Variable Rate Technology

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/AgFieldSchool2026In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, we’re talking about variable rate technology. What are some reasons that farmers might want to use variable-rate fertilizer instead of applying a single rate? Is there a difference between variable rating, different nutrient types? What are the technologies that are used to prescribe variable-rate fertilizer and what is the theory behind them? If farmers apply fertilizer at a variable rate, how should they evaluate those outcomes?Guests:Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato) Daniel Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Jeff Vetch, Extension nutrient management researcher (Waseca)Additional resources:Variable rate nitrogen and nitrogen advisory tools: Do they work?Fertilizer recommendation technology: What is success?On-farm precision ag research update: In-season site-specific side-dress nitrogen rate recommendations for corn