XtremeAg: Cutting The Curve Podcast

To Expand or Not: Grain Storage Decisions in Tough Times

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.
 
 

Soil Health, Carbon Intensity Scores and the Bottom Line For Your Farm

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.

Tested Mettle: How Nelson Rentz has Harvested Success in the Oklahoma Panhandle

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.
 
 
 

Early Season Prevention of Corn Nematodes & Crown Rot

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
 

Beating the Frost: Expert Tips for Early Season Planting Success

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.

Bridging The Gap In Sustainable Agriculture: Unlocking Additional Revenue Opportunities

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.  

Grain Safe: Avoiding Pitfalls & Adopting Best Practices for Grain Storage

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

Resilience in the Rain: Big Lessons That Sam 'of the North' Coutu learned in 2023

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

Making Sustainability Pay Off On Your Farm

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

Maximizing Farm Yields: Essential Strategies to Boost Crop Yields and Overcome Plateaus

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