Equipment

There’s a lot to consider heading into any new crop year but especially as we prepare for 2022 with record run-ups in input prices, lack of input inventory, Covid marketplace impacts, and uncertainty. One consideration always in play is whether or not to alter the crop rotation. XtremeAg farmer, Chad Henderson explains why he’s staying the course in 2022 with his usual crop acreage splits.

Winter is a good time to reflect back on what the prior farming season taught us and how we can apply those lessons for success in the new year. Alabama farm operator and XtremeAg co-founder Chad Henderson discusses some of his 2021 investments and ventures. He also covers the business and personal lessons he’s applying for a more prosperous 2022. From installing drainage (for the first time!), to practicing patience as a manager, Chad has plenty of lessons to share from the year that was.

Kevin Matthews is always looking for a way to improve upon how he does what he does on his North Carolina farming operation. In 2021 he implemented changes in how he plants, how he sprays, and how he harvests. Looking ahead to crop year 2022, he discusses how he’ll perfect his newly implemented changes. Remember, if you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten. And that simply won’t do for an XtremeAg producer!

Kelly talks with Netafim's Tim Wolf about how his entire perspective on soil health, nutrients, fertility and biologicals has changed over the last 5 years since first installing drip irrigation on his farm. More than just water, Kelly has used the system to alter PH and improve the soil environment dramatically. The results show in the higher yields he has attained since installing his systems.

Dan talks with Jeff from North Central Irrigation, the local Valley Irrigation dealership, about the new technology that will be on his pivot. Valley Insights uses cameras that are mounted on the pivot to monitor crop progress, pests and disease.

Dan is replacing his old pivot with a new pivot irrigation system from Valley Irrigation. Dan speaks with Jeff from North Central Irrigation about some of the more interesting features on his new pivot system, including Valley's Precision Corner technology and the Valley Insights camera system.

Kevin takes a break from the planting action to give members a tour of his tender trailer set up and explains the strategy behind the design and placement of each component. He knows first hand that a more efficient tender trailer results in a more efficient planting season.

Kevin is taking on his drainage issues with a new installation of drain tile from ADS (Advanced Drainage Systems). In this video, he shows a new slit design of drainage tile that eliminates the need for using a sock to keep fines from clogging the pipe.

Kelly Garrett talks about the Hefty soybean varieties and maturity levels he is planting this month and the various BASF seed treatments that he is excited to try this year including Obvius Plus disease protection and Flo Rite, a new polymer treatment that aims to increase drop accuracy and improve overall plantability with optimized stand counts. Kelly also talks about key learnings as it relates to soybean populations and managing skips and doubles.