XtremeAg: Cutting The Curve Podcast

Farming Podcast | Is Ag Suffering From Knowledge Extinction? | XtremeAg

In this episode, Damian Mason talks with Jared Cook of Calibrated Agronomy about “knowledge extinction” in agriculture: the idea that farmers are receiving less meaningful agronomic guidance as input decisions become more price-driven. They discuss how retail consolidation, sales-focused advisory models, and resistance to continued learning can reduce the quality of agronomic decision-making. The conversation emphasizes that modern farming is increasingly knowledge-intensive, and that farmers may need to separate product purchasing from professional agronomic advice while holding advisers to a higher standard of education, accountability, and problem-solving.
 

Farming Podcast | What Your Water Is, Your Soil Becomes | XtremeAg

In this episode of XtremeAg’s Cutting the Curve podcast, Damian Mason talks with Jared Cook of Calibrated Agronomy about why water quality matters far beyond simple H2O. The discussion explains how irrigation water, spray water, and even rainwater can carry mineral and biological “baggage” that affects soil balance, nutrient availability, herbicide performance, and crop management decisions. Jared outlines how calcium, bicarbonates, nitrate, sulfur, and other constituents in water can act like hidden fertilizer inputs or create antagonism that ties up nutrients and reduces product efficacy. The episode emphasizes testing each water source, understanding application volume and frequency, and using water amendments or adjuvants when needed to improve agronomic outcomes.

Farming Podcast | Can Grain Sorghum Gain Acres? | XtremeAg

At Commodity Classic, Damian Mason speaks with Kansas farmer and Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission chairman Brant Peterson and Texas Panhandle producer Jason Birkenfeld about the future of grain sorghum. The discussion focuses on sorghum’s drought tolerance, lower water requirements compared to corn, and expanding opportunities in livestock feed, forage silage, ethanol, exports, and food-grade markets. As irrigation challenges grow across the Plains, farmers are increasingly evaluating sorghum as a water-efficient crop that can support beef, dairy, and poultry production. The episode highlights how stronger domestic demand, improved feed processing, agronomic research, and global trade relationships could shape the future growth of grain sorghum acreage.

Farming Podcast | Are You Managing Stress or Chasing It? | XtremeAg

Are farmers actually reducing crop stress… or just reacting to it after the damage is already done? That’s the question Damian Mason throws out during this live panel at the Nachurs booth at Commodity Classic with Matt Miles, Johnny Verell, Temple Rhodes, and Tommy Roach. The conversation covers everything farmers deal with every season—too much rain, not enough rain, weak roots, high nighttime temps, and nutrient timing. The panel digs into why stress mitigation is real, but it rarely comes from a single product. It comes from better plant nutrition, stronger root systems, spoon-feeding nutrients when the plant actually needs them, and staying proactive instead of trying to fix problems after the crop starts slipping.

Farming Podcast | Nutrient Balance for Better Yields | XtremeAg

At Commodity Classic, a panel featuring Kelly Garrett, Chad Henderson, and Kevin Matthews digs into one of the most overlooked problems in crop production—nutrient imbalance. The conversation goes beyond the usual N-P-K talk and gets into the real challenge farmers face: how micronutrients, timing, and plant demand all work together to determine whether fertilizer actually turns into yield. From SAP analysis and sulfur shortages to the hidden cost of applying fertility all up front, the panel shares what they’ve learned the hard way about feeding the plant, not just the soil—and why fixing imbalance can mean more bushels without spending more money.

Farming Podcast | Regional Calendars & Crop Planning | XtremeAg

In this episode, Damian Mason speaks with Texas farmer Todd Kimbrell, who operates 70 miles south of Dallas and grows corn, wheat, cotton, and double-crop sesame—all without irrigation. Todd outlines the unique production calendar and environmental challenges he faces compared to farmers in the Midwest, including early planting windows, reliance on rainfall, and crop marketing strategies influenced by distinct regional market forces. The conversation highlights the importance of tailoring farm management decisions to local conditions, especially in areas with differing weather patterns, soil profiles, and crop maturity timelines.  

Farming Podcast | Are Your Soil Nutrients Going Unused? | XtremeAg

Using Carbon Technology to Improve Nutrient Uptake and Reduce Inputs
With increasing economic and environmental pressure, American farmers are seeking ways to improve crop nutrition without increasing reliance on synthetic inputs. One promising solution? Carbon-based soil amendments.
In a recent episode of Cutting the Curve, Arkansas farmer Matt Miles joined host Damian Mason, alongside Brad Benson and Brandon Laws of Activated Carbon Technologies (ACT), to discuss how carbon amendments are helping farmers optimize nutrient use and improve yields using the fertility already present in their soil.

Farming Podcast | Corn Disease Management Strategy | XtremeAg

Are You Losing Corn Yield to Disease Without Knowing It?
In 2025, many row-crop farmers across the Midwest experienced surprising yield losses—not due to lack of fertility or weed control—but because of unmanaged or mistimed corn disease pressure. From southern rust reaching further north to recurring outbreaks of tar spot, growers were challenged with invisible yet economically significant threats to plant health and grain fill.
In this episode of Cutting the Curve, host Damian Mason is joined by Adam Byrne of FMC and Kelly Garrett, a founding member of XtremeAg, to discuss how farmers can reduce corn yield loss from disease through timely scouting, hybrid selection, fungicide strategy, and more.

Farming Podcast | Is Fall Fertility Costing You? | XtremeAg

In this episode, Damian Mason hosts a discussion with Temple Rhodes, Chad Henderson, and Nachurs agronomist Tommy Roach, focused on re-evaluating common fall fertility practices. The group addresses the economic inefficiencies and agronomic downsides of outdated fertilizer applications, particularly the tendency to broadcast fertilizer in the fall without tying it to actual nutrient demand. By breaking down the science of nutrient timing, placement, and environmental risks, the conversation encourages farmers to adopt more precise, ROI-driven fertility strategies. Insights include alternative methods, the impact of soil conditions, and how evolving from habit-based practices can improve profitability.

Farming Podcast | Are You Wasting Seed Potential? | XtremeAg

Know Your Seed Treatment: Why It Matters More Than Ever
In modern agriculture, seed treatment has evolved from an optional layer of protection to a critical component of crop success. Yet many farmers are still in the dark about what's actually on the seed they plant. In this episode of XtremeAg’s Cutting the Curve, host Damian Mason speaks with Paul Johnson, a 30-year industry veteran and Seed Treatment Portfolio Manager at UPL, to break down the practical, economic, and agronomic reasons for paying closer attention to seed treatments.
Seed Treatment: The Foundation of a Successful Crop
Just as a quality home depends on a solid foundation, Johnson explains that the early-stage protection provided by seed treatments sets the tone for the rest of the season. Seed treatments act as the plant's first line of defense against below-ground and early-season threats — including fungi, insects, nematodes, and environmental stressors like cold, wet soils.
A strong start often translates to more uniform emergence, improved root development, and faster canopy closure — all of which contribute to better weed suppression and nutrient uptake.
Are You Getting the Right Treatment?
While virtually all commercial seed arrives treated, Johnson emphasizes a key point: most growers do not know what active ingredients are included — or if those ingredients match their specific field pressures. Fungicides, insecticides (often neonics), and nematicides are common treatment categories, and even inoculants or biologicals may be applied. However, without asking detailed questions, farmers may unknowingly plant into problem-prone areas without adequate protection.
Farmers often assume treatment is standard and sufficient. Johnson challenges this assumption, urging producers to work with their seed dealer or ag retailer to understand and — if needed — customize their treatment package.
The Economics of Seed Treatment
According to Johnson, seed treatments remain one of the most cost-effective inputs in a grower’s portfolio. For soybeans, a solid treatment package typically costs $6–9 per acre and can yield a consistent 3–5 bushel advantage — easily translating to a 4:1 or greater return on investment. For corn, the cost is often included in the base seed price, but additional nematicide or biological treatments may add $4–5 per acre.
Trials conducted by farmers have even shown occasional outlier gains — in some cases, up to 20 bushels per acre — though such results are not typical.
Nematode Control: The Overlooked Yield Robber
One of the most under-recognized threats in soybean production is nematodes, particularly soybean cyst nematode (SCN). Despite being the top yield-limiting pest in many regions, most growers are unaware of the nematode pressure in their fields. Johnson references tools like the Soybean Cyst Coalition Network, which allows producers to check SCN presence and density by ZIP code.
Treatments like UPL’s Aveo nematicide offer targeted protection, but only if the farmer knows to request them. Left unchecked, nematodes damage roots, reduce nutrient uptake, and create pathways for secondary diseases.
Field-Specific Prescriptions and Timing
Seed treatments are not one-size-fits-all. Johnson stresses the importance of treating seed according to specific field conditions, such as cold soils, pythium-prone areas, or known nematode hotspots. Retailers can often adjust treatment mixes or rates if asked, providing customized protection at planting.
He also notes that seed treatments are most effective when applied to fresh seed close to planting. While some farmers worry about treating seed late in the season due to possible returns, modern "on-demand" treating equipment makes it easy to apply treatments only as needed — avoiding loss of investment while still getting full protection.
Future Trends: Nutrient Efficiency and Biologicals
Looking ahead, Johnson predicts that seed treatments will increasingly support nutrient efficiency, particularly through enhanced root development. Larger and more fibrous root systems not only improve access to water and fertility but may also enable farmers to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus application without sacrificing yield.
This aligns with broader agronomic trends seen in XtremeAg trials, where farmers like Kelly Garrett experiment with fertility reductions and soil health improvements to drive ROI.
Addressing Resistance Concerns
Unlike foliar-applied herbicides, seed-applied products are unlikely to drive pest resistance. Johnson explains that because treatments target only the seed zone — a small, localized area around each kernel — there’s minimal environmental exposure and low selection pressure. This makes seed treatment a sustainable long-term strategy for managing pests without contributing to widespread resistance.