Ag Geek Speak

Hosted by A Podcast for Precision Agriculture Geeks

Technology Science

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Episodes

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

GK Technology Inc Team Members, Jodi Boe and Sarah Lovas talk about precision agriculture, agriculture mapping, agronomy and drainage.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 10, 2026Episode 310 min

02.5 Zone Soil Sampling: Making Fertilizer Dollars Go Farther

In this episode, Sarah and Jodi dig into why zone soil sampling pays off when fertilizer prices are high and every pound has to earn its keep. We explain why composite soil sampling can hide field extremes and how better sampling leads to smarter variable rate fertility prescriptions. We talk:• high fertilizer prices driving interest in variable rate fertilizer and better prescriptions • composite soil samples providing an average while hiding extremes like low pH pockets • pH variability on sandy ridges and why missing it increases yield and input risk • sampling every zone at least once to build a dependable baseline • sampling high and low productivity zones to capture the true spread • low productivity areas often holding excess phosphorus and potassium from years of flat-rate applications • using soil test data to cut back safely in poor zones and reallocate dollars to higher return acres Tune in next time for a Tiny Byte of Knowledge from GK Technology, where we have a map and an app for that.https://gktechinc.com/

May 27, 2026Episode 238 min

Spring Planting Playbook: Precision Ag Prep for Every Planting Season

We walk through what we’re thinking about for spring planning in 2026, from realistic yield goals to the map decisions that actually save money when inputs are high. We keep it practical by tying variable rate strategies to agronomy, controller readiness, and the real limits in each zone. In this episode, Sarah and Jodi talk• setting realistic yield goals for averages and zones • handling fields without recent soil sampling using yield potential and zone logic • separating salty areas from other low zones to avoid wasting fertilizer • using variable rate seeding to manage sand, salinity, IDC, drought and disease pressure • balancing population changes with weeds, canopy and row spacing • treating soil pH as a high-cost lever and avoiding too-good-to-be-true fixes • improving phosphorus and zinc efficiency through banding and seed safety planning • exploring variable rate residual herbicides with pulse width modulation • powering up controllers early and running test prescriptions to avoid spring surprises Thanks for listening and come back next time for another episode of Ag Geek Speak! At GK Technology, we have a map, and an app, for that. VRT Herbicides with Kyle Okke pt. 1: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/18096941-15-variable-rating-herbicides-with-kyle-okke-pt-1VRT Herbicides with Kyle Okke pt. 2: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/18144514-16-variable-rating-herbicides-with-kyle-okke-pt-2VRT Herbicides with Kyle Okke pt. 3: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/18216234-17-variable-rating-herbicides-with-kyle-okke-pt-3Seed Safety Calculator (SDSU): https://extension.sdstate.edu/starter-fertilizer-calculator-and-final-reporthttps://gktechinc.com/

February 20, 2026Episode 122 min

1. Talking Cybersecurity with Tech Support Farm's Chris Sherman

We sit down with Chris Sherman of Tech Support Farm to explore how cybercrime targets modern agriculture and what practical steps protect farms and agribusinesses from losses. From avoiding spoofed invoices to equipment lockouts, we share simple defenses any grower, consultant, or retailer can start today.In this epsiode, we discuss with Chris• why agriculture is a prime target for cybercrime• social engineering that targets busy planting and harvest seasons• real cases of spoofed invoices and wire fraud• risks in connected equipment and robotics• password best practicesand password managers• consumer email vs commercial domains and DMARC• backups, rapid recovery, and remote support• reducing tech fatigue with managed services• how Fence Check evaluates your cyber posture• Tech Support Farm's free webinar on passwords, phishing, and email securityYou can find out more about Tech Support Farm at https://techsupport.farm/Complete your free Tech Support Farm Fence Check at https://techsupport.farm/fencecheck/ to get a free, actionable report within 48 hoursFind our more about Tech Support Farm's winter webinars https://techsupport.farm/winter-webinars/At GK Technology, we have a map and an app for that!https://gktechinc.com/

January 14, 2026Episode 111 min

0.5 Tiny Bytes - Value of NAIP Imagery In Ag Mapping

Sarah and Jodi discuss NAIP aerial imagery and why this high-resolution imagery is invaluable for precision agriculture work in the United States. They share workflows for validating zones, aligning layers, and spotting year-over-year patterns while noting timing pitfalls, thanks to NAIP imagery as a background source.In this episode, we discuss...• what NAIP is and who collects it• benefits of high resolution often associated with newer NAIP imagery• four-band imagery (RGB with NIR) enabling NDVI• leaf-on timing and when imagery misleads• state-by-state differences in resolution and frequency• FSA and CLU uses that ensure strong georeferencing• practical steps to draw boundaries and validate zones• aligning offset satellite layers to NAIP• leveraging multi-year NAIP to confirm stable patterns• free access and where to get the dataTune in next time for a Tiny Byte of knowledge from GK Technology, where we have a map and an app for thathttps://gktechinc.com/

December 18, 2025Episode 2055 min

20. Using Autonomous Tractors on the Farm with Matt Krueger

We talk with Matt Krueger about his field-level view of autonomous tillage with a 9R series John Deere tractor, from kit installation to dust-driven safety stops, and how better boundaries and AutoPath boost both uptime and data quality. Matt's story centers on labor flexibility, real costs, and where autonomy should expand next.In this special hour-long episode we talk:• autonomy kit details, JDLink Boost connectivity, dual receivers• autonomy-grade boundaries and safe offsets near obstacles• dust sensitivity, camera logic, alerts and overrides• AutoPath benefits for cleaner headlands and data integrity• remote control of depth, pressure and implement settings• ROI framed as uptime and labor flexibility, not replacement• likely next targets for autonomy: sprayers and air seeders• subscription pricing models and reliability trade-offs• NDVI plus as applied maps to trace application misses• skills and fallbacks when GPS degrades or sensors failWith GK Technology, we have a map, and an app, for that!https://gktechinc.com/

December 10, 2025Episode 1911 min

19.5 Map The Acidity, Save The Harvest

We dig into why low (acidic) soil pH unlocks aluminum toxicity, how that halts root growth, and which crops suffer first. Then we lay out a practical plan to find acidic patches with smarter sampling, NDVI, and grid-the-zone strategies, and point to lime and buffer pH for the fix.In this episode, we discuss...• soil pH as chemical control and pH level of 7 is neutral• aluminum toxicity risk to crops increases below 6.5 pH • wheat relatively tolerant, legumes struggle with nodulation • stunted roots and thin stands on slopes and sandier spots • acidic areas are patchy and do not always follow productivity maps • importance of using intensive grids and how 0–3 inch sampling in no-till helps detect acidicity issues• soil testing: pair pH with buffer pH to set lime rates • target NDVI-low areas and grid inside zones • variable-rate lime as the remediation path Gridding the Zone with Ag Genesis Part 1: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/16692855Gridding the Zone with Ag Gensis Part 2:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/16692855Tune in next time for a Tiny Byte of knowledge from GK Technology, where we have a map and an app for that.https://gktechinc.com/

December 4, 2025Episode 1930 min

19. Preston Sundeen Pt. 2 - Teaching Precision Ag That Works Today

Welcome back to the second part of our conversation with Preston Sundeen to explore how a two-year ag program prepares students for precision agriculture careers by building real-world skills across hardware, software, GIS, and agronomy. Sundeen's focus is practical confidence: clean data, sound troubleshooting, critical thinking, and learning to ask better questions. We also talk about...• defining precision ag as practical, cross-disciplinary work • balancing agronomy, GIS, hardware and software fundamentals • building file discipline, projections and boundary workflows • sourcing NAIP, PLSS, and satellite imagery effectively • controller setup, CAN bus basics and diagnostics • using simulators to teach certain types of controllers • as-applied data, JD Operation Center, SMS, and FieldView exposure • teaching troubleshooting: manuals, credible videos and tests • digital literacy and AI as time-saving tools • measuring success by momentum, confidence and community impact We had an excellent conversation with Preston and we know you'll enjoy it too.Part 1 of our conversation: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/18257891https://gktechinc.com/

December 4, 2025Episode 188 min

18.5 Is There a Way to Predict IDC Risk?

We unpack why soybean leaves turn yellow in patches, thanks to soybean IDC (iron deficiency chlorosis) and how to predict IDC risk for management. We share the exact soil tests that matter, how to read the lab results, and where precision mapping saves money and yield thanks to IDC management.We also discuss...• defining iron chlorosis• why iron-rich soils still cause deficiency• limits of testing for DTPA iron alone• three key predictors: pH, EC (salts), and CCE (calcium carbonate equivalent)• why percent CCE beats a simple fizz rating• thresholds where CCE raises severe IDC risk• how residual nitrate can worsen chlorosis• grid versus zone sampling for better maps• using maps to place tolerant varieties and inputs• practical steps to keep beans greenTune in next time for a Tiny Byte of knowledge from GK Technology, where we have a map and an app for that!https://gktechinc.com/

November 26, 2025Episode 1835 min

18. Yes, He Mapped The Lawns Too Preston Sundeen Pt. 1

We sit down with Preston Sundean to trace a path from farm kid to precision ag educator and entrepreneur. We dig into teaching ADMS, turning data into fast prescriptions, and why critical thinking matters more than button sequences.In this episode we discuss...• Preston's North Dakota farm roots and agribusiness training• Career moves from ag retail to precision ag education• COVID pivot into entrepreneurship and insurance• Running a classroom like a workplace• The ADMS learning curve and teaching methods• Turning soil tests into fertilizer prescriptions fast• Wireless data transfer and mobile office workflows• Creative ADMS uses for claims and small jobs• Lawn care mapping, NAIP imagery, and bidding• GPS limits, lightbars, foam markers, and as‑applied maps• The case for critical thinking across toolsStick around next week for part two of our conversation with Preston Sundeen.At GK Technology, we have a map and an app for that!https://gktechinc.com/

November 26, 2025Episode 179 min

17.5 Cracking The Code Of Salty Soils

We break down what “salty soil” really means and why salinity and sodicity demand different fixes. We share how to properly diagnose a soil as saline, sodic, or saline/sodic through soil sampling and testing, to avoid turning a manageable patch into concrete.We also discuss....• defining normal, saline, sodic, saline-sodic with soil test EC and sodium results• why salinity causes drought-like stress without wrecking structure• how sodicity drives clay dispersion and pore collapse• when salts keep clays flocculated in saline-sodic soils• risks of leaching or tiling without a sodicity management plan• sampling depths: 0–6, 6–12, 12–18 inches for diagnosis• using pH as a supporting clue for sodicity• prioritizing amendment before drainage to prevent sodic blowupsMore information on management of salty soils here: https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/publications/managing-saline-soils-north-dakotaTune in next time for a Tiny Byte of knowledge from GK Technology, where we have a map and an app for that.https://gktechinc.com/