XtremeAg: Cutting The Curve Podcast

Chad’s 2025 Game Plan: More Strip-Till, Smarter Seed Treatment & Better Data

Strip-till isn’t just about conservation—it’s a game-changer for nutrient availability and soil health. That’s one of Chad Henderson’s key strategies as he heads into the new season. In this episode of XtremeAg's Cutting the Curve, Chad shares why he’s doubling down on strip-till, upgrading his data collection with cost-effective tech for his equipment, and making a major shift from in-furrow application to seed treatments. His goal? Reduce labor, simplify operations, and cut costs without sacrificing performance.
If you're looking for practical ways to improve efficiency and profitability on your farm, don’t miss this insightful discussion with host Damian Mason!

Beware of “Saving” Yourself Into a Loss – Matt Miles on Fertility & Rotation Mistakes

Can cutting input costs actually cost you more in the long run? Farmer Matt Miles shares hard lessons from his 2024 season, where saving $50 per acre on potassium ended up costing him $150 per acre in lost yield. He also reveals the hidden costs of skipping crop rotation after a seven-bushel decline in non-rotated soybeans. In this episode of Cutting the Curve, Matt and host Damian Mason break down the true impact of fertility decisions and crop rotation on farm profitability. Tune in for insights to refine your farming and nutritional strategy in 2025!

Cover Crops in Corn: A Radical 2025 Farming Strategy with Kelly Garrett

In this episode of XtremeAg Cutting the Curve, host Damian Mason sits down with Kelly Garrett and TJ Kartes to discuss a bold move for 2025—interseeding cover crops into growing corn as early as June. Kelly shares the agronomic, economic, and sustainability benefits of this approach, from erosion control to carbon sequestration and livestock forage. TJ Kartes of Saddle Butte Ag breaks down the science behind selecting the right cover crop species and dispels common myths about water retention, nutrient competition, and cold climate challenges.
Tune in to hear how this strategy could reshape farming practices and improve soil health while increasing ROI. Don't miss this insightful discussion with real-world takeaways for forward-thinking farmers!

Farm Data Management: Are You Maximizing Farm Management Technology for Bigger ROI

Most farms today rely on data management software and on-implement hardware—but are you truly maximizing these tools for bigger returns and streamlined operations? In this episode, Layne Miles teams up with Ryan Stien to break down Deere’s Operations Center and how it helps Miles Farms make smarter, more profitable decisions. As Layne puts it, “If you missed the technology train, grab a cab and go catch it because the train isn’t coming back to the station.” Tune in to learn how leveraging farm data can drive efficiency, boost ROI, and future-proof your operation.

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!