XtremeAg: Cutting The Curve Podcast

The supply chain disruptions you heard so much about from 2020 through 2022 unsettled the machinery market. Now in 2024, the farm equipment marketplace is still adjusting. Inventory of used machines has been climbing rapidly over the last year. This run up in supply should equate to lower sale prices…but it’s not. Casey Seymour of Moving Iron LLC and host of The Moving Iron podcast, provides a market update and outlook. If you’re looking to update your fleet, listen to this for Casey’s advice on buying farm machinery.     Presented by CLAAS

Matt Miles pace of planting was looking good. 100% of his corn and rice is not only in the ground, but emerged. As was 45% of his soybean acreage. Then the rains came. A half foot of rain and it’s still not finished. As you might imagine, he’s got crops under water. Matt talks to Damian about wet conditions, past experience, adjustments he’s making, money, inputs, cropping decisions, and the mental aspect of managing through mid-spring weather adversity.     Presented by CLAAS

Is a downturn market the right time to expand grain storage facility?  In this episode of Xtreme Ag's Cutting the Curve from Commodity Classic 2024, host Damian Mason is joined by Johnny Verell from Tennessee, Chad Henderson from Alabama, Kelly Garrett from Iowa, and grain industry professional Rodie Jelleberg from Superior Grain. Together, they delve into the pressing issue facing many in the agricultural sector today: the merits and risks of investing in grain storage expansion during economic downturns. They discuss the potential for securing early harvest premiums, the critical role of efficient drying technology, and the overarching importance of operational self-sufficiency in uncertain financial climates.  If you are pondering the expansion of grain facilities or seeking to understand the experiences of those who have faced similar decisions, this episode delivers an understanding of the complex factors that influence grain storage investments and how these can impact farm profitability in both short and long terms.    

Suddenly, we’re hearing a lot about Carbon Intensity Scores in Agriculture.  What is a CI score, why does it matter, and how can you use it (eventually) to improve your financials? Those questions and more are addressed by Temple Rhodes who is joined by Holganix's Barrett Ersek and David Stark. If you’d like to improve your soil AND financial health, tune into this!    This episode is presented by CLAAS.

In the unforgiving landscape of Guymon, Oklahoma, where the earth tests the mettle of those who farm it, Nelson Rentz stands as a testament to resilience and innovation. Garnering a third place state finish in the 2023 NCGA contest for his impressive strip-till, irrigated corn yield of 292 bushels per acre, Nelson talks to Cutting The Curve host, Damian Mason, about how he has been able to harvest success in one of America's toughest farming environments.    This episode is presented by CLAAS.      

Do you know whether your fields have a corn nematode problem? Have you experienced crown rot? Chances are, if you have had these two yield robbers on your farm, you didn’t know about it until you made a pass with the combine. Preventing this two problems involved detection and / or selecting the right mode of protection. Historically protection has come from crop rotation, genetics, seed treatment, along with a dose of luck. Now you can address these problems early on by applying products in-furrow along with your on-planter fertility program. David Reif, agronomist with Vive explains chemistry and solutions to address crown rot and corn nematodes at springtime - before they can cause yield loss.      Presented by CLAAS  

When it comes to deciding when it’s time to plant, Lee Lubbers says, “We don’t look at a calendar, we look at conditions.” With a mild winter and early spring, 2024 looks like a year where many farmers will be rolling out the planter earlier than usual. But what if you get a late spring killing frost? Will you be forced to re-plant, or simply suffer a devastating yield loss? Lee joins Matt Miles, Kelly Garrett and XA host Damian Mason in a very instructive dialogue on how you can successfully shepherd your crops through a killing frost.    Presented by CLAAS.

Farmers are at the forefront of a revolution, adopting practices that not only benefit the earth but also open up new avenues for income through carbon credit programs. Kelly Garrett, a seasoned farmer and carbon program pioneer, shares his firsthand experience transitioning to no-till farming and cover cropping and debunking the myth that sustainable practices mean sacrificing yield. From the floor of the 2024 Commodity Classic, Damian Mason talks with Kelly and Amber Leusink from Truterra about the opportunities that are now available for farmers to unlock new revenue on every acre.  

If you have grain stored in on-farm bins, there’s a good chance you’re losing money to grain quality loss. There’s also an elevated safety risk — when / if your grain goes out of condition and you’re forced to enter the bin, there’s a high likelihood of an accident. (According to recently released data from Purdue University, grain entrapments in grain bins increased 40% year over year!). The good news: Accidents are preventable and it’s entirely possible to prevent grain condition deterioration. Kelly Garrett and Matt Miles discuss the ROI and safety reasons for installing a grain management and monitoring system. They’re joined by Adam Weiss, CEO of OPI Systems and Iowa OPI Systems dealer, Adam Gittins.    This Episode is presented by CLAAS

After a challenging 2023 growing season marked by excessive moisture that put his crops to the test, Quebec farmer, Sam Coutu, sits down with host Damian Mason to share the valuable lessons he's learned. From discovering the financial wisdom behind a 36,000 corn seeding rate to recognizing the pitfalls of over-applying nitrogen and the importance of timing in crop management, this episode is packed with practical advice and strategies for farmers aiming for a successful and less stressful 2024. Whether you're a fellow farmer navigating the whims of the weather or an enthusiast curious about the intricacies of modern farming, this discussion offers a blend of personal experience, technical insight, and forward-looking optimism. Tune in to gain perspective on how resilience, adaptation, and informed decision-making can turn a year of challenges into a season of growth and learning.     This episode is presented by CLAAS

For years, Johnny Verell's farming operation in western Tennessee has epitomized sustainability. Since making the switch to no-till farming in 1991, the Verells have implemented a range of eco-friendly practices, including variable-rate fertility applications, split nitrogen application, crop rotation, and water conservation—essentially embodying the essence of sustainable agriculture. Now, these longstanding efforts are yielding financial benefits. In this episode, Johnny shares the details of his sustainability journey with Damian Mason and how it led to securing a rewarding $25 per acre contract, highlighting the tangible benefits of environmentally responsible farming.   This episode is presented by CLAAS

Even the most proactive and ambitious farmers can find themselves at a standstill, with crop yields that are commendable and often surpass local averages, yet they aspire for greater harvests. In this episode, Matt Miles and Kelly Garrett talk to Damian Mason about the challenges of breaking through yield barriers. They delve into the importance of revisiting the basics of soil health as the cornerstone of farming, and discuss innovative approaches ranging from experimenting with different inputs to modifying agricultural techniques and rethinking conventional practices. For those looking to shatter their yield ceiling, this is your starting point.   This episode is presented by CLAAS    

Typically a reduced tillage kind of guy, Temple pulled out the disc-ripper on one of his fields this fall. Why? To fix a compaction problem years in the making, worsened by excessive moisture. Temple and Damian talk tillage, radishes, stover degradation, compaction, organic matter, and how to change up fall tillage by following it with a two-species cover crop.

Sam Coutu is updating his bean planting unit for 2024. He bought a bigger — and soon to be better — planter for cheap. Now, he’s mapping out the upgrades he’ll be doing and parts he’s installing on the unit. Sam explains the economics, efficiencies, and objectives behind his planter decision. When it’s all said and done, he’ll be in his refurbished planter for a mere $60,000. If you’re contemplating planter changes for spring, listen to this!    This episode is presented by CLAAS

Getting your crops off to a healthy start is critically important to your yield come harvest time. Do you put down fertility at time of planting? If so, are you and your crops getting the maximum bang for your buck? Damian Mason talks to Kelly Garrett and AgroLiquid’s Aaron Stahl about three considerations for a more effective starter fertilizer program on every farm — seed safety, nutritional balance, and compatibility. With so much riding on early plant development, it’s important you get this right!    This episode is presented by CLAAS

Temple Rhodes and his daughter took a field trip to visit Kelly Garrett's Iowa farm this winter. What they saw inspired Temple to up his soil health practices. Temple and Kelly talk with Damian about their agronomic evolution. Temple has been using cover crops for thirty years but this year he’s diversifying the species he plants. He’s also going to utilize cattle to increase carbon transfer and break down residue. If you’re ready to enhance your soil, listen to this fun and fast-moving discussion.    This episode is presented by CLAAS

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 of 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  

If you follow the generic recommendations for fertilizer application amounts in 2024, you can expect to lose $100 per acre on an average yield. So says Agroliquid’s Galynn Beer. Galynn joins XA’s Damian Mason and Kelly Garrett to discuss fertility strategies in a depressed commodity marketplace. When crop prices are low, your job as a farm manager increases in importance. How can you maintain soil health, attain good yields, and stay in the black financially? Listen to this for methods to maximize your fertility investment!    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

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

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 sexy 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