XtremeAg: Cutting The Curve Podcast

On-farm grain storage today resembles what would have been a good-sized country elevator just a few years ago. The bins are bigger, the driers are faster, and the costs are much higher. Before spending money improving your grain infrastructure, listen to tips from a grain set-up expert and two guys who made several mistakes in constructing their grain facility. XA’s Chad Henderson along with his cousin Stuart Sanderson describe the steps (and missteps) in the ongoing expansion of their grain structure. They are joined by Superior Grain Equipment's Rodie Jelleberg. Damian Mason leads this informative discussion. This episode is presented by CLAAS

To tile, or not to tile, that is the question many farmers have. If you’re on the fence about drainage tile, a full— blown tile advocate, or in the camp of farmers convinced tile won’t work on your acres, listen to this! Damian Mason assembles a panel of all stars to talk tile. From the hills of western Iowa, to hard red soils of north Alabama, to Sharkey clays of the Arkansas Delta — Kelly, Chad, and Matt share their lessons and experiences with tile installation projects. Complete with financial info and yield data, the guys explain how tile works on their farms. They are joined by Darla Huff of Advanced Drainage Systems. This episode is presented by CLAAS.

Kelly Garrett and his oldest son, Connor “Vern” Garrett, met with their farm’s financial and grain marketing advisor to strategize on their 2024 cropping mix. Upon putting pen to paper, soybean production looked like a loser. This, following losses of $300 per soybean acre in 2023, spurred some creative cropping ideas. Among them: They’re cutting way back on soybeans. But rather than rolling corn on corn, they’re experimenting with cover crops and cattle on would-be soybean acres. This will involve intensive management and a new way of looking at farm returns. Kelly and Connor explain. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘥𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘊𝘓𝘈𝘈𝘚

Lee Lubbers and his sibling Terry have navigated through numerous challenges at their agricultural enterprise in Gregory, South Dakota. These challenges include not only literal weather disturbances but also financial tumults. Facing a less than optimistic forecast for commodity prices in 2024, Lee offers advice on generating profit during tough economic periods. Damian Mason talks to Lee about the implementation of the 5% rule, a strategy he acquired at TEPAP (The Executive Program for Agricultural Producers) and his approach to conserving operational funds to seize potential opportunities. This episode of Cutting The Curve is presented by Claas.

In today's advanced agricultural landscape, accurately measuring soil moisture levels remains a challenge. The signs are clear when your soil is oversaturated, such as when you find yourself sinking into the field during the early spring. Similarly, the peak of summer in August unmistakably signals that your soils are in desperate need of hydration. But determining the exact levels of saturation and dryness can be perplexing. Beyond these obvious signs, for the majority of the year, farmers are left to speculate on the moisture content within different layers of soil. Damian Mason talks with Kurt Grimm of NutraDrip and Kelly Garrett about a new satellite technology that is helping farmers understand moisture levels across their fields, enabling more informed and precise agricultural decisions. Presented by Advanced Drainage Systems

Lee Lubbers, a meticulous advocate for sprayer maintenance, ensures his two units undergo rigorous rinsing and blowing with every product change. Additionally, he conducts extensive cleaning and winterizes the sprayers before seasonal storage. Highlighting more than just preventive care, Lee underscores the risks of damaged crops and weed problems linked to inadequate sprayer cleaning. Joined by Nick Fleitz, a dedicated 'sprayer geek' from Pentair, they emphasize the criticality of thorough sprayer maintenance. Presented by Advanced Drainage Systems

In the challenging agricultural landscape of 2024, where every dollar counts, it's crucial for farmers to rethink their fertilizer application strategies. AgroLiquid's expert, Galynn Beer, warns that adhering to standard fertilizer application recommendations could potentially lead to a loss of $100 per acre given the average yield. This insight comes as part of a vital discussion on fertility tactics in a market facing declining crop prices, hosted by XtremeAg's Damian Mason and Kelly Garrett. As a farm manager, your role becomes even more significant in times of economic pressure. The key question is: How can you sustain soil health, achieve satisfactory yields, and still ensure financial stability? This discussion offers practical and effective methods for farmers to optimize their fertility investments. Tune in to learn about these strategies and safeguard your farm's profitability in today's tough commodity market. This episode of Cutting The Curve is Presented by CLAAS.

Johnny Verell performed a phosphorous application reduction trial on corn. He re-apportioned part of the money he saved into an application of Source from SoundAg. The results: less phosphorous applied, money saved even after using Source, and increased yields. The trial was overseen by Brewer Blessit of Blythe Bayou Research and Consulting. Brewer and Johnny discuss a future of reduced “P” applications - for reasons of economics and environmental regulation.

In this informative podcast episode, Damian Mason talks to Concept AgriTek Agronomist Bert Riggan and XtremeAg’s Kelly Garrett about methods to enhance underperforming farm land. Uncover practical tips and strategies for increasing ROI on your least productive farm acres. Learn how to change your approach and farming practices to turn 'poor' ground into a profitable asset. Tune in for expert insights on maximizing farming profits through land optimization. Presented by Advanced Drainage Systems

The grain storage facilities on today's modern farms are larger than the local elevator of just a few decades ago. With size and scale comes a huge deployment of capital (and planning!). Johnny Verell sits down with Damian to explain how he went from essentially no on-farm grain storage in 2006 (they grew mostly cotton) to having a huge, modern grain facility today. Johnny explains the things he planned right and the things he wishes he’d considered at inception. Your grain facility is a HUGE, expensive piece of infrastructure. Listen to this for ideas on making it future proof! Presented by Advanced Drainage Systems

Unfortunately, many farm families end up with fractured relationships at the time of transition. This can all be prevented according to Farm Family Coach, Elaine Froese. Do you have a transition plan in place for your farm? Is the next generation involved in your farming operation, and if so, are they equity holders in the farm? What about the non-farming siblings — should their inheritance be the same as the farming siblings? If you’re involved in a family farming operation, it’s time to share your vision for the future, then put a plan together to make it reality. This episode will help you get started. Presented by Advanced Drainage Systems

Intelligent labor — as Matt Miles calls it — is always a challenge to find, hire, and keep employed. With equipment costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, you can’t just turn anyone loose in your fields. Labor is one compelling case for autonomous machinery but issues of economics, timeliness, and environment are other reasons autonomy will change your farm. Soon! Brandon Montgomery, Brand Manager for Fendt joins Matt and Damian for this future-looking episode. Presented by Advanced Drainage Systems

Kelly Garrett set out to make stress reduction for his crops an overriding theme for 2022. Damian Mason sits down with Kelly who explains what a balanced plant is and why he’s focusing on this subject. Maximization of inputs, yield bump, disease pressure reduction, and issues of sustainability are four benefits Kelly plans on attaining from his new focus of plant balance. What’s your big 2024 objective?

Modern farms have huge dollars tied up in equipment, but does that equipment provide an ROI? Johnny Verell joins Steve Simon of Simon Innovations and host Damian Mason to discuss machinery decisions and equipment upgrades. Are you upgrading equipment just to keep up with the neighbors? Does that shiny machine you saw at the farm show really need to be in your tool shed? We dig into the money side of equipment upgrades. As Johnny’s grandfather advised him, “Son, a man can justify anything he wants” but is it really a good financial decision? Presented by Advanced Drainage Systems

Does your machinery match the methods for how you can best run your farm? Johnny Verell is making several changes on his Tennessee farm to increase efficiencies while producing better crops. He’s changing out his 20-inch planters for 30-inch units, which means he’s also changing out his corn heads and adjusting his sprayer routine. Mr. Verell explains his equipment changes to XA’s Damian Mason. One big reason for the change: reduction of late season corn loss during sprayer treatments. Presented by Advanced Drainage Systems

We proudly say in Agriculture that 97% of America’s farms are family operations. That’s cool. But these farms are also businesses. With a lot of moving parts. And, a boat load of financial capital in play along with hefty assets. Sadly, about 80% of farming operations don’t have a succession plan in place. That’s irresponsible from a business perspective but it’s even more damaging — in many cases — for the family relationships that make the farm go. Ben Hansen with Gross & Company of Iowa joins Damian to discuss the legal, financial, and personal side of estate planning. Farming is your legacy. Is your family and that legacy worth protecting? Get answers and ideas in this business themed episode of Cutting The Curve! Presented by AgXplore

In the latest XtremeAg discussion, Bert Riggan of Concept Agritek, along with Temple Rhodes and Damian Mason from XtremeAg, delves into the critical subject of farmers reclaiming control over their farming operations. This insightful conversation addresses a common scenario where farmers, burdened by the multitude of decisions such as product selection, application timing, and agronomic practices, often resort to delegating these choices to Ag retailers or consultants. This delegation, while seemingly convenient, can lead to farmers losing actual control over their farms. Bert Riggan, with his extensive expertise, alongside Temple Rhodes and Damian Mason, explores the reasons behind this trend and offers practical strategies for farmers to take back the reins of their operations. This discussion is a must-watch for any farmer seeking to navigate the complexities of modern agriculture while maintaining autonomy over their decision-making processes. Presented by Advanced Drainage Systems

Charlie Leager left the Maryland family farm as a young man because there was no room for him in the operation. In 2020 — as a middle aged man and owner of a construction business — he took over the reins of the farm when his dad suddenly passed away. At age 56 and about to embark on his fifth season as a full-time farmer, Charlie discusses the lessons he’s gleaned, changes he’s making, and the business side of farming. As Charlie says, “I watched my father and grandfather farm on hope, but hope doesn’t pay the bills.” Presented by Loveland Products

Another installment on the business side of farming, Ben Hansen joins Damian to outline common money mistakes he sees farming operations make and how to fix them. It’s not as as high yield corn, admittedly, but understanding how to manage debt, keep records, and surround yourself with the right business advisors will guarantee you more longevity in farming than a year of good corn. Ben’s organization — Gross & Company of Dunlap, Iowa specializes in tax advisory and consultation for Agriculture. Ben outlines simple steps you can take to successfully manage your farm, which is indeed a business— so run it like one! Presented by Loveland Products

In the Arkansas delta, where cotton was king, cropping systems were dictated by what was good for cotton. When Matt Miles started producing corn in 2006, he planted single row corn on 38 inch spacing on raised beds with furrow irrigation between the beds. Then he experimented with twin rows atop each raised bed and the results have never varied — twin rows trump single rows by at least ten bushels per acre. Matt and Layne Miles explain the practices they employ to maximize twin row production. Presented by Loveland Products

Lee Lubbers and his brother Terry surveyed their wheat in 1998 and determined they needed stronger plants to prevent lodging. Their search for a solution took them to the specialty crop arena where they discovered plant growth regulators. At the time, PGR’s weren’t commonly used in broad acre Ag outside of cotton. Even today, applying plant hormones to crops isn’t a widespread practice. Lee and Stoller’s Dale Hanke discuss Lee’s quarter century journey with applied plant hormones. Lee shares what he’s learned, and how he’s making bigger yields via PGR’s, even after a hailstorm nearly annihilated his soybeans! Presented by Advanced Drainage Systems

Grain carts have evolved over the years, mostly in that they’ve become enormous. Aside from size, what else is happening with the ubiquitous implements running beside combines at harvest? Right hand discharge and dual augers are two new technologies already available. The future promises autonomous grain catchers, in-field grain reservoirs, and more. Damian talks to Demco’s Troy Woelber and Benji Vande Griend. Presented by Advanced Drainage Systems

In this episode of Cutting The Curve, Kevin shares his experience of switching to lime sourced from coastal areas or even from out of state. Understand why simply correcting soil pH isn't enough. Learn about the crucial calcium to magnesium ratio and its effect on soil composition. Matthews Farms observed immediate improvements in their fields after this change. How can the right lime can lead to balanced soils, enhanced porosity, increased organic matter, and more efficient fertilizer use. Remember, your closest lime source is not always your best lime source. Presented by Loveland Products

Lee Lubbers says farmers too often— and too early — give up on their crop. We get it. It’s hot. It’s dry. Things don’t look good and the prospect of bumping out a respectable yield seem unlikely. But, as Lee has learned, you gotta continue to round the bases even during a drought year like he just experienced. Lee explains to Damian how he’s adjusting for success in 2024 with amended practices he’s already performing. Presented by Loveland Products

What agronomic adjustments can you make to create improved outcomes for next year? Analyzing your soil tests, reviewing this year’s tissue samples, and paying close attention to your lesser farm ground. Those are just a few of the many recommendations from Bert Riggan, Agronomist with Concept AgriTek. Bert is joined by XA’s Temple Rhodes to talk through adjustments to improve farming results. Presented by Advanced Drainage Systems

Did seed genetics exist 20-30 years ago that could have gotten today's yields if managed correctly with fertility? Or are our fertility plans just that much better at getting the most out of seed genetics? Damian asks XtremeAg's Kevin Matthews and Nachurs' Jason Worley: "Is it the Chicken or the Egg?"

Matt Miles is opting not to plant wheat this fall for 2024 harvest. Instead, he’s opting to plant full-season soybeans this spring, which is actually late winter in the Arkansas delta. Matt is making a cropping mix change based on price, manpower, moisture management, farm cost structure, and a few other reasons. He explains to Damian the analytics that go into his cropping decisions. Are you analyzing all aspects of your farm operation and financials to make cropping decisions? This episode will help you! Presented by Loveland Products

Sometime between your crop's late reproductive stage and mid-winter, you have the opportunity to improve your soil quality and protect it from erosion by planting cover crops. Do you plant cover crops? Chances are, you don’t. Because most farm ground acres lay barren from harvest until planting. Kelly Garrett sees that as a mistake now that he’s seeing big results and financial returns after several years into his cover crop journey. Kelly is joined by Austin Tiefenthaler, a cover crop seed producer, with advice on incorporating cover crops into your operations. Presented by Loveland Products

Farming is a business with high capital investment and historically low margins. Successful farming depends on more than just high yields — navigating the financial aspects of the farm is crucial, especially when the farm economy tightens. We owe it to Ag’s next generation to prepare them with the financial fundamentals to succeed. Nutrien Financial’s John Maman discusses farm finance for the beginning farmer in this episode of Cutting The Curve. If you want your farming legacy to continue, please share this with the next generation! Presented by Loveland Products

The Member Spotlight is on Iowa’s James Hepp. James — to put it lightly — isn't afraid to try new new things. He got into farming by crafting an arrangement with a retiring operator whose children wanted to retain the farm asset. James does cover crops, variable rate seeding, and a combo of no-till / strip-till. He does this all this with very modest machinery as he focuses on keeping the business side of his operation solvent. Aside from agronomics, James shares with Damian some financial and business tips that could help an aspiring young farmer get established. Presented by Advanced Drainage Systems

After six years, Kelly Garrett is almost certain he’ll be switching from Enlist-traited soybeans to Dicamba-traited soybeans in 2024. He and agronomist Mike Wingrove discuss the reason they’re contemplating this decision. Essentially, it boils down to a herbicide resistant weed issue. Which, so far isn’t costing much of a yield drag but…why wait until it does? They share with Damian Mason how they'll make the soybean switch successful. Presented by Advanced Drainage Systems

Are grain bins all the same? How about dryers? They look the same and they all have the same function. But, their are some differences that are important for farmers to know about before purchasing their next bin or dryer. Damian Mason talks with Johnny Verrell, Chad Henderson and the experts at Superior Grain Equipment about the different options.

Mike Evans, agronomist who works with Kelly Garrett, got called to the field when the combine operators knew they were losing beans but not sure why. Turns out, the soybean plants had pods so close to the ground the machine header was running over them, unable to pick them up. That’s why Mr. Evans contemplated changes in inputs to alleviate this problem. Next year they’re changing out a plant growth regulator. Listen to find out how they intend to make it work. Mike and Kelly talk to Damian Mason about it on this episode of Cutting The Curve. Presented by Advanced Drainage Systems

What you are doing in the fall — from the combine pass until the calendar flips to the new year — can have a big impact on nutrient availability for your crops come next summer. XA’s Matt Swanson explains how the impact of tillage, residue degradation products, or cover crops affect nutrient distribution and availability for next summer’s crop. A great discussion on a subject you’re probably not thinking enough about in this episode of Cutting The Curve with Damian Mason. Presented by Advanced Drainage Systems

Damian talks with Kevin Matthews and Chad Henderson about where they think yield potential is and the limiting factors on their farms that are currently keeping them from getting there.

As Kelly Garrett says, the holy grail of American Agriculture is corn production and for 50 years we’ve thought the key to more corn is more nitrogen. As it turns out, too much nitrogen in the Autumn can degrade soil biology so that you’re actually hurting yourself. XA’s Matt Swanson sits down with Damian Mason to discuss new findings on soil biology, understanding the nitrogen / carbon ratio, and the importance of water extractable carbon. Presented by Loveland Products

Starting in August, farmers are presented with purchasing programs for next season’s inputs. Which inputs should you buy now? What programs make sense? How much different are purchase decisions in an era of higher interest rates? Those questions and more are addressed as Damian Mason sits down with Jarod Creed of JC Ag Financial and Iowa farmers Kelly Garrett and Jeremy Muff. Presented by AgXplore

There is an economic principle that states that, after a certain point, each additional unit of input (like fertilizer) will result in progressively smaller increases in output (like crop yield). This means that there's an optimal amount of fertilizer for a given crop in a given soil, and beyond that point, you're just wasting money. Well, as it turns out, much — or maybe even most — of your applied Phosphorous and Potassium is unavailable for your crops. In the old days of inexpensive fertilizer this was less of a problem. However, as commodity prices dip and fertilizer prices remain elevated, you need to maximize your fertility applications. Chad Henderson maximizes his investment by treating his dry fertilizer with a biocatalyst. The $4 per acre treatment yields Chad an additional 12 bushels while using less fertilizer. Agronomist Steve Sexton explains how it works. Presented by Loveland Products

We are talking about rescuing a crop from chemical damage. Temple Rhodes talks about the confluence of factors that stunted his early corn crop and most importantly, how he nursed it back to almost full recovery.

Russ Uselton’s farm ground is so rough and rocky, he jokes that he looks south from his Tennessee perch and yearns for Chad Henderson’s red Alabama clay. All kidding aside, Russ — who started from scratch — is building a business on highly erodible, small patch farming, with a mixture of crops and cows. The first generation farmer bought cattle in 2005 and planted his first crop in 2018. Today he runs 200 cow-calf pairs on 1,000 acres of pasture and farms 500 acres of corn and soy. Russ talks to Damian about starting out, why he has to use cover crops, and the creativity required when you only own 40 acres! Presented by Advanced Drainage Systems

Contrary to what you may have heard, you CAN increase the organic matter percentage in your soil. And…it won’t take you a lifetime to do so. The key: Roots. Darren Hefty joins XtremeAg’s Lee Lubbers in a hugely informative and enlightening conversation with Damian Mason about the critical role roots play in upping the organic matter in soil. Lee and Darren explain how they’ve increased OM composition considerably on their farms through reduced tillage, cover crops, and fostering soil biology. If you don’t value organic matter, you will after hearing Darren provide some of the numbers — higher OM equates to free fertilizer and better water holding capacity which means more bushels in the hopper and more money in your pocket. Organic matter: It’s all about the roots! Presented by Loveland Products

When Should You Push Your Soybeans? Chad Henderson and Kevin Matthews are no stranger to high yielding soybeans. They discuss their soybean fertility programs with Damian Mason, and share their secrets for picking up extra yield by spoonfeeding their soybeans at specific times during the season.

There’s an old saying about good things taking time. Such is the promise of biological crop inputs— while they do provide an immediate result, their larger benefit accumulates over time. Chad Henderson compares biological usage to chicken litter. “We’ve been using chicken litter a long time. You don’t see immediate results…But by the third year of chicken litter, you can definitely see things changing in your soil.” Chad joins Holganix’s Mike Batson and Damian Mason to discuss the cumulative effect of biologicals. Presented by Advanced Drainage Systems

Farmers have come a long way from the days of blasting out a load of dry fertilizer early in the season. Kevin Matthews and Jason Worley from Nachurs talk with Damian Mason about pushing a corn crop with late season applications. How late is too late?

Plant biostimulants have gained significant attention in the world of agriculture and in recent years. But what exactly are they, and how can they benefit your crop? Damian Mason is in the Stoller booth at Farm Progress to find out what exactly a biostimulant is and more importantly, what their role is in getting you to the next yield level.

Pigweed — layman’s term for Water Hemp and Palmer Amaranth — is a big problem. The species which is native to the desert southwest has successfully migrated to crop fields throughout the U.S. Because of its roots in the desert and its biology, the plants are tough to kill and getting even tougher. XA’s Matt Swanson and Caleb Traugh join FMC’s Blaire Colvin to discuss strategies to manage an increasingly resistant class of weeds that’s very prolific and capable of causing huge yield drags. Presented by Advanced Drainage Systems

AgroLiquid’s Galynn Beer joins Temple Rhodes to explain the multiple soybean trials displayed at Temple’s field day. The big takeaway: It’s time to stop treating soybeans as simply the rotation between corn. Because….With enhanced fertility practices soybeans can make big yields and a lot of money!

About 90 miles from XtremeAg’s Temple Rhodes, you’ll find 29-year-old farmer and XA member Greg Dell. Greg didn’t want to go to college, but his dad wouldn’t allow him back on the farm until he’d worked somewhere else for three years. He explains the growth and learning experience being employed by a large-scale farming operation allowed him. Greg discusses with Damian his aspiration to be better but not necessarily bigger, the value of experimentation, and the farm's profitable expansion into bird seed production. Presented by Loveland Products

After your combine completes the harvest pass, the remaining residue begins breaking down. But if you let this breakdown happen on nature’s timetable, you’re wasting valuable nutrients. Last year’s crop residue holds fertility that you’ve already paid for — an effective management plan recycles your fertility investment. Temple, Chad, and Holganix’s Rob McCoy discuss the importance of residue management.

Matt and Layne Miles are approaching the end of harvest 2023. With moisture preventing the combines from running their final soybean fields and the cotton a couple weeks shy of completion, the Miles join Damian to discuss this season’s takeaways. Almost everything matured simultaneously which made for an exhausting three- week run and some fast lessons. Most notably for this year — Matt says his final pass didn’t produce an ROI. Presented by Loveland Products