Mississippi Crop Situation Podcast

From the Crop Doctors’ Podcast studio in Stoneville, Jason and Tom travel back to the Mississippi Delta of the mid-20th century to uncover the groundbreaking research of Dr. Chester G. McWhorter at the Delta Branch Experiment Station (Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville). Facing one of the South's most stubborn agricultural pests—johnsongrass—McWhorter led pioneering studies that changed how herbicides were applied and understood. His work laid the foundation for modern weed science, and he was the world’s foremost expert on johnsongrass. For more episodes from the Crop Doctors, visit our website at http://extension.msstate.edu/shows/mississippi-crop-situation

Don and Tyler visited the Crop Doctors’ Podcast studio in Stoneville for one last Bugcast for the year. They team up to break down the final push of insect pressure as the growing season winds down. From stink bugs in soybeans to rice stink bugs on rice, they cover what growers need to watch for, how to assess thresholds, and the most effective late-season management strategies. For more episodes from the Crop Doctors, visit our website at http://extension.msstate.edu/shows/mississippi-crop-situation

Bobby Golden visited the Crop Doctors’ Podcast studio in Stoneville to begin a discussion of soil testing and fertility programs for 2026. As combines roll out of the fields, it's time to shift gears from harvest to the foundations of 2026. Bobby, Jason, and Tom dig deep into the crucial considerations surrounding soil testing after harvest. They'll unpack why consistent soil test collection is paramount for optimizing fertilizer recommendations and building a robust fertility management plan for the upcoming year. For more episodes from the Crop Doctors, visit our website at http://extension.msstate.edu/shows/mississippi-crop-situation

Tom Eubank visited the Crop Doctors’ Podcast studio in Stoneville to brainstorm ideas on weed control during late summer and into fall. Whether it’s postharvest in corn and soybean fields or acres left idle due to prevented planting, managing weed pressure is critical for protecting next year’s crop. The discussion covers herbicide options, timing considerations, and integrated strategies to keep weeds in check from now until frost. For more episodes from the Crop Doctors, visit our website at http://extension.msstate.edu/shows/mississippi-crop-situation

Justin Calhoun calls into the Crop Doctors’ Podcast studio in Stoneville to dive into the major factors that influence soybean seed quality at harvest with Tom, Don, and Jason. Topics include how late-season pathogens, insect activity, weather conditions, and harvest timing can all contribute to reduced seed quality. They also share observations from the field and offer tips to help growers minimize losses. For more episodes from the Crop Doctors, visit our website at http://extension.msstate.edu/shows/mississippi-crop-situation

Erick called into the Crop Doctors’ Podcast studio in Stoneville to discuss the strategic use of harvest aids to desiccate weeds ahead of corn harvest. Erick, Jason, and Tom cover timings, product options, and key considerations for maximizing effectiveness while minimizing risk to yield and grain quality. For more episodes from the Crop Doctors, visit our website at http://extension.msstate.edu/shows/mississippi-crop-situation #mscrops #MSUext

Jay Mahaffey, manager of the Bayer Crop Science Learning Center in Scott, Mississippi, continues the discussion begun last week on cotton management. In this episode, Jay, Jason, and Tom dive into the complex world of plant growth regulator (PGR) management in cotton. Jay breaks down how applying PGRs is far from a one-size-fits-all approach — it’s a high-stakes equation involving crop stage, environmental conditions, variety behavior, and yield targets. Jay explores the "cotton calculus" every cotton manager must work through: balancing vegetative growth against reproductive potential, timing versus rate, and risk versus reward. For more episodes from the Crop Doctors, visit our website at http://extension.msstate.edu/shows/mississippi-crop-situation

Jay Mahaffey, renowned agronomist and manager of the Bayer Crop Science Learning Center in Scott, Mississippi, is back in the Crop Doctors’ Podcast studio in Stoneville for an in-depth look at the 2025 Mississippi cotton crop. Jay shares insights on how the season has shaped up so far — from planting conditions to pest pressure — and discusses how ThryvOn insect control traits are changing the game for growers across the Midsouth. For more episodes from the Crop Doctors, visit our website at http://extension.msstate.edu/shows/mississippi-crop-situation

Don and Tyler dropped in the Crop Doctors’ Podcast studio last week to visit with Jason and Tom on what’s going on in the insect world. Don dives into the bollworm situation as corn is drying down. Tyler describes managing plant bugs in cotton in July. For more episodes from the Crop Doctors, visit our website at http://extension.msstate.edu/shows/mississippi-crop-situation #mscrops #MSUext

It’s the 300th episode of the Crop Doctors’ Podcast. Bobby is back in town, so he and DREC Communications Coordinator Laura Smith joined Jason and Tom for a deep dive into the biggest lessons, laughs, and breakthroughs from the past few years of the podcast. Join us as we reflect on how far the podcast has come and share some possibilities for future content. Whether you’ve been with us since Episode 1 or just tuned in last week, we appreciate your time. For more episodes from the Crop Doctors, visit our website at http://extension.msstate.edu/shows/mississippi-crop-situation

Will Eubank joined Tom and Jason in the Crop Doctors’ Podcast studio in Stoneville to offer an update on Mississippi rice. As rice heads toward the finish line, late-season obstacles can threaten yield and quality. In this episode, Will, Jason, and Tom unpack how high temperatures during flowering can disrupt pollination and grain fill, the increased severity of diseases like blast in warm, humid conditions, and the lingering risks of herbicide drift from neighboring fields. For more episodes from the Crop Doctors, visit our website at http://extension.msstate.edu/shows/mississippi-crop-situation

Bobby Golden visited the Crop Doctors’ Podcast studio in Stoneville to dig into the case of short soybean plants and what it really means for yield potential. Jason, Tom, and Bobby explore the agronomic implications of short soybeans, late-season plant nutrition, fungicide/herbicide applications no matter the plant height. For more episodes from the Crop Doctors, visit our website at http://extension.msstate.edu/shows/mississippi-crop-situation

Drew visited with Jason and Tom in the Crop Doctors’ Podcast studio in Stoneville about best practices for initiating irrigation in corn and soybean. Drew shares how soil moisture sensor data can guide the timing of the first irrigation, how to interpret sensor readings for effective scheduling, and common pitfalls to avoid. Whether you're new to irrigation technology or looking to refine your current system, this conversation offers practical insights to help you make data-driven decisions. For more episodes from the Crop Doctors, visit our website at http://extension.msstate.edu/shows/mississippi-crop-situation

From the Crop Doctors’ Podcast studio in Stoneville, Jason and Tom dive into the weed control challenges faced by Mississippi growers in the 2025 season. With extreme and unpredictable weather patterns disrupting herbicide timing and efficacy, they unpack what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what growers can do next. For more episodes from the Crop Doctors, visit our website at http://extension.msstate.edu/shows/mississippi-crop-situation #mscrops #MSUext

Whitney visited the Crop Doctors’ Podcast Studio in Stoneville during the Mississippi State Extension Scout School to break down the current insect situation across Mississippi. As the growing season heats up, so does insect activity in cotton and soybean fields. For more episodes from the Crop Doctors, visit our website at http://extension.msstate.edu/shows/mississippi-crop-situation #mscrops #MSUext

MSU Extension Corn Specialist Erick Larson visited the Crop Doctors’ Podcast studio in Stoneville to continue an ongoing discussion of managing corn nitrogen fertility. Nitrogen fertilizer losses are inevitable with prolonged saturated soils. Erick shares suggestions for how to manage the crop at or as it approaches tasseling. For more episodes from the Crop Doctors, visit our website at http://extension.msstate.edu/shows/mississippi-crop-situation #mscrops #MSUext

Drew Gholson and Parker Frew with Delta F.A.R.M. visited the Crop Doctors’ Podcast studio in Stoneville to promote their upcoming field day. Hosted at the National Center for Alluvial Aquifer Research in Stoneville on June 12, this event highlights the latest in irrigation tools, techniques, and strategies designed for Delta agriculture. Drew and Parker share insights on what growers can expect—from in-field demonstrations to practical technologies aimed at improving irrigation efficiency and crop performance. For more episodes from the Crop Doctors, visit our website at http://extension.msstate.edu/shows/mississippi-crop-situation

Phil Michener with DynaGro visited with Jason and Tom in the Crop Doctors’ Podcast studio in Stoneville to follow up their discussion on corn from May 13 with one on soybean. Soybean production has evolved in the Midsouth over the past 20 years. Phil shares firsthand insights into the major agronomic breakthroughs, the role of genetics, and evolutions in pest and irrigation management. For more episodes from the Crop Doctors, visit our website at http://extension.msstate.edu/shows/mississippi-crop-situation

When the weather won’t cooperate, how should growers adjust their fertilizer and herbicide plans? Erick called into the Crop Doctors’ Podcast studio in Stoneville to discuss the current challenges experienced by corn growers in Mississippi. Erick, Jason, and Tom tackle the problems of managing crop inputs when rain, wind, or saturated fields delay timely applications of herbicides and nitrogen fertilizer. For more episodes from the Crop Doctors, visit our website at http://extension.msstate.edu/shows/mississippi-crop-situation

MSU Extension’s new Rice Agronomist Will Eubank visited the Crop Doctors’ Podcast studio in Stoneville to introduce himself Extension stakeholders. Will shares his background, his passion for agriculture, what led him to specialize in rice production and the innovative research and outreach efforts he’s bringing to the role. For more episodes from the Crop Doctors, visit our website at http://extension.msstate.edu/shows/mississippi-crop-situation #mscrops #MSUext