XtremeAg: Cutting The Curve Podcast

Harvest Insights: Management Notes from the Combine for a Better Next Year

Fall is one of the busiest times of year for farmers, but it’s also prime time to gather insights that can drive next year’s success. In this episode, Kelly Garrett and FMC's Gail Stratman join Damian Mason to discuss how you can turn real-time observations during harvest into actionable plans that improve yield and profitability. What clues are your crops giving about soil balance, input needs, or even experimental techniques? Discover how to make harvest-time notes work for you, transforming field observations into valuable management strategies for next season’s crop. Tune in and learn how to take notes that pay off.

The Squeeze: Strategies For Surviving the Financial Squeeze in a Downward Farm Economy

As 2024 unfolds, the agriculture industry faces what could be the start of several tough financial years, with farm economics taking a stark downward turn. For many in agriculture, the strains of high input costs, inflated machinery prices, and soaring interest rates are hitting home. What do these economic realities mean for the future of farming? And how does this period compare to previous downturns in agriculture?
In this episode, seasoned farmer Matt Miles joins host Damian Mason to explore the impact of economic pressures on the ag industry. They’re also joined by Steve Acker, CFO of Concept AgriTek, who shares insights on variable pricing programs for 2025, where input prices adjust based on farmers' commodity revenue—a potential game-changer in managing costs. Tune in for a candid discussion on practical strategies, financial adjustments, and survival tactics to weather the challenges ahead.

Harvest Tools: Innovations To Gain Harvest Efficiency and Farm Faster

In this episode, we chat with Johnny Verell from XtremeAg, who reveals why your header transport trailer deserves more attention. Johnny shares how adding two high-speed, all-wheel-drive header trailers to his farm transformed harvest season, from speeding up field transfers to cutting down combine idle time. He also added grain tank extensions that have become a game-changer in maximizing machine efficiency. If you want to farm faster and smarter this harvest season, you won’t want to miss Johnny’s insights!
 
Presented by Simon Innovations

Nitrogen Problems: Are you Using More Nitrogen Than You Need?

You’re probably applying too much nitrogen. It’s not your fault, you -- along with most of America’s farmers — have been conditioned to do so. More “N” means more corn, so crank up the “N!” This over- application of Nitrogen is about to come to a halt as nutrient management plans are likely part of future farm legislation. With that in mind, why not cut the curve and start reducing your nitrogen spend now? In this episode Temple Rhodes shares practices he’s employed to reduce “N.” Temple shares results from his three year trial using Source from SoundAg that’s allowed him to reduce nitrogen application while enhancing (rather than degrading) his soil biology.
 
Presented by CLAAS
 

Grain Storage: Avoid Costly Downtime with These Expert tips

Depending on size and age, you could have more investment in your grain set up than your machinery. But do you maintain it with the same diligence as you tend to your rolling equipment? If your grain dryer, leg, or unloading system goes down during harvest, how much time might this cost you? Superior Grain’s Dave Wehlander and Rodie Jelleberg team up with XtremeAg’s Johnny Verell to run through their pre-harvest punch list for grain storage readiness. Can you afford downtime this harvest? Watch or listen to this to make sure your grain facility if fully functioning and ready to receive your bounty!
 
Presented by CLAAS

Maximize Yield with Less Fertilizer: Proven Results from Field Trials

In this episode of Cutting the Curve, we dive into a groundbreaking fertility reduction trial conducted at Matt Miles' farm in Arkansas. Joined by Kelly Garrett from XtremeAg and AgroLiquid’s Galynn Beer and Stephanie Zelinko, the team tested different fertility prescriptions to see how low they could go while still maintaining strong yields. The surprising result? The lowest fertilizer spend delivered the second highest yield—and the highest profitability. Tune in to learn how you can adjust your fertility program, especially with sub-$4 corn prices in today’s marketplace. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on farming smarter, not harder!
 
Presented by Simon Innovations

Big Planter Upgrades for Big Results: Johnny Verell Reveals The Changes He Made to His Planter in 2024 and the Results He Saw

Johnny Verell is shook things up with some major planter upgrades before the 2024 season. In this episode, Johnny sits down with Damian to discuss his decision to consolidate from three 40-foot planters to two 60-foot planters, along with modifications to his 2x2 application and a shift to wider rows. Johnny shares the reasoning behind these changes and, more importantly, the results he's seeing. If you're thinking about making significant adjustments to your planting strategy, this episode is a must-listen!
 
Presented by Simon Innovations

Rotor Loss: Combine Adjustments to Maximize Harvest Efficiency

Are you leaving money in the field? Harvest loss is a costly problem that too many farmers face, often unknowingly. Kevin Matthews believes, “There is no acceptable loss,” especially when your hard-earned yield is blowing out the back of your combine. In this episode, Kevin and Brian Robertson from Estes Performance Concaves break down the hidden losses happening at the header and inside the combine—also known as "rotor loss"—which can add up to over $8 per acre. Join host Damian Mason as they discuss practical solutions to minimize combine loss and boost your harvest profits.
 
Presented by Simon Innovations

How To Maximize Your Dry Fertilizer Efficiency Without Losing Yield

Thinking about cutting back on dry fertilizer applications to save costs? Before you make a decision, tune in to this episode of XtremeAg’s Cutting the Curve. Host Damian Mason sits down with Kelly Garrett and Scott Lay from Agricen to explore how you can reduce your dry fertilizer usage without compromising yield or depleting your soil. Learn how treating your fertilizer can maximize its effectiveness, boost crop productivity, and even unlock sustainability benefits like lowering your carbon intensity score. Discover how to make the most of your fertilizer investment while staying sustainable!
 
Presented by Simon Innovations

Securing Farm Revenue with Crop Insurance: A No-Nonsense Guide

Crop insurance might not be the most thrilling part of farming, but it’s crucial for long-term success and profitability. In this episode of XtremeAg's Cutting the Curve, Kelly Garrett teams up with financial advisor Jarod Creed of JC Ag Financial Services (Jarod@eliteagins.com) to break down how crop insurance and grain marketing can work hand-in-hand to safeguard your farm’s revenue—even when commodity prices fluctuate. They share proven strategies that ensure financial stability for Kelly's Iowa farm, and how you can apply these tactics to your operation. It’s not flashy, but it's all about keeping your farm in the green. Don’t miss this essential conversation!  
 
Presented by Simon Innovations