Equipped Agronomy

In this episode of EQUIPPED Agronomy, Curtis welcomes new Bourgault agronomist Brodie Welsh to the team and the podcast. Together, they lay out the 2026 agronomy and equipment trial plan—covering canola, wheat, pulses, seeding rates, nutrient placement, Trimax, and deep-banding strategies—while exploring how agronomy decisions and seeding equipment work better when they’re truly aligned.

In this episode of EQUIPPED Agronomy, Curtis is joined by Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson to break down the agronomic fundamentals of high‑yield winter wheat, from planting date and seeding rate to starter phosphorus, nitrogen strategies, weed control, and seeding depth. Drawing on experience from Ontario to Kansas, Wheat Pete explains how consistent agronomic principles apply across regions—and what growers and equipment designers need to know to grow great wheat.

When Is It Time for a New Drill? In this episode of EQUIPPED Agronomy, Curtis and Jeff explore that question and the factors that often drive—or challenge—equipment change decisions on the farm.If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to make a change, this conversation is a great place to begin.

In this episode of EQUIPPED Agronomy, Curtis and Jeff sit down once again to dig into Year 2 of a multi‑year Soil Enhancement Trial.They break down what worked, what didn’t, and explore why soil biology might play a bigger role in fertility strategies than many growers realize.If you’re curious about soil health, fertilizer efficiency, or whether these soil‑enhancing products truly pay on the farm, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of EQUIPPED Agronomy, Curtis talks with Jim Vannett, U.S. Territory Sales Manager and Operations Leader for Bourgault Industries, to unpack the key differences between Bourgault’s two coulter‑drill opener systems—the PLW™ (ParaLink Walking) and PLR™ (ParaLink Row).From heavy clay to light sandy soils, they explore how opener design influences seed placement, power demand, residue handling, and furrow closure, and where each opener truly performs best.

In this episode of EQUIPPED Agronomy, Curtis and Jeff break down three years of nitrogen trials in canola and wheat—comparing rates, forms, and placements. They explore why canola consistently responded to higher N, why wheat didn’t, and how organic matter and moisture complicate nitrogen planning. Practical insights on finding the real “sweet spot” for N rates, boosting protein, and making nitrogen dollars count. 

In this episode of EQUIPPED Agronomy, Curtis and Jeff break down their findings in the Trimax Trials, exploring how different fertilizer placements and seeding rates influenced canola and wheat performance. They discuss how Trimax’s flexibility helps manage high product rates and optimize emergence.

In this episode of EQUIPPED Agronomy, Curtis and Jeff dive deep into one of Bourgault’s longest‑running research projects: Canola Seeding Rate Trials.From early comparisons between singulation and volumetric metering to years of side‑by‑side testing at multiple seeding rates, Curtis and Jeff break down what the data shows—and how growers can apply these findings in real‑world conditions.

In this episode of EQUIPPED Agronomy, Curtis sits down with Curtis Heinrichsen and Ken Sarauer to discuss the all-new ParaLink Dual Xtreme (PLDX) Opener—the world’s first 1:1 dual knife opener for unmatched depth control! Listen in as Ken shares his experience demoing this opener on his operation and provides insights into how he found the opener performed.

In this episode Curtis and Jeff dig into the multi-year deep phosphorus trials that started in 2023. From big canola responses in a dry year to surprising long-term benefits of broadcast phosphorus, explore what the data tells us about nutrient stratification and soil moisture dynamics.

We’re back for Season 3! Curtis & Jeff recap and discuss what worked—and what didn’t—in last year’s winter canola trials. From volunteer rye headaches to flea beetle battles and fertility insights. In addition, our agronomy program expands to Odessa, Saskatchewan, where we’re testing lentil production, phosphorus placement, seeding rates, and even fan speed impacts. Join us for practical takeaways, a few laughs, and a look at what’s next in Bourgault agronomy. 

In this episode of the Equipped Agronomy podcast, Curtis and Jeff discuss their plans and trials for the upcoming 2025 seeding season. Topics include wheat and canola trials, winter canola survival, stubble height impact, and lentil trials. They also highlight new farming technology. Tune in for valuable insights and practical tips!

Join Curtis  and Jeff on the Equipped Agronomy Podcast as they discuss the first year of their Soil Enhancement Trial. They explore the effectiveness of three granular products—Humalite, H-Start, and AnneMaxx Biome—on crop yield and soil health. Tune in for initial results, future plans, and insights into the cost and benefits of these products.

Curtis and Jeff explore the impact of different specialty phosphorus sources and placements on crop yields in the latest episode of the Equipped Agronomy Podcast. Discover practical tips, environmental considerations, and cost implications from their extensive field trials in St. Brieux, Saskatchewan. Whether you're an agronomy expert or just curious about crop nutrition, this episode offers valuable insights to enhance your farming practices.

Exploring the impact of opener tip sizes on seedbed utilization and seed safety in wheat and canola, Curtis and Jeff compare  2" and ¾" openers and tackle the question, "Does size matter?" in this episode of the Equipped Agronomy Podcast.Trials referred to in this episode can be found at www.bourgault.com/agronomy, along with many more agronomical studies.

In this episode, Curtis and Jeff break down trial results focused on phosphorus placement at deeper depths in the soil profile during a separate pass.  They dive into how placing phosphorus deeper in the soil could affect nutrient uptake, discussing how results varied between fields and conditions, and why ongoing research is crucial to better understand how nutrients behave at those depths.

Join Curtis and Jeff as they discuss the innovative Bourgault TriMax™ Triple-Shoot System. Learn about the safe and effective ways to use this technology for optimal results. Hear their insights from years of trials and observations.

Dive into the exciting world of agricultural technology with our latest innovation, BiC (Bourgault Intelligent Control). Listen as Curtis and Jeff share their experiences with the new controller, highlighting how it simplifies field operations, enhances precision, and improves overall productivity in their operations.

Tune into EQUIPPED Agronomy as Curtis and Jeff discuss the impact of different seeding rates on plant stands, flowering timing, and yield for wheat and canola. Drawing from multiple years of trials, they highlight how environmental factors like moisture and heat influence crop performance. They also share personal experiences and observations.

In this episode, Curtis and Jeff explore the evolution of mid-row banders, focusing on the MRB® III, MRB® ID (Independent Depth), and MRS™ (Mid Row Shank) systems. They discuss their performance in various field conditions, the agronomic impact of fertilizer depth, nitrogen loss trials, and residue management. Tune in for practical advice to help you choose the right system and optimize fertilizer placement for your operation!

Curtis and Jeff dive into the details of the PLDS (ParaLink Dual Shank™) Opener in this episode of Equipped Agronomy. They discuss its flexibility in seed placement, the importance of quick depth adjustments, and effective soil flow management. If you want to understand the technical aspects of PLDS™ Opener and its role in agronomy, this episode is a must-listen!

In this episode of EQUIPPED Agronomy Podcast, Curtis and Jeff dive into the world of granular herbicides and the resurgence of older technologies to tackle modern challenges in weed management. They introduce the XR8 Harrow and discuss its integration with the 1356 Granular Applicator.

Both the PLX (ParaLink Xtreme™) and PLS (ParaLink Single™) openers are excellent options with distinct features tailored for different farming scenarios. Listen in as Curtis and Jeff go head to head with Curtis Hinrichsen as they debate The PLX and PLS opener!

Join Curtis and Jeff in this episode as they discuss the potential of winter canola in Canada. They explore the distinctions between winter and spring canola, along with the challenges posed by colder climates. Tune in for insights and an ongoing commitment to investigate this promising crop in future conversations. 

Kicking off Season 2, Curtis and Jeff take us through a recap of the 2024 growing season on the Equipped Agronomy Podcast. They dive into the year's challenges and surprises, starting with promising moisture that quickly turned dry. They discuss the highs and lows of the harvest season, sharing insights from their fields in northeast Saskatchewan and reflecting on valuable agronomic lessons learned. Tune in for a season opener packed with practical takeaways and in-depth field analysis! 

In this season finale of "EQUIPPED Agronomy," Curtis and Jeff delve into the intricacies of spring planting preparations. They discuss a wide range of trials and experiments that they have planned or are already underway, covering topics such as nitrogen placement, starter phos trials, seed rate trials, opener size trials, deep phos and potash trials, soil enhancement trials, and the introduction of winter canola.

This episode is all about plant growth regulators (PGRs) and their impact on wheat crops. Curtis and Jeff discuss their trials with different PGRs, the impact on crop height, yield, and protein content, as well as their conclusions and opinions on the effectiveness and practicality of using PGRs in their farming practices.

In this episode, Curtis and Jeff discuss various aspects of row spacing, focusing primarily on crops like wheat and canola. They talk about their trials comparing different row spacing configurations and its impact on plant stand, yield, weed competition, and other factors. What are their conclusions regarding the potential benefits and considerations of different row spacing options for various crops?

Join us for an exclusive interview with Gerry Bourgault as he shares his remarkable journey with Bourgault Industries. From its humble beginnings to becoming a leader in agricultural innovation, Gerry discusses the company's growth, pioneering solutions, and the recent acquisition by Linamar. Discover valuable insights and lessons learned from Gerry's experience navigating the dynamic landscape of agricultural equipment manufacturing. Don't miss this captivating conversation on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the future of Bourgault Industries.

Join Curtis and Jeff as they discuss the world of Hybrid Fall Rye from a farmer's perspective. In this episode, they share valuable insights, practical tips, and experiences drawn from their own farming practices. From the nuances of this versatile crop to exploring its unique characteristics, this episode provides a deep dive into Hybrid Fall Rye, offering you a comprehensive understanding of its cultivation and management. 

Curtis and Jeff explore the debate between canola singulation and volumetric seeding. Examining nuances of these seeding methods, analyzing trial results, and uncovering strategies for optimizing canola yield. Whether you're a farmer or agronomist, tune in for valuable insights into maximizing crop yield efficiency!

In this episode Curtis and Jeff discuss common questions received at recent farm shows. Topics range from the acquisition by Linamar to the Signature Edition tank, deep phosphorus considerations, and intriguing insights into equipment modifications and agronomic practices. 

Join us in this episode as we unravel the challenges of phosphorus stratification in crop farming. We explore the historical context of phosphorus application and share key insights from our multi-year trials, covering both deep application and broadcast methods. Discover valuable tips for optimizing phosphorus application to boost crop yield. Don't miss out on this informative discussion on tackling phosphorus challenges in agriculture. 

Curtis and Jeff explore the differences between side band and mid row band nitrogen placement. They share insights from their field trials since 2016, discussing the impact on seed mortality, plant stands, and crop maturity. 

Join Curtis and Jeff as they explore the comparison between side band and seed row strategies for phosphorus placement. Discover how different nitrogen placements impact phosphorus uptake and gain valuable insights to optimize your farming practices. 

In this second inaugural episode, we're diving into the world of phosphorus application in agriculture. Today, we're focusing on the intriguing concept of splitting phosphorus between the Seed Row and Mid Row Band in canola crops.

Welcome to this agriculture podcast where seeding equipment and agronomy collide! The information from multiple years of trials, along with talking with thousands of growers over the past 10 years, have provided the Bourgault Agronomy Team with the ability to give recommendations for many different seeding configurations. Listen in as Curtis and Jeff discuss a different topic each episode, which may provide value to your operation. With topics ranging from nitrogen placement, to seeding rates, to testing different fertilizer products on the market; there's something that will Get You Growing!