Mississippi Crop Situation Podcast

Jay Mahaffey on PGRs and the Calculus of Cotton Management

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 on ThryvOn and Mississippi’s 2025 cotton crop

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

Bugcast: Bollworms Here, There, and Yonder

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

 

300th Episode of the Crop Doctors’ Podcast

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

Heat Wave: Late-Season Challenges in Rice

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

Managing Yield Potential in Short Soybeans

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

 

Using Soil Moisture Sensors to Kick Off Irrigation in Corn and Soybean

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

Tackling 2025’s Toughest Weed Control Challenges in Mississippi

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

 

 

Current Insect Pressure in Mississippi Cotton and Soybean

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

Finishing Out Corn Nitrogen After Prolonged Wet Weather

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