XtremeAg: Cutting The Curve Podcast

Sprayer Savings: Eliminating Sprayer Passes & Optimizing Nutrient Investment

Johnny Verell is on a mission to trim up to $20 per acre in expenses by strategically adjusting his spraying regimen. By eliminating one sprayer pass and an airplane pass, he’s cutting costs without cutting corners. But instead of simply saving, he’s reinvesting—reallocating his nutrient budget and timing fertility applications based on moisture conditions. In this episode of Cutting the Curve, host Damian Mason sits down with Johnny to discuss smarter spending strategies, maximizing efficiency, and ensuring profitability without sacrificing yield. Tune in to learn how precision adjustments can boost your bottom line!

The Evolution of Autonomy & Farm Machinery Automation

It started with auto steer on tractors  — or maybe even before that — where automation ends up, is still an open discussion. Damian Mason hosts that discussion in this episode with XtremeAg’s John Verell and John Deere’s Michael Porter. The evolution of farm machinery automation rolls forward on America’s farms. Johnny Verell explains how autonomy helps him farm better, make more money, and do more work with fewer people. If you’re already on the path to autonomy, listen to what lies ahead. If you’re considering investing in the next phase of automation, listen to this! 
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2025 Changes: Strip Tilling Dry Fertilizer & Better Inventory Management on the Farm

Kevin Matthews is shaking up his fertility practices in 2025 with a hybrid approach to crop care. While he remains a firm believer in trickling liquid fertilizer “just in time” for crop development, he’s turning to dry fertilizer to tackle problem areas. But there’s a catch—it requires upgrading to strip-till equipment. In this episode, Kevin shares how he’s streamlining his farm operations, including an eye-opening review of his parts and machinery inventory that revealed unexpected waste. Tune in to hear how these changes aim to boost his farm’s economics and efficiency in the new year.

Farm Finances 101: Working Capital Strategies for 2025

Is your farm financially prepared for 2025? Economic pressures are mounting, and staying solvent requires a solid strategy. In this episode of Cutting The Curve, Jeff Janssen joins Kelly Garrett and Damian Mason to tackle critical topics like working capital, cash flow, cost of production, and aligning your financial goals with your banker’s expectations. From calculating current assets to understanding the hidden costs of stored grain, this discussion delivers actionable insights to maximize your farm’s financial position. Don’t overlook the business side of farming—your legacy depends on it!

Upgrade Your Farm Tech: Precision Ag on a Budget

New paint is sexy. We get it. We’re farmers too and we like shiny new machinery! But farming is a business and a business faced with reduced revenue must make adjustments. How do you stay on the cutting edge of Agricultural technology with older machinery? With precision equipment upgrades, that’s how. XtremeAg’s Kelly Garrett and John Deere’s Clint Chaffer explain how — for a fraction of the price of new — you can update your existing machinery to improve productivity. Proof: Kelly went to the field this spring using a planter with 20 seasons of “experience” but with technological updates added over the years. When farm economics are stressed, precision upgrades help you reduce crop inputs, save time, and farm more efficiently!   

Cut Costs Not Profits with These Farming Strategies

Are farm finances tighter than usual? Discover how to save money while maintaining yield and revenue in this must-listen episode. Host Damian Mason talks with XtremeAg’s John Verell and Meristem’s Peter Rousonelos about cost-effective farming practices using the “R’s” of crop cost removal: Reduce, Recycle, Re-use, Repurpose, and Re-Think. Learn innovative ways to cut costs per acre, boost farm profitability, and keep your operation financially sustainable. If you’re a farmer looking for proven strategies to improve farm efficiency and save money, this episode is for you. Tune in for actionable tips and real-world advice on smart farming!

324-Bushel Corn with Only 151 Pounds of Nitrogen? Here’s How!

Award-winning results, less nitrogen. Kelly Garrett, with agronomist Mike Evans, achieved an impressive 324 bushels per acre with just 151 pounds of applied nitrogen—earning him recognition in the National Corn Growers Association’s new Nitrogen Management Class. In this episode, they join Damian Mason to share their game-changing methodology and discuss the future of farming under increased environmental scrutiny. Discover how to optimize nitrogen use, break the over-application cycle, and boost your profitability without compromising yield. If you’re serious about sustainable and profitable farming, don’t miss this episode of Cutting The Curve!

Biological Technology for Bigger Root Mass, More Biomass, and Bigger Yields

Kelly Garrett and Temple Rhodes were both highly skeptical when they received their small plastic bags of pink powder with instructions to treat their seed corn. The pink powder was New Leaf’s bacterial technology, which is now available in products from four different companies. Kelly and Temple share  results and lessons from their trials. Both saw a yield response, more roots, and bigger biomass from using the bio stimulant. Kelly intends to use New Leaf’s biological insecticide technology on every corn acre he plants in 2025. We’re talking about biological technology that works and you’re getting the straight scoop. Give this a listen or a watch and share it with someone who can benefit from it! 

Maximizing ROI from Precision Ag Tech in the Off-Season

The off-season isn’t just about oil changes and wear part replacements anymore—technology has revolutionized winter prep for farmers. In this episode, Damian Mason is joined by Ryan Stien and Christopher Murray from John Deere to explore how farmers can maximize the return on investment (ROI) from their precision Ag technology during downtime. From software updates to ensuring machinery connectivity and optimizing data for smarter decision-making, they share practical tips and insights to help you gear up for success in the next growing season. Tune in to make the most of your precision tools year-round!

The Road to Regenerative: Why & When Change is Coming to Conventional Farming?

Conventional farming is evolving. Whether driven by regulations, financial incentives, or the undeniable benefits, many farmers are starting to adopt regenerative farming practices. In this episode, Kelly Garrett and Dr. Josh Miller dive into the why and how of this transition. They explore the tangible benefits of soil health, reduced input costs, and participation in sustainability programs, offering insights for those ready—or reluctant—to take the leap. Whether you're curious about the future of agriculture or seeking strategies for adaptation, this episode sheds light on the growing push for regenerative farming.