XtremeAg: Cutting The Curve Podcast

Farming Podcast | Drying Wheat and Barley Efficiently in Wet Harvest Conditions

In this episode of XtremeAg Cutting the Curve, Johnny Verell and Rodie Jelleberg of Superior Grain Equipment explain how to adapt grain drying systems for wheat, barley, and canola amid high humidity and persistent rain. Verell details how his western Tennessee operation dried two-thirds of their wheat crop to preserve test weight, prevent dockage, and plant double-crop soybeans earlier. Jelleberg offers insight from the Upper Midwest, where growers are modifying standard setups to dry cereal grains due to disease pressure and late-season storms. The conversation highlights efficient low-temperature drying, cost control, and the versatility of modern mix-flow systems in protecting grain quality under challenging harvest conditions.
 
Presented by BASF.

Farming Podcast | Are Soil Sensors Worth The Investment? | XtremeAg

In this episode of Cutting the Curve, host Damian Mason discusses real-world applications of soil moisture and weather monitoring technology with Jacob Appleberry of Live Oak Agronomy and Nick Emanuel, founder of CropMetrics and now with CropX. The episode focuses on integrated soil sensors and weather stations used across 18,000 acres, providing key insights into irrigation timing, fertility planning, and root development. Appleberry shares his firsthand experience deploying over 20 sensors on irrigated and dryland farms, including work with XtremeAg’s Matt Miles. Emanuel explains how the CropX platform combines hardware and AI-powered software to simplify decision-making and improve ROI. Whether managing limited water resources or planning early-season fertility, the technology helps farmers make precise, data-driven choices that optimize inputs and protect profitability.
 
Special thanks to the people at BASF for sponsoring The Cutting The Curve Podcast.

Farming Podcast | Grain System Expansion Strategies | XtremeAg

In this episode of XtremeAg’s Cutting The Curve, host Damian Mason is joined by Randy Coffee and Trevor Van Loo of Superior Grain Equipment to explore the economics and strategy behind expanding or upgrading on-farm grain systems. They address the growing need for storage driven by increasing yields and limited commercial capacity, even amid low commodity prices. The discussion highlights opportunities to offset investment costs through USDA and FSA loan programs, energy efficiency grants, and smart system design. Efficiency gains from faster unloading, labor reduction, and optimized harvest timing are emphasized. The episode also identifies common pitfalls—such as undersized dryers, sentimental retention of outdated bins, and poor site layout—and provides guidance on planning scalable, future-ready infrastructure. Farmers are encouraged to approach grain system design as a long-term capital investment that pays off in operational efficiency and harvest flexibility.
 
Presented by BASF

Farming Podcast | Low-Volume Spray Efficiency | XtremeAg

In this episode of the Cutting The Curve farming podcast, Chad Henderson and Chase Garner share how to reduce spray water volume without losing coverage or control. By combining water pH adjustment, optimized chemistry, and adjuvant use with crop oil, they achieve low GPA spraying of just 3–6 gallons per acre instead of the traditional 15–20. They explain nozzle selection tips, spray pressure management between 20–28 PSI, and droplet size optimization to ensure consistent weed kill and avoid oil-water separation. The approach improves spray application efficiency, reduces machine hours, and increases acres per load, all while maintaining herbicide performance and lowering fuel use.

Farming Podcast | How To Grow Big Wheat For Under $30 Per Acre

In this episode of Cutting The Curve, the XtremeAg team takes on the challenge of how to grow wheat for just $30 per acre—without giving up yield or quality. Hosted by Damian Mason, the discussion features AgroLiquid’s Stephanie Zelinko and Gabe Saxon, along with farmers Kelly Garrett, Temple Rhodes, and Johnny Verell. Their goal? Reach 120-bushel yields while maximizing efficiency.
You'll hear how these growers used late-season foliar feeding, nutrient balance, and targeted nitrogen management to enhance both grain fill and protein—while staying under budget. Kelly Garrett shares a standout result: wheat tested at sub-0.4% vomitoxin, compared to widespread 2%+ levels in the region.
This episode is packed with takeaways for growers facing input cost pressures and market volatility. If you're serious about increasing ROI and grow big wheat yields efficiently, this one’s a must-listen.
 
 
 

Farming Podcast | Is Agriculture Cool? | XtremeAg

This episode of the Cutting The Curve farming podcast features Damian Mason and Chad Henderson in a forward-looking discussion on the future of farming. They examine how agriculture can solve its recruitment challenges, engage youth in ag, and remain culturally relevant in an era of rapid change. Highlighting Gen Z farming values, social media in farming, and succession concerns, the episode offers strategies to build sustainable ag talent and enhance industry image. If you’re navigating ag labor sustainability or planning for long-term viability, this is a must-listen.
 
This episode is presented by Teva Corporation

Farming Podcast | Quebec Field Day Preview: Skip Row Corn & Yield Trials

Host Damian Mason is joined by Sam Coutu to preview the upcoming Quebec field day focused on corn yield trials. This episode breaks down how real-world, field-proven strategies are tested: skip row versus traditional corn planting, high vs. low population density, soybean fertility management, and the impact of late planting. By leveraging soil test data and cross-regional collaboration with U.S. XtremeAg members, Sam structures agronomic programs that deliver transparent results and actionable insights.
Farmers will learn how side-by-side trials and open, bilingual field panels offer both increased yield and cost-effective fertility options, especially valuable in today’s uncertain ag economy. Key topics include managing input availability, reducing population and weather risks, and making smarter seed and fertility choices. Benefit from real farm insights, data-driven decisions, and access to equipment and local dealers. If you want to optimize yield and ROI while seeing what actually works (and what doesn’t), this episode and the event are essential.

Farming Podcast | Nitrogen Reduction & Pop Trials | XtremeAg

In this special edition of Cutting The Curve, the farming podcast previews Johnny Verell's upcoming 2025 field day in Jackson, TN. Verell breaks down how he’s using nitrogen reduction strategies and corn variety trials to manage input costs while improving return per acre. With a focus on planting population trials, biological integration, and drone application in ag, he explains the benefits of split nitrogen use, hybrid-by-zone planning, and See & Spray precision. Listeners will take away insights into reducing fertilizer costs, improving hybrid ROI, and tackling field variability with a data-driven mindset.

Farming Podcast | Specialty Crop Contracts With Sesame | XtremeAg

This episode of the Cutting The Curve – farming podcast features Texas farmer Todd Kimbrell and his game-changing pivot into sesame farming. Learn how Kimbrell diversified with 1,500 acres of sesame using a specialty contract model that includes Act of God protection and logistical support. With no fertilizer and minimal inputs, he’s seeing $100+/acre returns on fields that used to sit idle after wheat harvest. Discover how dryland crop options, contract farming models, and low-input systems can drive high ROI potential, maximize idle land use, and reduce farm risk in today’s tight-margin ag economy.
 
Presented by Nachurs

Farming Podcast | Calcium Deficiency in Crops | XtremeAg

This episode of "Cutting the Curve" focuses on the critical role of calcium in crop health and nutrient uptake. Agronomic expert Tommy Roach and farmer Kelly Garrett discuss how calcium, often misclassified and overlooked in row crop management, is essential for cell strength, nitrogen uptake, and overall yield. Despite soil containing adequate levels, calcium's availability and mobility to the plant are limited due to its double positive charge and mass flow dependency, especially under drought conditions. Garrett outlines a comprehensive multi-pass application strategy using both in-furrow and foliar methods, often up to five times per season, emphasizing the use of calcium acetate and proper nutrient pairing - such as boron - to enhance uptake. They advocate for reallocating nutrient budgets to focus on micronutrient balance, supported by real-world results from SAP and tissue testing showing increased ROI and yield improvements.
 
Presented by Nachurs.