Farming Podcast | Precision Corn Fertility Trials | XtremeAg

In this episode of Cutting the Curve, XtremeAg farmers Kelly Garrett, Matt Miles, and Johnny Verell—alongside AgroLiquid’s Stephanie Zelinko and Aarron Stahl—discuss the Economic Fertility Challenge focused on growing high-yield corn with a constrained post-applied fertility budget of $60 per acre. Each farmer approached the challenge differently: Kelly emphasized micronutrient balance guided by SAP testing; Johnny opted for higher volume of core nutrients like phosphorus, calcium, and sulfur; and Matt took a hybrid strategy. Results from past trials showed significant overapplication of nitrogen with little return, prompting a shift toward precision nutrient management using data from SAP and tissue sampling. The discussion highlights the importance of applying the right nutrients, in the right quantities, at the right time—especially under tight commodity pricing. The episode underscores the value of site-specific research, cost-efficiency, and leveraging biologicals and micros for improved ROI in corn production.