PODCAST · business
Crop Cast by BW Fusion
by BW-Fusion
Welcome to the "Crop Cast," the premier agronomy podcast by BW Fusion, your trusted partner in crop nutrition. Our mission is to put the control back into the grower's hands and empower them with cutting-edge agronomy tactics and expert insights to maximize their Return on Investment (ROI). Join the Agronomy 365 agronomy team led by Jason Schley as we delve into the science of crop nutrition and uncover the best practices that lead to healthier crops, higher yields, and maximum profitability.
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#71: Feast or Famine: Farming Through Weather Extremes
In this solo episode, host Sean Nettleton breaks down the rollercoaster of spring conditions—from near drought to excessive rain—and what it means for crop management decisions. He dives into deeper agronomic thinking around soil biology, nutrient availability, and the real drivers of yield beyond traditional fertility programs. It’s a candid, boots-on-the-ground perspective on staying adaptable, questioning assumptions, and farming smarter in unpredictable conditions.
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#70: Why Soil Structure Might Be Your #1 Yield Driver
This episode dives into one of the most overlooked—but critical—drivers of crop performance: soil structure. The team breaks down how a newly developed soil structure rating is outperforming traditional metrics in predicting yield, and why factors like compaction, biology, and pore space may matter more than fertility alone. If you’re chasing higher yields, this conversation challenges everything you thought you knew about soil testing and agronomy.
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#69: Water, Stress, and Smarter Agronomy in the Dust Bowl
In this episode, the team sits down with Texas Panhandle growers farming in one of the toughest environments in North America—right in the heart of the Dust Bowl. They dig into water limitations, soil health strategies, and how managing stress—not just nutrients—is becoming the key to staying profitable. It’s a real-world look at how innovative thinking and carbon-driven systems are helping farmers push forward in high-stress environments.
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#68: Fertilizer Volatility Explained: What’s Really Driving Prices Right Now
In this episode of Crop Cast, Josh Linville (StoneX) breaks down the real drivers behind today’s volatile fertilizer market—from global supply disruptions to shifting demand and geopolitical risk. The conversation highlights the difference between availability and affordability, and why farmers should expect continued uncertainty. Most importantly, it reinforces a critical mindset shift: focus on efficiency and informed decision-making in a high-cost environment.
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#67: It’s Not a Product, It’s a Practice: The Truth About Soil, Carbon, and Agronomy
This episode dives into the real drivers behind soil health and crop performance, emphasizing that long-term success comes from consistent agronomic practices—not quick fixes or single products. Through real farm experiences, the group breaks down how water-extractable organic carbon (WEOC), soil structure, and data-driven decisions can transform even the toughest ground. The conversation highlights a major mindset shift: building a functional soil system over time delivers more reliable results than chasing short-term yield gains.
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#66: Better Soils, Better Margins: Rethinking How We Farm
This episode dives into the parallels between human health and soil health, challenging the “all-or-nothing” mindset in both agriculture and life. The conversation explores how better data, intentional decision-making, and incremental changes can improve farm performance while reducing unnecessary inputs. Ultimately, it’s about moving beyond traditional systems to build healthier soils, better crops, and more resilient operations.
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#65: The Future of Planter Box Biology: Season-Long Protection Starting at the Seed
In this episode of Crop Cast, the BW Fusion team breaks down why the future of crop protection and efficiency starts in the planter box. They discuss how biological seed technologies can trigger season-long plant defense, improve nutrient efficiency, and reduce reliance on repeated chemical applications. The conversation connects agronomy, economics, and biology to show how farmers can produce more efficiently with fewer inputs.
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#64: Improving Water Efficiency in Modern Agriculture
Recorded live at Commodity Classic 2026, this episode of The Crop Cast features Parker Christian from UpTerra discussing emerging technologies designed to improve irrigation water efficiency in agriculture. The conversation explores how structuring and energizing irrigation water may enhance soil health, increase nutrient availability, and improve crop productivity—helping farmers produce more with less water. As water scarcity and regulatory pressures grow across many regions, improving irrigation water quality and efficiency is becoming a critical focus for modern crop production.
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#63: A Canola Deep Dive: The Agronomy Behind the Margins
In this episode, Sean Nettleton is joined by Josh Messer to break down canola as an emerging and profitable alternative crop for growers outside its traditional regions. They dive into what makes canola unique agronomically—especially its non-mycorrhizal nature, early phosphorus demand, and heavy sulfur and potassium needs—and how those traits change fertility, rotation, and management decisions. The conversation blends practical field experience with deeper nutrient-cycling insights to help growers decide if canola fits their operation. Listen now.
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#62: WEOC: The Currency of Soil Health Pt. 2
In this second part of the WEOX series, the BW Fusion agronomy team dives deeper into water-extractable organic carbon (WEOC)—framed as the “currency of the soil”—and why it may be one of the most important soil metrics growers aren’t paying enough attention to. The conversation explores how management decisions, such as excess nitrogen, crop rotation (especially soybeans), tillage intensity, and soil structure, directly build or destroy available carbon in the soil. The hosts explain why nothing in biology works for free, how plants “spend” sugar just like money, and why balanced plants with efficient photosynthesis are the foundation of resilient soils, nutrient efficiency, and long-term profitability. Ultimately, the episode challenges growers to move beyond absolutes and rethink fertility, tillage, and rotation decisions through the lens of carbon efficiency rather than inputs alone.
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#61: Are We Asking The Wrong Questions In Agronomy? ft. AgriVision Solutions
In this episode of The Crop Cast, Sean sits down in person with Jason, Brandon and John from AgriVision Solutions in northwest Missouri for a wide-ranging, candid conversation about the evolution—and current challenges—of precision agronomy. The discussion traces the journey from early GPS yield monitors and grid sampling to today’s cloud-based data systems, highlighting a critical truth: collecting data is easier than ever, but turning it into accurate, actionable decisions is harder than ever. The group digs into why soil test “build and maintain” philosophies often fail to explain yield variability, how carbon and biology are the missing drivers behind nutrient availability, and why ROI, not just yield, must become the primary metric for modern farming. This episode is a thoughtful, experience-driven look at questioning assumptions, embracing better diagnostics, and learning how to grow more efficiently by understanding the why behind the dataBioBoost by BW Fusion: bwfusion.com/trustthedust AgriVision Solutions Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agrivisionsolutions AgriVision Solutions Website: https://agrivisionsolutions.com/agronomy/#
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#60: WEOC: The Currency of Soil Health Pt. 1
In this episode of The Crop Cast, Sean Nettleton sits down with Jason Schley and Bodie Kitchel to unpack one of the most misunderstood but important concepts in modern agronomy: WEOC (Water-Extractable Organic Carbon) — the true “currency” that fuels soil health, nutrient release, and long-term productivity. The conversation dives into why WEOC isn’t a buzzword or sales term, but a metric that underpins every biological and chemical reaction in the soil. Through stories from the field, years of data, and clear analogies, the team explains how carbon saturation, nitrogen management, population stress, mineralization, and plant health all stack together into a systems approach. They challenge outdated agronomic assumptions, highlight the economic cost of mismanagement, and show farmers how building carbon, not just applying fertilizer, is the path to healthier soils, healthier plants, and more profitable acres.
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#59: Special: Agronomy Roundtable
This episode of Crop Cast is a high-energy roundtable with the BW Fusion agronomy team focused on what farmers really need moving into the 2026 crop year. The conversation centers on BW Fusion’s upcoming Agronomy Road Shows (details below) and, more importantly, the philosophy behind them: moving beyond product pitches and outdated fertility dogma toward efficiency collaboration, and stress management. The team explains how soil and tissue data, farm-specific diagnostics, and grower-to-grower learning help identify true limiting factors—rather than chasing generic benchmarks or “magic numbers.” Listeners hear why success looks different for every farm, why not every acre needs every product, and why the future of agronomy is about tools, systems, and nuance, not silver bullets. The episode is equal parts invitation, philosophy, and challenge to rethink traditional agronomy through a lens of ROI, adaptability, and community. 2026 Agronomy Roadshow Registration: https://bwfusion.com/roadshow2026 Dates and locations: January 26th: Noblesville, IN Embassy Suites 13700 Conference Ctr Dr S, Noblesville, IN 46060February 3rd: Sioux Falls, SD Canopy Sioux Falls 120 E. 4th Place, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 57104, USAFebruary 5th: Manhattan, KS K-State Alumni Center 1720 Anderson Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502
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#58: Surviving the High Plains: Strategies for Farming Under Extreme Stress
In this episode, Sean Nettleton sits down with Jeff Miller of Forefront Agronomy in Plainview, Texas, for a deep dive into the realities of farming in the High Plains. Jeff shares what it takes to grow crops in a drought-prone, low-humidity, highly variable environment where irrigation capacity is shrinking and full crop failures are a real possibility. The conversation spans irrigation management, canopy-temperature technology, water-quality challenges, structured-water treatments, soil constraints, drip-irrigation strategy, and how stress mitigation ties all agronomy decisions together. Jeff also walks through real on-farm results using BioBoost, Relax, Amino, and Full Sun—discussing stand improvement, root development, yield gains, and stress resilience across cotton, corn, and sorghum. It’s a practical, technical, and highly relatable look at what it means to manage crops where every inch of water counts.
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#57: Unscripted Agronomy: Real-Farm Insights with Justin Goettl
In this episode, Sean Nettleton sits down with BW Fusion dealer and Minnesota farmer Justin Goettl and agronomist Mason Claude. What begins as an unscripted conversation turns into a deep dive on agronomy education, soil science misconceptions, the evolution from grid sampling to zone management, and the power of carbon-based fertility. Justin shares years of hands-on experience with zone creation, Indicator testing, biologicals, VRT seeding, and the “five R’s” of modern fertility management. The group dives into phosphorus efficiency, potassium availability, the role of soil structure, and how carbon and biology unlock nutrient uptake—supported by real farm results, including dramatic yield wins and tissue test improvements. Entertaining, technical, and packed with practical insights, this episode highlights how deeper agronomy knowledge and modern tools like Agronomy 365 can transform farm management.
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From Soil Health to Human Health: A Farmer's Health Journey
In this episode of The Crop Cast, host Sean Nettleton sits down with Nebraska farmer Randy Uhrmacher for a conversation that starts in the field and ends with personal reflection. From strip-till vs. no-till debates to the challenges of irrigating soybeans, Randy shares what’s working—and what isn’t—on his operation.But this isn’t just about crops. Randy opens up about his health journey, how experimenting with diet and blood-sugar tracking reshaped the way he thinks about balance, stress, and even soil management. Together, they explore how the same principles that build strong plants can build stronger people—and why farmers should have a bigger voice in defining what “real food” means. Topics include:• Irrigation and soybean management in Nebraska• Palmer amaranth, waterhemp, and weed-control evolution• Health, diet, and continuous glucose monitoring• The link between soil health, livestock nutrition, and human wellness• Navigating social media and staying positive in agricultureWhether you’re a grower, agronomist, or just someone rethinking health from the ground up, this is an episode that connects agronomy to everyday life.
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#55: Phosphorus: A Technical Conversation with Blake Hadley
In this deep-dive episode of the Crop Cast, Sean Nettleton and agronomist Blake Hadley unpack the complex world of phosphorus in soil systems, exploring its chemical, biological, and physical dynamics. Blake discusses how his self-taught, data-driven approach led him to simplify soil science through visual frameworks that connect redox potential (Eh), pH, and biological activity. Together they challenge traditional thinking—like the fixation on the “perfect” soil pH or the outdated simplicity of Liebig’s Law of the Minimum—and instead advocate for a holistic, living-soil perspective.Listeners learn how microbial processes, residue breakdown, and carbon-phosphorus ratios influence availability, why biological activity (and even rain) drives phosphorus mineralization, and how stratification, soil tests, and new extraction methods like Haney’s H3A are shifting how agronomists think about fertility. The episode blends soil science with philosophy—urging growers to measure, question, and evolve their management instead of relying on outdated models.
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#54: Rethinking Nitrogen and Building Better Soil Systems with Dirt 2 Dollars and Faith Pierson
In this Crop Cast episode, host Sean Nettleton leads a dynamic roundtable with Faith Pierson (Infinity Ag Solutions, Host of Farming with More than Faith), Kyle Olson (Creekside Agronomy, Co-host Dirt 2 Dollars), and Chase Perry (CMP Enterprises, Co-host Dirt 2 Dollars) to unpack how farmers are rethinking fertility, nitrogen management, and long-term soil health through BaselineRx. The group shares real-world examples showing how conventional high-nitrogen programs often create imbalance, weaken plant health, and drive disease pressure — while more measured, biologically-aware programs build stronger soils and more profitable yields. They discuss the philosophy that you can’t manage what you don’t measure, emphasizing continuous soil testing, real-time fertility adjustments, and the integration of tools like FertiCast™ to precisely time inputs. The conversation evolves into how managing carbon-to-nitrogen balance, rather than chasing yield with excess chemistry, is the next frontier for sustainable profitability. Together, they deliver a message of partnership, patience, and progress: fixing the soil fixes the farm — and fertility is the foundation of future success.
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#53: One Field at a Time ft. Nate Ide
In this Crop Cast episode, Mason and the team sit down with Nate Ide of Lester Prairie, Minnesota, to explore how he transformed frustration into innovation through soil biology and data-driven farming. Nate recounts his early struggles trying every product on the market with no success—until he embraced BW Fusion’s biological system and the Agronomy365 framework. His breakthrough came when he realized poor calcium release was limiting yields, prompting his “One Field Challenge,” a practical approach where farmers compare high- and low-yielding zones to identify true biological limitations rather than just nutrient levels. Through perseverance and curiosity, Nate proves that feeding the microbes, not just the soil, can unlock fertility that traditional P&K numbers miss. His story shows how understanding carbon, calcium, and microbial life can transform yield, trust, and the way farmers think about “building” rather than just “growing” crops. It’s a powerful discussion about curiosity, grit, and how agronomy is evolving from chemistry to biology.
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#52: Misconceptions of Agronomy
In this episode ofCrop Cast, host Sean Nettleton and Mason Claude take a deep dive into one of agriculture’s most persistent challenges: the oversimplification of agronomy. They explore why common “rules” in fertility management, like chasing perfect pH or part-per-million numbers, often lead farmers astray. Mason breaks down why agronomy is less a precise science and more an “art” built from overlapping disciplines — soil physics, chemistry, biology, and meteorology — that must be interpreted with context, not formulas. Together, they bust long-standing myths around lime, soil balancing, and fertilizer response curves, showing how over-liming, ignoring biological activity, or fixating on lab data can actually harm soil function. Instead, they call for a more holistic, data-driven approach that values living soil systems, enzyme activity, and carbon cycling as the foundation for sustainable yield. The episode balances hard agronomic science with honest, farmer-to-farmer perspective, challenging listeners to rethink what “soil health” and “fertility” really mean.
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#51: Farming in the Non-irrigated Desert with CLA & Dusty Skaggs
In this episode of Crop Cast host Sean Nettleton is joined in candid conversation with Ross Littlefield and Austin Greve of Correction Line Ag—two-time BW Fusion “Leaders in the Field” award winners—and Dusty Skaggs, BW Fusion Sales Rep for Oklahoma.The discussion centers on the realities of farming in some of the harshest dry land regions of Kansas and Oklahoma, where growers battle limited rainfall, extreme heat, and sandy soils. Despite those conditions, the group emphasizes innovation, adaptive management, and stress mitigation as keys to maintaining profitability and crop health.
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#50: The Future of Farming With Sunset Seeds
Join host Sean Nettleton with Cliff Bailey and Cara Hanway of Sunset Seeds in Northwest Missouri. Cliff and Cara share how their seed dealership grew into a hub for fertility solutions, community support, and agronomic innovation. From redefining roles in their business to embracing cutting-edge tools like Ferticast, the duo highlights the importance of curiosity, customer trust, and a passion for agronomy. They discuss balancing soil health with ROI, the risks and rewards of social media, and how progressive thinking is reshaping the future of farming.
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#49: Demystifying Food Sources: Humics, Fulvics, and More
In this episode, we welcome Cassidy Million, BW Fusion's Vice President of Ag Sciences. Cassidy brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective on one of the most misunderstood topics in agronomy: food sources like humics and fulvics.For years, growers and agronomists alike have been taught oversimplified—or even inaccurate—information about these critical components of soil and crop health. Cassidy cuts through the noise, helping us understand what humics and fulvics really are, how they differ, and why the way we’ve traditionally looked at them may not tell the whole story.Join us as we demystify food sources, challenge long-held assumptions, and give you a clearer picture of how to make better decisions for your soil and crops.
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#48: Turning Soil Tests Into Smarter Fertility Plans with Kyle Olson, Creekside Agronomy
In this episode of Crop Cast, host Sean Nettleton is joined by Mason Claude and Kyle Olson, owner of Creekside Agronomy, to explore how Baseline RX is reshaping fertility management. Kyle shares his journey from using traditional soil tests that fell short to adopting Baseline RX—transforming not only how he advises his customers but also how he manages fertility on his own farm.Together, the group dives into real-world results, from cutting input costs to making more confident and ethical fertility recommendations. Kyle explains why precise soil data isn’t just helpful—it’s essential—and how Baseline RX equips dealers and growers alike to farm smarter, with integrity and efficiency.
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#47: What Do Biologicals Bring To the Table? ft. Bodie Kitchel
Bodie Kitchel knows agriculture—not just from years of supporting growers, but from putting those practices to work on his own farms. Over his career, he’s pushed beyond what’s considered standard, especially when it comes to fertility. His passion for biologics has led him to ask—and answer—the tough questions:What data can growers truly trust?When should intuition take the lead?Why is now the time to be open to biological use on your operation?If you’ve ever wondered how to apply commercial fertilizer more efficiently, this episode is for you. Bodie breaks down how to grow the biology in your soil and rethink the way fertility works on your farm.
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BONUS #46: Disease Management in Late Season
Recorded LIVE at the Dealer Meeting 2025, agronomists Jason Schley, Mason Claude, and Josh Messer sit down to tackle one of the hottest topics of the season: the rapid spread of Southern Rust across Midwest farms.This candid conversation dives into the big questions every grower and dealer is asking:How do you build a plan of attack when disease pressure shows up late in the season?When is it still worth the pass—and when is a crop too far gone to save?What strategies actually pay off in protecting yield potential at this stage?With boots-on-the-ground insights and years of agronomy experience, Jason, Mason, and Josh cut through the noise to deliver practical, actionable advice that can make or break a grower’s bottom line.Whether you’re scouting fields, advising growers, or simply wanting to understand the latest agronomic battlefront, this episode is packed with real-world perspective you won’t want to miss.A Day With Agronomy in Wabash, Indiana: Link here: https://bw-fusion.com/a-day-with-agronomy
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#45: Season 2 Sneak Peek: Big Things Coming Soon
Host Sean Nettleton brings a quick update on what's coming next for the Crop Cast podcast. Season 2 is launching in early September, and we’re taking a short break to line up a fresh guest list and tackle real, impactful solutions for growers facing a challenging season. Thank you for listening, and stay tuned. There's a lot to look forward to. Find us on social: https://bw-fusion.com/cropcastSubmit a topic or guest request: https://bw-fusion.com/cropcastFind Sean Nettleton on X: https://x.com/sean_nettleton
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#44 : Seed To Harvest Pt. 3 with Jason Schley & Jaren Schley
In the final installment of the Seed to Harvest series, host Sean wraps up an impactful three-part conversation with Jason and Jaren Schley, zeroing in on the critical late-season stages of crop development. This episode dives deep into how growers can finish strong, emphasizing late-season nutrient management, the role of auxins, potassium, boron, zinc, and the importance of understanding phosphorus availability and mobility.Jason and Jaren share eye-opening results from their on-farm trials, including surprising data on phosphorus uptake and the limitations of traditional P applications. They challenge conventional thinking by highlighting how most growers focus heavily on the first 40–50 days of crop development, while the final 60 days, R3 to R5, hold untapped yield potential.Listeners will gain insights on:The diminishing returns of early phosphorus applications and the value of in-season phosphorus strategiesWhy foliar feeding immobile or oxidized nutrients can be more effective late in the seasonHow potassium acts as the “invite” that moves sugars into the grain and enhances kernel fillTrial data showing significant yield gains from R4-R5 foliar applications. Up to 10.5 bushels in some casesLessons from the Herman Warsaw study and the vital role of potassium in maintaining nitrogen uptake and photosynthesis late in the seasonThe episode closes with a compelling call to rethink crop finish strategies, maintain plant health longer, and take full advantage of the back half of the season. If you’re looking to maximize kernel weight, reduce phantom yield loss, and finish your crop strong, this episode is a must-listen.
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#43: The Potassium Paradox with Dr. S.A. Khan at University of Illinois
If you’ve ever questioned whether your K applications are delivering ROI, this episode is a must-listen. Join Sean Nettleton and Dr. S.A. Khan from the University of Illinois to discuss the eye-opening research behind the Potassium Paradox. Dr. Kahn unpacks decades of soil science and long-term field data, challenging the conventional wisdom around potassium (K) fertilization. Dr. Khan explains why most Midwestern soils already contain more than enough potassium to support crop production and why typical soil tests often fail to accurately represent the true soil availability. For full context and to follow Dr. Khan’s slides, we highly recommend watching the episode on our YouTube channel.Topics Covered:The science behind exchangeable vs. non-exchangeable potassiumHow soil moisture and weather cycles impact soil test valuesWhy overapplying K can hurt calcium, magnesium, and even your soil’s structureResults from over 2,000 response trials across North AmericaPractical, cost-saving fertility recommendations Don’t miss this deep dive into one of the most misunderstood nutrients in agronomy.
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#42: Understanding N Uptake with Dr. Mulvaney of Illinois University
In this episode, Dr. Mulvaney challenges the common belief that most of a crop’s nitrogen comes from fertilizer. Instead, he explains that the soil itself is the primary source of nitrogen uptake—thanks to the natural process of mineralization, where organic matter breaks down and releases plant-available nitrogen.Key takeaways:Fertilizer isn’t the dominant source of N—soil N plays a much larger role.Soils differ dramatically in their nitrogen-supplying capacity.Yield-based N recommendations ignore this variation, often leading to over-application.Dr. Mulvaney’s research is focused on improving nitrogen efficiency—boosting crop uptake while minimizing environmental harm. He collaborates with industry partners to refine fertilizer practices and promote the use of the Illinois Soil Nitrogen Test (ISNT) for more precise, site-specific N management.If you’re looking to improve yields without wasting nitrogen dollars, this episode offers critical insights that could reshape how you think about nitrogen use.Watch the full length presentation here: https://youtu.be/JoExUqhuJas
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#41: Don’t Kill the Messenger – Fertilizer Markets with Josh Linville
In this insightful episode, Sean Nettleton talks with Josh Linville, a widely followed fertilizer market expert, about the complex dynamics of the global fertilizer industry and its impact on U.S. agriculture.Key Topics Covered:Fertilizer Price Volatility: Josh emphasizes that neither he nor local retailers set fertilizer prices—global events and market structures do. Price swings often stem from geopolitical instability, trade restrictions, and global supply chain disruptions.Global Dependence & Supply Challenges: The conversation highlights how North American agriculture remains tightly linked to international fertilizer markets, including inputs from China, Russia, and the Middle East. Disruptions—like conflicts in the Strait of Hormuz or export bans—can quickly affect local supply and pricing.Domestic Production Gaps: Josh discusses the U.S.'s underinvestment in nitrogen production, despite having cheap natural gas and strong environmental standards. He argues for more domestic manufacturing to reduce dependence and exposure to foreign market volatility.Fertilizer Futures & Market Tools: The industry is slowly evolving toward offering farmers better tools, such as micro futures contracts for urea, to hedge fertilizer costs similarly to how they manage grain risk. But adoption remains in early stages.Fertilizer Efficiency & Biologicals: The two also touch on improving nutrient efficiency through soil testing, biologicals, and smart application timing. Josh acknowledges the role of companies like BW Fusion in helping farmers stretch input dollars with more targeted fertility management.The Call for Education: Both Sean and Josh stress the importance of education and proactive planning. With tight margins, farmers must stay engaged year-round, rather than waiting until fall or spring to make buying decisions.
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#40: Unconventional Hybrids with Ed Baumgartner of BASS Hybrids
In this episode, host Sean speaks with Ed Baumgartner, founder of BASS Hybrids, to explore their unconventional approach to corn breeding. Ed discusses BASS Hybrids’ 20-year mission to reduce farmers’ reliance on synthetic inputs by developing corn hybrids with native tolerance to insects, drought, and stress without genetic modification.Here's what we cover: Origins & Purpose: BASS Hybrids began in Puerto Rico under intense insect pressure. Their breeding program focuses on native insect tolerance, drought resilience, and reduced need for nitrogen inputs.Hot-Cold Stress Connection: Through tropical breeding, they discovered that ~70% of genes related to heat tolerance also confer cold tolerance—allowing successful adaptation of their tropical genetics to northern climates.Durability & Stay-Green Trait: Their hybrids tend to stay green longer, maturing naturally rather than dying and drying. This stay-green attribute is linked to better plant health and microbial interactions.Focus on Regenerative Agriculture:BASS is intentionally breeding hybrids that thrive in low-input and biologically rich systems.Their hybrids show strong responses to biologicals and microbial activity—contrasting with GMO varieties bred for high-input systems.They've identified products that perform better in manured or cover-cropped systems, including those with reduced nitrogen.Biological Integration:Root exudates, microbial interactions, and high BRIX levels (sugar content) are central to their approach.Some hybrids display signs of nitrogen fixation or increased microbial activity at the root level, including brace roots contributing to nutrient acquisition.Durayield Line:Their flagship product line emphasizes stress tolerance, wider leaves, enhanced rooting systems, and yield consistency under biological management systems.The Durayield concept is continuously evolving based on breeding cycle improvements.Real-World Testing:BASS is now present in 22 U.S. states and markets internationally, including Kazakhstan.Collaborations allow year-round breeding and stress testing, including trials under regenerative and conventional systems.
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#39: Growing Rice In The Delta with Arkansas Grower Chad Duckworth
For many of us in the Corn Belt, rice isn't a crop we've given much thought to. But in this episode, Sean Nettleton sits down with grower and consultant Chad Duckworth from Northeast Arkansas, along with RBM Seth Busby, for a full download on southern crop production. While they cover a range of crops grown in the South, Chad’s 25+ years of experience and deep expertise in rice—right at the cutting edge of rice-growing technology—make him a go-to source for all things rice production.Get AmiNo today: https://bw-fusion.com/stressless Contact BW Fusion: https://bw-fusion.com/get-a-quote Request to be featured on Crop Cast: https://bw-fusion.com/cropcast
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#38: Pt. 2 From Seed to Harvest with Jason Schley and Jaren Schley
In Part 2 of the From Seed to Harvest series, Jason and Jaren Schley pick up where they left off, right after the crucial establishment phase, where microbial partnerships and root development take center stage. Listen to that episode here. Now, the corn plant enters the V4–V6 growth stage: a critical turning point where it begins to transition away from seed-derived energy and starts to rely fully on its own roots and nutrient uptake. So how do we support the plant through this weaning process?Jason and Jaren break down what’s happening physiologically in the plant, and more importantly, how to guide it with the right agronomic strategies. From nutrient timing to biological support, this episode is full of actionable insights for ensuring a strong, independent crop as it pushes toward rapid vegetative growth.
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#37: Early Season Nitrogen with Mason Claude and Jaren Schley
In this timely and impromptu episode, Jaren Schley, Mason Claude, and Sean Nettleton dive into one of the hottest agronomic topics of the moment: Early Season Nitrogen. With a late, wet spring challenging many growers across the Midwest, there's no better time to rethink your nutrient strategy.Drawing on real-time insights from Illinois, Iowa, and South Dakota, the trio shares what they’re seeing in the field and how growers can make smarter, more efficient nitrogen decisions leading into side-dress season. They tackle the questions they’ve been hearing directly from growers and aren’t afraid to challenge conventional thinking—especially when it comes to nitrogen testing.If you're looking to maximize efficiency and make every unit of N count, this episode is a must-listen.AmiNo: https://bw-fusion.com/stressless
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#36: University Research Meets the Field: Dr. Sible on Yield, Inputs, and Tissue Testing
In Episode 36 of Crop Cast, Sean Nettleton welcomes Dr. Connor Sible, Research Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, for a deep dive into high-yield corn and soybean production strategies. Dr. Sible shares his unique research focus—centered on maximizing yield through both input efficiency and improved management practices.The episode highlights the synergy and occasional differences between university-led research and field-driven agronomy. Whether you're a grower, agronomist, or industry professional, this episode offers insight into the future of crop productivity and the importance of bridging academic research with real-world application.Conor Sible: https://extension.illinois.edu/staff/connor-sible AD: Relax RX: https://bw-fusion.com/stressless
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#35: Farm Weird with Jason Mauck
In this episode of Crop Cast, we’re joined by none other than Jason Mauck, the innovative and unconventional farmer from Gaston, Indiana—known across social media as "the farm weird guy." Jason has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of traditional agriculture with techniques like relay cropping wheat and soybeans, and experimenting with alley cropping in corn.Sean Nettleton dives into Jason’s philosophy, where farming isn't just about high yields. Jason shares insights into his work with the Stock Cropper system, his unique grazing strategies, and how he manages what he proudly calls “the greenest golf course in Indiana.”Whether you're curious about alternative cropping systems or just want to hear from someone shaking up the ag world, this episode is packed with thought-provoking ideas and practical takeaways. Tune in to learn why farming weird might just be the future.Sign Up for Jason's Field Day: https://conference.eco-ag.com/farmweirdX: https://x.com/jasonmauck1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jason.mauck.5 Stress Less Products: https://bw-fusion.com/stressless
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#33: In-Season Sampling 101 with Travis Baker an Devin Baker
In-season sampling might be one of the most powerful tools to add to your crop management toolbox. In this episode, we break down the how, when, and why of in-season sampling and explain how it validates the biological side of your input strategy.Because when you have the power of knowledge, you have the power to drive efficiency, make better decisions, and ultimately increase your profitability.Relax RX: https://bw-fusion.com/stressless
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#32: Crop Stress – An Agronomy Roundtable
What exactly is crop stress—and what can you really do about it? In this extended roundtable episode, seven agronomy experts from across the country break down how to identify, mitigate, and manage crop stress from the ground up. You’ll learn why effective crop stress management goes far beyond just applying another product, and how soil health, timing, and geography all play critical roles. From early detection to in-season treatments, this conversation offers a comprehensive look at strategies to stay ahead of stress and protect yield potential. It’s a deep dive with diverse perspectives—and one of our most insightful episodes yet.Relax RX: https://bw-fusion.com/stress-less
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#31: Pt. 1 From Seed to Harvest with Jason Schley and Jaren Schley
Welcome to another episode of Crop Cast by BW Fusion hosted by Sean Nettleton. Today Jason Schley, President of Agronomy and Jaren Schley, Technical Agronomist from South Dakota, join Sean for a multi-part series, diving deep into corn and soybean growth — from seed to harvest.Stress Products: https://bw-fusion.com/stressless
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#30: The Soil Limiting Factors Modern Growers Can’t Ignore
Welcome to another episode of Crop Cast by BW Fusion. Today’s episode unpacks the hard conversations the agricultural industry isn’t having enough. Together, host Sean Nettleton and previous guests Mason Claude and Faith Pierson cover topics like unpacking variable rate application as we’ve known, debunking the genetic potential research of the 1900’s, and how grid sampling is hurting your soil’s potential. Let’s get into The Soil Limiting Factors Modern Growers Can’t Ignore…
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#29: Plant 2025: Agronomy Deep Dive with Tilling the Truth
Welcome to Episode 29 of Crop Cast, where host Sean Nettleton talks with AgriGold Agronomists and Co-hosts of Tilling the Truth podcast, Josh Johnston and Brett Leahr. Today, this team of experts will get into the nitty gritty of all things plant. From results of early planted soybeans plot, to battling good and bad biologies in the soil, and more. This episode will equip you to perform better trials and reach higher yields. Biocast MAX: https://bw-fusion.com/biocastmax
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#28: Driving Agriculture Forward with Holistic Health ft. Beyond the Crops
Recorded LIVE at Commodity Classic, host Sean Nettleton and special guests Mary Pat Sass and Jena Ochsner from Beyond the Crops bridge the gap between human health and soil health—combining the principles of medicine and nutrition with crop and soil science. Just as a holistic approach to full-body health can improve overall well-being, the same philosophy applies to soil health. By addressing the root cause, growers can improve plant outcomes for generations to come. This episode isn’t just about conventional versus regenerative farming—it’s about integrating the best research and innovations from both to drive modern agriculture forward. Biocast Max: https://bw-fusion.com/biocastmax Beyond the Crops: https://beyondthecrops.buzzsprout.com/
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#27: Challenging the Industry with Mason Claude and Blake Hadley
Recorded live at Commodity Classic 2025, Episode 27 of Crop Cast brings together host Sean Nettleton with Mason Claude, Technical Agronomist in Iowa, and Blake Hadley, Technical Agronomist in Indiana. The trio dives into the latest trends and discussions emerging from the event, challenging the status quo with agronomic insights backed by both anecdotal data and university research. Covering everything from regional observations to broader industry shifts, they provide hot agronomy takes from east to west. Tune in to hear what’s making waves in the field and beyond!
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#26: High Yields in the South with Grower Casey Hook
Host Sean Nettleton is joined by Casey Hook, a top-performing grower from Arkansas and a multi-year winner in the National Corn Yield Contest. Together, they dive into what it takes to achieve high yields in the South, how they tackle challenges, and what it means to farm with the future in mind.Links: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067937316079
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#25: Tillage Harvest Solutions with Tanner Schoff, Sharp Harvest
Join us for a mini-episode as you plan for a successful harvest in 2025. Host Sean Nettleton is joined by Tanner Schoff, Founder of Sharp Harvest to discuss tools and methods of accelerating the decomposition of organic material, enhancing soil fertility, and preparing the field for the following planting season. Sharp Harvest: https://www.sharpharvest.com/ Meltdown: https://bw-fusion.com/products/bw-meltdown-2-2Biocast MAX: https://bw-fusion.com/biocastmax
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#24: Water Management: Tech for All Growers guest Nick Emanuel
Welcome to Crop Cast by BW Fusion, hosted by Sean Nettleton. This episode is part of a special series recorded live at Commodity Classic 2025. Prepare yourself for a stronger growing season with this episode as a resource for water management technology for all growers—whether irrigated or non-irrigated. Sean is joined by Nick Emanuel, Head of Technology at CropX, to explore data-driven solutions for measuring and mitigating water-related stressors in the field and maximizing photosynthesis. Get ready for an episode equipped with ideas for every farmer to improve your water management strategies.Key Topics:➡️ Proving the best strategies of water management on YOUR farm➡️ Tools to maximize the data and testing of your water managment plans➡️ Soil moisture probes as solutions for irrigated and non-irrigated growersLinks: Biocast MAX: https://bw-fusion.com/biocastmax
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#23: Soil Microbiome & Food Sources with Cassidy Million
In this episode, Sean Nettleton joined by two industry experts— Cassidy Million, VP of Ag Sciences at Heliae, and Greg McClure, VP of Research and Development at BW Fusion. Together, they break down the communication between microbes and plants, the diversity of bacteria in the soil, and the key to building a thriving microbiome. If you’ve ever had unanswered questions about the role of sugar in supporting beneficial bacteria and fungi in your soil, this is the episode for you.Key Topics:➡️ Sugar sources and sugar types➡️ The effect of stimulating soil bacteria➡️ Building biodiversity and abundance of microbesLinks: Biocast MAX: https://bw-fusion.com/biocastmax
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#22: Scaling Your Farm Business "Untraditionally" with Matt Ronken, UnCommon Farms
This is Crop Cast by BW Fusion with host Sean Nettleton. Recorded live at Commodity Classic 2025, in this episode Sean sits down with Matt Ronken, CEO of UnCommon Farms to tackle the challenges of running and scaling a modern farming operation. We know you'll find this episode packed with valuable takeaways for succeeding in your farming business.Key Topics: ➡️ Adding new tools to your management ➡️ Farming differently than generations before you ➡️ SUCCEEDING untraditionally! 🔥Links: UnCommon Farms: https://uncommonfarms.com/ Crop Cast Inquiries: https://bw-fusion.com/cropcast Biocast MAX: bw-fusion.com/biocastmax
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#21: The Biodyne Origin Story with Dr. Fred Farley
Joined by Dr. Fred Farley, inventor of Biodyne, and Gil Farley, founder of Biodyne USA and co-founder of BW Fusion, host Sean Nettleton dives into the origins of Biodyne technology. Filmed in Sarasota, Florida, where Biodyne was first developed, they explore how this environmental biological breakthrough was adapted for agriculture, transforming soil health, crop productivity, and overall farm efficiency. From its early days to revolutionizing the industry, this is the full inside story of Biodyne that you don’t want to miss.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to the "Crop Cast," the premier agronomy podcast by BW Fusion, your trusted partner in crop nutrition. Our mission is to put the control back into the grower's hands and empower them with cutting-edge agronomy tactics and expert insights to maximize their Return on Investment (ROI). Join the Agronomy 365 agronomy team led by Jason Schley as we delve into the science of crop nutrition and uncover the best practices that lead to healthier crops, higher yields, and maximum profitability.
HOSTED BY
BW-Fusion
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