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This podcast is produced and hosted by the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Field Agricultural Engineering Team. We are a group of agricultural engineers that work with farmers and agribusiness professionals to help improve the efficiency, profitability, and environmental outcomes on farms. This podcast will feature information and interviews with ISU Extension field ag engineers and others with expertise in engineering and environmental issues in agriculture. We will cover a variety of topics including grain drying, handling and storage issues, livestock facility design and ventilation, soil and water management, manure management, machinery management, composting, farm safety, and more. We will also discuss solutions to common problems with homes and farmsteads, including energy efficiency improvements, indoor air quality, and well water quality. You can find our episodes on many of your favorite podcast players. Please subscribe to the Engineering Your Farm podcast and stay tuned for new episodes. Email us at [email protected] with comments and suggestions and follow us on Twitter @IAFieldAgEngrs

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Check latest episodes from Engineering Your Farm podcast

Tires and Technology: Talking about Soil Compaction Management

2025/12/04

Tony Mensing and Kapil Arora break down the science behind soil compaction, explaining how equipment adjustments and technology can help manage compaction. They discuss the physical process of soil compaction and its impacts for ag crop production and share practical steps farmers can take to protect soil structure. Understanding and Managing Soil Compaction (CROP 3180)

The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy Explained

2025/10/02

In this episode, Tony Mensing sits down with Dr. Matt Helmers to explore the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy (INRS)—an initiative launched in 2013 to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus runoff into the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico by 45%. Dr. Helmers breaks down the science and policy behind the strategy, highlighting the roles of both agricultural (non-point) and municipal/industrial (point) sources. Tune in to hear how Iowa is measuring success against historical baselines (1980–1996), and what’s next in scaling up implementation to meet ambitious water quality goals.

Swine Barn Winter Readiness

2024/12/10

Tony Mensing and Brett Ramirez discuss the importance of preparing swine barns for winter. Key steps include ensuring equipment functionality, particularly fans and heaters, and maintaining a tight barn to prevent air leaks. Regular maintenance and checks are essential for effective winter ventilation. Winter Ventilation Checklist AE 3553B

Challenges During Soybean Harvest

2024/09/25

Fall harvest is here and in this episode we discuss adjusting combine settings, measuring field and harvest losses, and ensuring the safe operation of equipment. Publications mentioned in the podcast are PM 573: Profitable Soybean Harvesting, PM 574: Profitable Corn Harvesting, and PM 1636: Soybean Harvesting and Drying.

Biochar: A Multipurpose Tool for Improving Agricultural Sustainability

2023/03/21

What is biochar and how can we use it to improve the sustainability of animal agriculture? In this episode we sit down with Carly Graves, a graduate research assistant in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering North Carolina State University. Carly recently co-authored of a review paper evaluating the use of biochar to improve the sustainability of animal production and has also studied the use of engineered biochar as a poultry litter amendment. Listen in as we discuss agricultural applications for biochar and ways it can be used to improve agronomic and environmental outcomes. Access the review paper here.

Managing Aeration With the Grain Aeration & Storage App

2023/02/22

Variable weather conditions can make managing grain aeration challenging, but a tool for fine tuning aeration is now at your fingertips with the Grain Aeration & Storage App. Join us as we chat with Dr. Dirk Maier, professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University, and developer of the app. We discuss different tools within the app and how they can make fine tuning aeration a 'breeze'. Download the app at the Google Play Store https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=argentina.gob.ar.inta.grainaeration&hl=en_US&gl=US or the Apple Store https://apps.apple.com/tr/app/grain-aeration-storage-app/id1612701884

Digging Into the Underground World of Soil Health

2023/01/05

Soil health - what is it? How do you know if you have it? How do you improve it? Join us as we chat with Dr. Anna Cates, State Soil Health Specialist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Soil, Water, and Climate at the University of Minnesota. We discuss soil health principles, testing, and how to get started with improving soil health on the farm. Visit mosh.umn.edu to learn more and check out the soil health assessment video series here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHagzNIoVms&list=PLyDHx-rmZpCnGYN3Rlrixv-KTl3BG5A2X

Revolutionary Robotics - Making No-Till Farming Without Chemicals a Reality

2022/12/08

Can we really farm without using tillage or chemicals to control weeds? Listen in as we chat with Clint Brauer, 3rd generation farmer and CEO of GreenField Incorporated, a company on a mission to eliminate the need for chemicals in no-till agriculture. We discuss different robotic platforms that can provide both preseason and in-season weed control for row crops, and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead for chemical free no-till agriculture.

From Black to Green: Turning Engine Exhaust Into Productive Crops with the Bio-Agtive Emissions Technology System

2022/11/02

Gary Lewis invented the Bio-Agtive Emissions Technology System to turn a problem into an opportunity: how to capture nitrogen from engine exhaust and use it to grow crops. In this wide-ranging conversation we dive into the details of how this technology has evolved from the goal of capturing nitrogen to increasing soil organic matter levels and boosting plant productivity, all while improving the soil and reducing input costs. The implications of this are profound - can we really turn diesel engine exhaust into a biological amendment that reduces the need for off-farm fertility? Listen in and decide for yourself. To learn more visit bioagtive.com

On-Farm Production of Green Anhydrous Ammonia

2022/09/23

Producing your own anhydrous ammonia on the farm with renewable energy might seem like a pipe dream but it's about to become a reality. Fuel Positive is a Canadian company that is rolling out a containerized system that uses air, water, and either grid-tied or renewable electricity to produce anhydrous ammonia. In this episode we chat with Ian Clifford, Board Chair and CEO of Fuel Positive, about how the system works and how it can benefit farmers. Visit fuelpositive.com for more information.

Improving Water Quality With the Weedoo Aquatic Weed Harvester

2022/08/16

In the episode we venture into the wet world of water quality and aquatic invasive plant removal with Tara Lordi, owner and COO of Weedoo Greenboat Inc. Tara discusses challenges to water quality due to pesticide applications and nutrient runoff and how removing excess vegetation can be a win-win for water quality and the environment. Learn more at weedooboats.com

Keeping Livestock Cool and Comfortable During the Dog Days of Summer

2022/06/30

In this episode we chat with Nancy Vander Byl, North American Territory Manager for Core Cool Systems, about how to keep livestock cool and comfortable by managing airflow and humidity in barns. We discuss the importance of airspeed, evaporative cooling, and other factors for keeping animals comfortable to maximize productivity. You can learn more at corecoolsystems.com and https://www.extension.iastate.edu/dairyteam/

Seed Conditioning: The Science Behind High Quality Seed

2022/05/09

Seed conditioning encompasses a critical and underappreciated set of processes and technologies to ensure that we have viable high-quality seed to plant. In this episode, we sit down with Alan Gaul, a Seed Conditioning Specialist with the Seed Science Center at Iowa State University. The discussion covers both the history and current industry trends in seed conditioning, as well as some of the processes involved in conditioning seed. We also discuss the many educational opportunities and services available through the Seed Science Center and Seed Lab at Iowa State University.

Planter Setup and Maintenance for Optimal Performance

2022/03/31

Listen in as we discuss important planter maintenance items, planter setup in the field, how to assess your planter performance, and the pros and cons of high-speed planters. Our guest is Ryan Bergman, a technical project specialist in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University. Check out https://www.abe.iastate.edu/ and https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/ for more information. You can follow Ryan on Twitter @r_w_bergman and also follow @ISU_ABE and @ISUCropNews.

Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck With Spring Manure Applications

2022/03/18

In this episode we discuss spring manure application strategies, yield implications, and adjustments for dry weather and high fertilizer prices to help you maximize the value of spring applied manure. Our guests are Dr. Dan Andersen, associate professor in the Dept. of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering and Extension manure management specialist, and Kristina TeBockhorst, field agricultural engineer with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. For more information visit the Iowa Manure Management Action Group website at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/immag/ and visit the ISU Extension Store for manure-related publications https://store.extension.iastate.edu/