XtremeAg: Cutting The Curve Podcast

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.

Farming Podcast | Outside-The-Box Fertility Tactics | XtremeAg

In this episode of Cutting the Curve, Damian Mason speaks with Tommy Roach of Nachurs and Texas farmer Todd Kimbrell about moving away from conventional fertility practices toward more efficient, cost-effective nutrient strategies. The discussion centers on reducing or eliminating fall-applied nitrogen and phosphorus, and instead using in-season applications of micronutrients like zinc, sulfur, boron, copper, and potassium acetate. Kimbrell shares his transition to foliar feeding, wide drop applications, and targeted nutrient timing. This episode emphasizes the value of rethinking traditional approaches to fertility to improve nutrient use efficiency, soil biology, and return on investment—without increasing input costs.
 
Presented by BASF

Farming Podcast | Farm Financial Stress Test Tips | XtremeAg

Farm financial success requires more than strong yields or land appreciation. In this episode, Damian Mason speaks with Jeff Janssen of JC Ag Financial Services and Iowa farmer Kelly Garrett to explore the elements of a real financial stress test. They cover critical areas like calculating true cost of production, identifying hidden expenses, and managing financial pressure through operational scale and revenue diversification. The discussion also highlights strategic decisions around grain storage, marketing risk, and preparing for conversations with lenders. This episode offers practical, actionable insights to help farmers strengthen cash flow management and improve long-term profitability.

Farming Podcast | Cover Crop Strategies Beyond Rye | XtremeAg

In this episode of XtremeAg’s Cutting The Curve, host Damian Mason is joined by Kelly Garrett and TJ Kartes of Bio Till to explore how farmers can achieve better results with cover crops by moving beyond cereal rye. The discussion focuses on reducing disease risks, improving nutrient cycling, and tailoring cover crop strategies to specific cropping systems. The conversation also covers the benefits of interseeding, chemical program compatibility—especially related to atrazine—and how diverse mixes including oats, brassicas, and peas can enhance soil health, livestock feed options, and overall return on investment. Farmers are encouraged to consider both agronomic data and future regulatory trends in planning their cover crop systems.

Farming Podcast | Running a Family Farm Remotely | XtremeAg

In this episode of Cutting the Curve, Damian Mason speaks with South Dakota native Derek Skogsberg about building a modern, financially viable farming operation while living out of state. With a professional background in agronomy and agribusiness, Skogsberg shares how he returned to his family’s legacy farmland after decades in other industries, creating a business model that balances investment, operational efficiency, and generational preservation. Farming approximately 1,000 acres—half owned, half family-managed—Skogsberg details the transition from investor to operator, the importance of pro forma financials, equipment investments, hiring the right personnel, and using tools like John Deere Operations Center to farm remotely. He emphasizes treating the operation as a standalone business and offers key insights for families considering a non-traditional path to maintaining farm viability.

Farming Podcast | Soil Health Strategies That Pay

In this episode of Cutting the Curve, host Damian Mason is joined by Temple Rhodes and Barrett Ersek to explore the concept of "Thriveability" — a farmer-driven mindset focused on improving soil health, reducing inputs, and enhancing long-term economic outcomes. Barrett, founder of Holganix, explains how the company has shifted from selling crop inputs to becoming a partner in soil health by leveraging microbial technologies, intensive data collection, and prescriptive agronomic support. Temple shares real-world results from implementing Holganix's fall and spring biological products, including measurable gains in soil structure, water infiltration, and crop performance. The conversation highlights how integrating soil health strategies into a farming operation — paired with quantifiable metrics and optional carbon credit opportunities — can deliver immediate and long-term financial returns while improving the resilience of the land.