The first Badger Crop Connect session of 2023 features Dr. Francisco Arriaga, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, UW-Madison Soil Science and Dr. Brian Luck, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, UW-Madison Biological Systems Engineering. The webinar was designed to assist farms and agronomists in their decision-making regarding timing of spring tillage and planting activities and to properly prepare planting equipment for optimal in-field effectiveness. Dr. Arriaga reviews effect of soil temperature on germination, seedling growth, and nitrogen dynamics, as well as the importance of conducting field work at proper soil moisture levels to mitigate compaction concerns. Dr. Luck details planter preparations and the importance of the many moving parts on a planter. He reviews needed steps to ensure the planter is ready to do its job at optimal performance and capacity.