Active sensors & variable rate nitrogen: What MN farmers should know

University of Minnesota Extension’s two-day field School for Ag Professionals is coming up July 29 and July 30, 2026. If you’re an agronomist, a retailer, dealer or consultant, if you’re a summer field scout - we encourage you to attend these small-group, hands-on sessions led in the field by experienced instructors. 12 Certified Crop Advisor CEUs credits are available! For all the details, including info on lodging, visit z.umn.edu/AgFieldSchool2026

Brad Carlson and Jeff Vetsch talk about variable rate sensors on today's Advancing Nitrogen Smart Podcast episode. What is meant by the term 'active sensors' and what data do active sensors capture? Which specific brands of sensors have the Southern Research and Outreach Center (SROC) researched, and how did they perform? What stage does corn need to reach before sensors can best contribute to variable rate decision making? How do other field variables like soil texture or irrigation systems contribute (or not) to variable rate sensing? Join us today for part one of a two-part discussion on variable rate technology with Brad and Jeff.

Guests:

• Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato)
• Jeff Vetsch, Lead researcher at the Southern Research and Outreach Center (Waseca)

Additional Resources:

• 5 Things to consider for sensor-based nitrogen management
• Variable rate nitrogen and nitrogen advisory tools: Do they work?
• Variable rate technology: How should farmers evaluate outcomes?
• Things to consider when sidedressing nitrogen
• Nitrogen smart
• Nitrogen

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Advancing Nitrogen Smart is proud to be supported by the farm families of Minnesota and their corn check-off investment through Minnesota Corn.