XtremeAg: Cutting The Curve Podcast

The Highs And Lows of Cotton Farming

Matt Miles's father used to say, “Cotton is always looking for a reason to die.” Matt explains cotton production in the Arkansas delta — from moisture issues to managing a high maintenance crop to capitalizing (hopefully!) on record high cotton prices. As Matt explains, cotton is a high risk, high reward crop. With cotton picking equipment costing $900,000 new, it needs to be. This is XtremeAg’s first cotton-themed recording and Matt does a good job of explaining the nuances of cotton farming, which is in his heritage.
Presented by AgXplore.

Why You Shouldn’t Panic Over The Weather….Yet

At the time of recording this episode, the Midwest is cold and wet. Less than ideal conditions for sure and planting progress is considerably below average. Toss record high input prices into the mix and we have the recipe for some very stressed farmers. But Kelly Garrett says, don’t sweat it. “It’s still early and conditions aren’t right.” Kelly defies the common recommendation to hold off on soybeans and race to put your corn in the ground. Listen to his reasons why you shouldn’t panic over the weather. Yet!
Presented by Advanced Drainage Systems with support from Agricen.

Renewable Diesel: A Fuel That May Just Change Your Crop Rotation

Renewable diesel isn’t the same as biodiesel because it’s made from a variety of oil seed crops and it’s not blended with fossil fuel. Why does any of this matter to American farmers? Because renewable diesel has the potential to gobble up trainloads of soybeans, increase demand for alternative crops such as Canola and Camelina, and improve the environment. Pete Meyer, head of grain, oilseed, and advanced feedstocks analytics for S&P Global Commodity Insights discusses the potential of renewable diesel and what it may mean for farmers. So far, some of the biggest names in fossil fuels are on board.
Presented By Advanced Drainage Systems

How Precise Can You Get With Your Starter Application?

In the old days, we dribbled out fertilizer from our planters and hoped it found its way to the seed to boost early growth. Basically, as Stuart Meacham of CapstanAg says, it was a “controlled spill.” But with all the technological advancements in machinery, field mapping, and data analytics, isn’t it time for precision in-furrow fertilization? Lee Lubbers thought so, which is why he sought out CapstanAg’s Select Shot in-furrow fertility system. XtremeAg’s Lee Lubbers, Kelly Garrett, and Kevin Matthews will be running trial comparisons this season to measure fertilizer savings, analyze in-furrow fungicide application, and monitor plant and yield response.
Presented by Advanced Drainage Systems

Commodity Marketing 101

Farmers wear a lot of hats and fill a lot of roles within their operations — with production being the most important and most focused on for the majority of operators. So where does that leave marketing one’s crop on the hierarchy of priorities? And with so many variables and the degree of complexities in commodity marketing, can a farmer really be as knowledgable about marketing as he or she should be? Sean Findley and Bryce Guse commodity traders with Silveus Financial join me for a tutorial on commodity marketing. Admittedly, this may be rudimentary for some of you. If so, please pass it along to the next generation who can benefit from hearing about the fundamentals of grain marketing.
____
The risk of loss in trading futures and/or options is substantial and each investor and/or trader must consider whether this is a suitable investment. Past performance, whether actual or indicated by simulated historical tests of strategies, is not indicative of future results.

Will The World — And Your Farm — Have The Fertilizer It Needs?

Fertilizer price spikes have been the subject of much media over the past six to twelve months. But what forces are at play globally that may make the problem worse or better? Bryan Bednarek fertilizer trading expert with StoneX Financial discusses the fertilizer supply chain, pricing, and explains why he’s not concerned about facing a full blown fertilizer shortage. He’s joined by XtremeAg’s Lee Lubbers for perspective on farm-level fertilizer availability and how to be prepared for the next season.

EP#64: Electric Vehicles, Sustainable Aviation Fuel & The Future of Corn Ethanol

American farmers will plant about 90 million acres of corn in 2022. Approximately 35% of that corn will find its way to an ethanol plant. In frank terms, ethanol has been good for corn farmers. But how long will ethanol demand persist amid the proliferation of electric vehicles combined with growing sentiment opposed to ethanol? Pete Meyer, head of grain, oilseed, and advanced feedstocks analytics with S&P Global Commodity Insights discusses the future of ethanol and corn demand to explain how it will impact corn producers.
Presented by Advanced Drainage Systems

Fixing Limiting Factors By Going Back To The Basics

Kevin Matthews had been looking at soil sample results for decades before he finally realized the importance of calcium to magnesium ratios in his soils. This may seem like advanced agronomy to some but the reality is this: You can’t get to the next level of production without a firm foundation of soil basics. This is why Agroliquid created the Back2Basics educational series — so farmers can discover their next level ability by addressing the basics first. Or, as Kevin says, “fixing limiting factors in the soil begins with the basics.”

PGR’s — How They Work & Why You Should Use Them

Lee Lubbers began using Plant Growth Regulators 20 years ago, way before most conventional farmers had even heard of the product category. But PGR’s had been utilized in specialty crop production for years before Lee’s foray, which is why he brought the technology to his South Dakota operation. Today, PGR’s are standard practice at Lubbers Farms. Lee describes his results, mishaps, and outlook on plant growth hormones. He is joined by Matt Thompson of Hefty Naturals who explains modes of action and the technical aspect of this expanding crop input.
Presented by Advanced Drainage Systems

Using Drip Irrigation to Improve The Agronomics Of Your Farm

Beyond just water delivery, can an irrigation system improve your soil? Yes, as a matter of fact, it can. Drip irrigation is installed approximately 12 inches underground, where it provides critical moisture at root level, while also delivering valuable nutrients. Kelly Garrett installed drip irrigation seven years ago and has seen improved agronomics because of it. Kelly explains the versatility and benefits of drip versus traditional center pivot irrigation. He’s joined by Netafim agronomist Tim Wolf and irrigation installer Kurt Grimm, of NutraDrip, to explain the agronomic advantages of drip irrigation.
Presented by Advanced Drainage Systems