XtremeAg: Cutting The Curve Podcast

Taking Back Control: Key Farming Decisions For The Upcoming Year

In the latest XtremeAg discussion, Bert Riggan of Concept Agritek, along with Temple Rhodes and Damian Mason from XtremeAg, delves into the critical subject of farmers reclaiming control over their farming operations. This insightful conversation addresses a common scenario where farmers, burdened by the multitude of decisions such as product selection, application timing, and agronomic practices, often resort to delegating these choices to Ag retailers or consultants. This delegation, while seemingly convenient, can lead to farmers losing actual control over their farms. Bert Riggan, with his extensive expertise, alongside Temple Rhodes and Damian Mason, explores the reasons behind this trend and offers practical strategies for farmers to take back the reins of their operations. This discussion is a must-watch for any farmer seeking to navigate the complexities of modern agriculture while maintaining autonomy over their decision-making processes.
Presented by Advanced Drainage Systems

Hope Doesn’t Pay the Bills - A Discussion with XA Member Charlie Leager

Charlie Leager left the Maryland family farm as a young man because there was no room for him in the operation. In 2020 — as a middle aged man and owner of a construction business — he took over the reins of the farm when his dad suddenly passed away. At age 56 and about to embark on his fifth season as a full-time farmer, Charlie discusses the lessons he’s gleaned, changes he’s making, and the business side of farming. As Charlie says, “I watched my father and grandfather farm on hope, but hope doesn’t pay the bills.” Presented by Loveland Products

Money Mistakes & Financial Fixes For Your Farming Business

Another installment on the business side of farming, Ben Hansen joins Damian to outline common money mistakes he sees farming operations make and how to fix them. It’s not as as high yield corn, admittedly, but understanding how to manage debt, keep records, and surround yourself with the right business advisors will guarantee you more longevity in farming than a year of good corn. Ben’s organization — Gross & Company of Dunlap, Iowa specializes in tax advisory and consultation for Agriculture. Ben outlines simple steps you can take to successfully manage your farm, which is indeed a business— so run it like one! Presented by Loveland Products

Twin Row Versus Single Row: Corn & Soybean Results On Raised Beds

In the Arkansas delta, where cotton was king, cropping systems were dictated by what was good for cotton. When Matt Miles started producing corn in 2006, he planted single row corn on 38 inch spacing on raised beds with furrow irrigation between the beds. Then he experimented with twin rows atop each raised bed and the results have never varied — twin rows trump single rows by at least ten bushels per acre. Matt and Layne Miles explain the practices they employ to maximize twin row production.
Presented by Loveland Products

Insights and Lessons Learned From 25 Years of Using Plant Growth Regulators

Lee Lubbers and his brother Terry surveyed their wheat in 1998 and determined they needed stronger plants to prevent lodging. Their search for a solution took them to the specialty crop arena where they discovered plant growth regulators. At the time, PGR’s weren’t commonly used in broad acre Ag outside of cotton. Even today, applying plant hormones to crops isn’t a widespread practice. Lee and Stoller’s Dale Hanke discuss Lee’s quarter century journey with applied plant hormones. Lee shares what he’s learned, and how he’s making bigger yields via PGR’s, even after a hailstorm nearly annihilated his soybeans!
Presented by Advanced Drainage Systems

High-Tech Grain Carts: How Grain Cart Advancements Are Transforming Harvest

Grain carts have evolved over the years, mostly in that they’ve become enormous. Aside from size, what else is happening with the ubiquitous implements running beside combines at harvest? Right hand discharge and dual augers are two new technologies already available. The future promises autonomous grain catchers, in-field grain reservoirs, and more. Damian talks to Demco’s Troy Woelber and Benji Vande Griend.
Presented by Advanced Drainage Systems

Choosing the Right Lime for Your Farm: Tips From Kevin Matthews

In this episode of Cutting The Curve, Kevin shares his experience of switching to lime sourced from coastal areas or even from out of state. Understand why simply correcting soil pH isn't enough. Learn about the crucial calcium to magnesium ratio and its effect on soil composition. Matthews Farms observed immediate improvements in their fields after this change. How can the right lime can lead to balanced soils, enhanced porosity, increased organic matter, and more efficient fertilizer use. Remember, your closest lime source is not always your best lime source.
Presented by Loveland Products

Overcoming Drought and Boosting Farm Yields

Lee Lubbers says farmers too often— and too early — give up on their crop. We get it. It’s hot. It’s dry. Things don’t look good and the prospect of bumping out a respectable yield seem unlikely. But, as Lee has learned, you gotta continue to round the bases even during a drought year like he just experienced. Lee explains to Damian how he’s adjusting for success in 2024 with amended practices he’s already performing.
Presented by Loveland Products

What agronomic adjustments can you make to create improved farming outcomes for next year?

What agronomic adjustments can you make to create improved outcomes for next year? Analyzing your soil tests, reviewing this year’s tissue samples, and paying close attention to your lesser farm ground. Those are just a few of the many recommendations from Bert Riggan, Agronomist with Concept AgriTek. Bert is joined by XA’s Temple Rhodes to talk through adjustments to improve farming results.
Presented by Advanced Drainage Systems

Is it Genetics or Fertility?

Did seed genetics exist 20-30 years ago that could have gotten today's yields if managed correctly with fertility? Or are our fertility plans just that much better at getting the most out of seed genetics? Damian asks XtremeAg's Kevin Matthews and Nachurs' Jason Worley: "Is it the Chicken or the Egg?"