Ag Geek Speak

• 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/

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• 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/

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• 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/

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• 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/

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• 17. Variable Rating Herbicides with Kyle Okke Pt. 3

  We map residual herbicide rates with field truth, not guesses, turning five-zone soil maps into targeted prescriptions that cut injury and hit weed spawn sites. We weigh OM, pH, texture, and landscape to protect sensitive crops now and keep rotations flexible next year.In this episode we discuss...• base maps from precision soil sampling and scouting knowledge• modded zones for unique poor areas and weed hotspots• organic matter, carbonate, and color as soil clues, not absolutes• extreme pH swings shaping efficacy, injury, and carryover• decision framework from damage mitigation to suppression• variable rates to protect sensitive crops and rotations• SmartFirmer OM layers and controller-friendly rate steps• lidar, soil series, and as‑applied maps to refine zones• practical limits of sensors and when algorithms help• closing insights and where we push rates or back offMissed the first two parts of this episode? Check out our previous episodes! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340https://gktechinc.com/

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