In this episode of our special series on corn production on The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. James Schnable from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln breaks down how genetics, genomics, and machine learning are reshaping modern hybrid development. He explains how breeders use genomic prediction and high-throughput phenotyping to tackle climate variability, stress tolerance, and yield stability. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Hybrid breeding and statistical analysis really are what moved hybrid cornfields in the US from around 26 to 30 bushels an acre to now north of 200."

Meet the guest: Dr. James Schnable is the Nebraska Corn Presidential Chair at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he leads research integrating quantitative genetics, genomics, and machine learning to improve crops like corn and sorghum. His work focuses on advanced phenotyping, climate resilience, and genetic discovery to support breeders and the crop industry.

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:06) Introduction
• (04:19) Breeding changes
• (08:33) Climate-ready hybrids
• (11:02) Key trait priorities
• (14:55) Genomic prediction
• (18:50) Gene editing limits
• (23:17) Final three questions

The Crop Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- KWS

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Connor Sible from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign talks about managing residue and understanding corn root architecture in today’s high-yield systems. He shares how farmers can balance tillage, biological tools, and conservation practices, and explains how root traits affect nutrient use and drought tolerance. Get practical, research-based insights to fine-tune your corn management strategies. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Wider angle roots are more responsive to split-applied nitrogen because they’re positioned right where nutrients accumulate."

Meet the guest: Dr. Connor Sible is a Research Assistant Professor in Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His research focuses on corn and soybean production systems, studying how management practices influence crop growth, development, and yield. His current work explores residue management, corn root physiology, and nutrient efficiency across production environments.

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:14) Introduction
• (04:36) Residue management
• (07:40) Conservation tillage balance
• (10:44) Strip tillage systems
• (13:09) Root system variation
• (18:04) Hybrid influence
• (22:43) Final three questions

The Crop Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- KWS

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Jian Jin from Purdue University explains how engineering, automation, and data-driven design are redefining sustainability and performance in modern agriculture. He explores how hyperspectral imaging, AI-based modeling, and robotic sensing systems contribute to crop management and resource efficiency in the field. Discover how innovation and circular thinking are building a more resilient and precise crop production system. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Combining remote and proximal sensing creates a hybrid system that balances coverage, accuracy, and reliability in crop monitoring."

Meet the guest: Dr. Jian Jin is an Associate Professor at Purdue University and President of LeafSpec LLC, specializing in agricultural and biological engineering. His research integrates imaging technologies, artificial intelligence, and automation to enhance plant phenotyping and precision agriculture.

Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!

What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:11) Introduction
• (03:55) Plant sensor lab
• (05:47) Optical sensor tech
• (09:40) Hyperspectral modeling
• (15:34) Industry applications
• (28:01) Scaling and automation
• (38:11) Final three questions

The Crop Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- KWS

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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