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Your Guide to Field and Forage Crop Services from Penn State Extension

The Agronomy Team at Penn State Extension is dedicated to helping farmers and agribusinesses improve crop productivity, sustainability, and profitability.

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Updated:

June 17, 2025

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Soybean field. Photo credit: Adriana Murillo-Williams. Penn State.

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With expertise in grain and forage production, pest management, soil health, and more, the Agronomy Team delivers practical, research-backed solutions tailored to Pennsylvania's diverse agricultural landscape.

What We Do: Services for Your Operation

Our team of Extension Educators, Associates, and Faculty offers a wide range of services to support your field and forage crop needs:

Pest Scouting and Management: We help identify and monitor weeds, insects, and diseases in your crops. Our experts provide integrated pest management (IPM) strategies and pesticide recommendations when needed.
Pasture and Hayfield Renovation: Improve forage quality and yield with guidance on nutrient management, pH balancing, and species selection. We also offer advice on grazing systems and forage harvesting techniques.
Row Crop Production Support: From crop rotation planning to nutrient and harvest management, we provide tailored recommendations to enhance soil health and reduce pest pressure.
Sustainable and Organic Practices: Whether you're transitioning to organic or looking to adopt more sustainable methods, we offer science-based strategies to support your goals.

Educational Materials You Can Trust

We develop and maintain a comprehensive library of educational resources to support your decision-making:

Fact Sheets and Crop Guides: Covering everything from pest ID to forage species selection and soil fertility.
Interactive Tools and Calculators: For nutrient planning, seeding rates, and pesticide application.
Online Courses and Webinars: Learn at your own pace or join live sessions on timely agronomic topics.
Learn-Now Videos: Visual guides on field scouting, equipment calibration, and more.
The Penn State Agronomy Guide: Provides information on crop and soil management, as well as recommendations for managing weed, insect, and disease pests in various crops.
Research Summaries: Simplified insights from the latest agronomic research to help you make informed choices.

All materials are available on the Penn State Extension Website.

Listen In: Agronomy Highlights Podcast

Stay connected with the latest in agronomy through the Agronomy Highlights Podcast. Hosted by our Agronomy Educators, this biweekly podcast features expert interviews and timely discussions on crop production, pest trends, soil health, and more. The podcast is available on the Penn State Extension website, Spotify, and Apple podcasts.

Stay Informed

Subscribe to Field Crop News: Our weekly newsletter delivers timely updates, pest alerts, and event announcements to your inbox.
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