episode Dr. Piotr Borawski from the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland will share some information about the Polish dairy industry and the impact of the energy crisis in Europe on cropping and renewable energy in Poland. Dr. Borawski was a recent visiting professor at Penn State who participated in collaborative teaching and…
Jenn and Kevin discuss reports of variable harvest conditions. Brix and yield are creating some logistical challenges but nothing growers and processors cannot handle. NEWA stations also indicated some variability in rainfall. Rainfall in the Lake Erie Region ranged from too much to way too much. LERGP.com https://lergp.cce.cornell.edu/contact_info…
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Fresh Cut Grass


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Season 2 Episode 33: Summer Patch, A Conversation with Dr. Peter Landschoot, Penn State
37:31
37:31
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Tanner and Jeff talk with Dr. Pete Landschoot about Summer Patch, a common fungal disease of bluegrasses. Identification, prevention, and management are discussed. Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) Tanner DelValle, Penn State Extension (host) Dr. Peter Landschoot, Penn State University (speaker) Photo: Dr. Peter Landschoot, Penn State Univer…
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Produce Pointers


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Season 1 Episode 8: The Dirt on Soil Testing with John Spargo, Director of Penn State Ag Analytical Services Lab
28:51
28:51
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A discussion with the Director of Ag Analytical Services Lab at Penn State, John Spargo, helps growers understand the best time and method to take a soil sample. We also talk about the shelf life of a sample and tips on mailing and/or delivering soil to the lab. John highlights quality control measures the lab uses to ensure accuracy. Listen in to …
Recorded: 09/13/22 Hosts: Karly, Leah, Glen The season is winding down for many field-grown vegetables. In this episode, we discuss some unique issues in the field that gave us some challenges. As always, email us at producepointers@psu.edu if you need more information on the topics we discuss. Photo: G. Bupp, Penn State Extension We are having fiv…
Just getting started with Concord harvest. Best of luck to growers avoiding dodgy weather and staying safe. LERGP.com https://lergp.cce.cornell.edu/contact_information.phpBy Lake Erie Regional Grape Program
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Fresh Cut Grass


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Season 2 Episode 32: Using Water Reels with Steve Majchrzak, Hoffman Irrigation
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Tanner and Jeff talk with Steve Majchrzak of Hoffman Irrigation about water reels. Steve has worked with many field managers to help them figure out the best solution to their water needs. He shares his expertise with us in this episode. We talk about volume, pressure, and site needs. After the dry growing season we had this year, you don’t want to…
Kevin and Jennifer to discuss vineyard news this week. There is some price data from the Finger Lakes Survey, but more would be better. Prices are following Lake Erie trends but we discuss some important differences. Berry curve measurements continue as harvest approaches. LERGP.com https://lergp.cce.cornell.edu/contact_information.php…
Spotted Lanternfly was found in Buffalo, NY. LERGP discusses the impact of an established population in the Lake Erie Region. Throughout harvest season in the Lake Erie Region growers will need to scout and start to play for the next couple of years. LERGP.com https://lergp.cce.cornell.edu/contact_information.php…
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Produce Pointers


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Season 1 Episode 7: The Subject is Strawberry with Kathy Demchak
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28:18
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Recorded: May 10, 2022 Today we have Senior Extension Associate Kathy Demchak on the podcast to talk about strawberries. Kathy works with a variety of berry crops at Penn State. We’ll cover the difference between matted row and plasticulture strawberries, questions to ask your plant suppliers, and an update on disease and insect management. Hosts: …
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Fresh Cut Grass


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Season 2 Episode 31: Labor Day Special! Smoking and Barbequing Meat
1:06:22
1:06:22
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Tanner and Jeff mix it up this week and call on a few friends to talk about smoking meat! Inspired by Roch Gaussoin, University of Nebraska Extension Turfgrass Specialist and a certified BBQ Judge, we decided to call up a few friends in the turf business who smoke meat and discuss tricks of the trade. If for no other reason, you must listen to this…
Recorded 08/30/2022 Despite dry weather across much of PA, today’s production update starts with tomato disease issues. Other topics discussed include mentions of honeybee and pollination guidance from Extension apiculturists and disease and insect pressure on brassica crops, including the evasive Harlequin bug. Downy mildew is debated since it’s b…
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Dr. Tree Fruit and Don


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Fruit Bites 8: 8.26.2022, Pre-Harvest and Post-Harvest
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In this 8th Fruit Bite, Kari and Don discuss pre-harvest treatments for insects, disease, and post-harvest rot coverage and control. Don Seifrit (host) Kari Peter (speaker) Lead Image: J. Castro, Penn StateBy Penn State Extension
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Produce Pointers


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Season 1 Episode 6: Powdery Mildew and Pumpkins with Beth Gugino, Ph.D., Professor of Vegetable Pathology
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17:28
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Managing powdery mildew is a top priority of pumpkin growers. Powdery mildew has the potential to weaken plants, decrease leaf cover, and make pumpkin handles weak. Listen to Dr. Beth Gugino, Penn State plant pathologist, as she describes cultural and chemical controls for this common pathogen. Also covered are other pumpkin diseases such as phytop…
Recorded: 08/16/22 Pennsylvania has had a bout of erratic rain. Extended periods of dry weather are causing irrigation concerns for growers, especially in the central and eastern parts of the state. Other issues discussed in this episode are post-harvest cooling, phytophthora, and stink bugs. As always, email us at producepointers@psu.edu if you ne…
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Produce Pointers


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Season 1 Episode 5: Corn Earworm in Sweet Corn, Feat. Dr. Brian Nault, Professor of Vegetable Entomology, Cornell AgriTech
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Today's guest is Dr. Brian Nault, who has been researching insect ecology and pest management in vegetable crops at Cornell for over 20 years. He joins us to discuss management options for corn earworm, how sweet corn pest management has changed over time, and why corn earworm has been and will continue to be such a difficult problem for sweet corn…