COLUMBIA, Mo. – An Iowa State University biosystems engineer will explain how bigger is not always better when it comes to farm equipment during the 2024 University of Missouri Crop Management Conference, Dec. 4-5 in Columbia.

MU Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley, who heads the annual event, said Mehari Tekeste will talk about how big equipment causes soil compaction that reduces crop yield due to reduced water infiltration and root development.

Numerous passes with heavy-axled equipment stresses soil and compacts it, according Iowa State research.

Tekeste and other ag industry researchers will share ways that producers can manage disease, pests and other issues to improve farm profits.

Several speakers will focus on lessons learned from the field in 2024. MU Extension climatologist Zachary Leasor will give details on rainfall patterns that led to continued drought in parts of the state this year.

He’ll also talk about upcoming upgrades to add soil moisture sensors to many of the 45 stations in the Missouri Mesonet, MU Extension’s statewide network of weather stations. The additions are part of a project to develop a statewide soil and atmospheric monitoring plan and to produce soil moisture maps for Missouri.

MU Extension nutrient management specialist John Lory will give his latest research on nitrogen management for forage producers. He’ll also have information on nitrogen management for corn farmers.

Carrie Ortel of Virginia Tech will share best management practices for adding potassium to soybean to correct deficiencies. MU Extension soybean specialist Andre Reis will talk about the new Soybean Growth Monitoring Report and how June-planted soybean varieties fared during a dry year.

MU Extension agronomist Kelly Nelson of the MU Greenley Research Center at Novelty will share research on the impact of stacked conservation practices on crop production and nutrient loss.

The conference will be at a new location this year, the Columbia Hilton Garden Inn and Conference Center.

Find details and registration at https://mizzou.us/CMC.