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Hosted by Damian Mason, XtremeAg’s Cutting the Curve podcast is where you’ll hear from some of America’s most innovative, yield setting, ROI driven, large-scale farmers who cut your learning curve through their experiences. The place for advice and guidance that you can apply to your farming operation immediately for bigger yields and greater success.

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Insights and Lessons Learned From 25 Years of Using Plant Growth Regulators

Insights and Lessons Learned From 25 Years of Using Plant Growth Regulators

L. Lubbers
Lee Lubbers and his brother Terry surveyed their wheat in 1998 and determined they needed stronger plants to prevent lodging. Their search for a solution took them to the specialty crop arena where they discovered plant growth regulators. At the time, PGR’s weren’t commonly used in broad acre Ag outside of cotton. Even today, applying plant hormones to crops isn’t a widespread practice. Lee and Stoller’s Dale Hanke discuss Lee’s quarter century journey with applied plant hormones. Lee shares what he’s learned, and how he’s making bigger yields via PGR’s, even after a hailstorm nearly annihilated his soybeans!

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Damian Mason

Damian Mason, Host

Damian Mason hosts XA’s “Cutting the Curve” podcast, produces informative Ag-video content, and provides personality and hosting duties at XtremeAg live events and appearances.

In addition to his work with XtremeAg, Damian speaks at Agricultural meetings throughout North America. He also produces and hosts “The Business of Agriculture” podcast, and runs the Business of Ag Success Group - a network of Ag professionals.

 

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Damian Mason

Damian Mason hosts XA’s “Cutting the Curve” podcast, produces informative Ag-video content, and provides personality and hosting duties at XtremeAg live events and appearances.

In addition to his work with XtremeAg, Damian speaks at Agricultural meetings throughout North America. He also produces and hosts “The Business of Agriculture” podcast, and runs the Business of Ag Success Group - a network of Ag professionals.

Damian is the author of multiple books. His two most recent are: “Do Business Better” and “Food Fear.” He’s also extremely active on social media and various media outlets including Fox News, NewsMax and Cheddar News spreading information and dispelling misinformation about the world’s most important industry: Agriculture.

Damian was raised on a dairy farm, owns and manages 300 acres of farm and timber land, and has a degree in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University. He also studied comedy writing and improvisation at The Second City–Chicago. When Damian isn’t on an airplane or stage, he lives with his wife, Lori, and their dogs, Jack and Rosa. They split time between their Indiana farm and a winter home in Arizona.

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Cutting The Curve Podcast: How Grain Cart Advancements Are Transforming Harvest

Cutting The Curve Podcast: How Grain Cart Advancements Are Transforming Harvest


Grain carts have evolved over the years, mostly in that they’ve become enormous. Aside from size, what else is happening with the ubiquitous implements running beside combines at harvest? Right hand discharge and dual augers are two new technologies already available. The future promises autonomous grain catchers, in-field grain reservoirs, and more. Damian talks to Demco’s Troy Woelber and Benji Vande Griend.

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Cutting The Curve Podcast: Choosing the Right Lime for Your Farm

Cutting The Curve Podcast: Choosing the Right Lime for Your Farm

K. Matthews
In this episode of Cutting The Curve, Kevin shares his experience of switching to lime sourced from coastal areas or even from out of state. Understand why simply correcting soil pH isn't enough. Learn about the crucial calcium to magnesium ratio and its effect on soil composition. Matthews Farms observed immediate improvements in their fields after this change. How can the right lime can lead to balanced soils, enhanced porosity, increased organic matter, and more efficient fertilizer use. Remember, your closest lime source is not always your best lime source.

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Overcoming Drought and Boosting Farm Yields

Overcoming Drought and Boosting Farm Yields

L. Lubbers
Lee Lubbers says farmers too often— and too early — give up on their crop. We get it. It’s hot. It’s dry. Things don’t look good and the prospect of bumping out a respectable yield seem unlikely. But, as Lee has learned, you gotta continue to round the bases even during a drought year like he just experienced. Lee explains to Damian how he’s adjusting for success in 2024 with amended practices he’s already performing.

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What agronomic adjustments can you make to improve farming outcomes for next year?

What agronomic adjustments can you make to improve farming outcomes for next year?

T. Rhodes
What agronomic adjustments can you make to create improved outcomes for next year? Analyzing your soil tests, reviewing this year’s tissue samples, and paying close attention to your lesser farm ground. Those are just a few of the many recommendations from Bert Riggan, Agronomist with Concept AgriTek. Bert is joined by XA’s Temple Rhodes to talk through adjustments to improve farming results.

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How Data Analytics Drives Successful Farming Decisions

How Data Analytics Drives Successful Farming Decisions

M. Miles
Matt Miles is opting not to plant wheat this fall for 2024 harvest. Instead, he’s opting to plant full-season soybeans this spring, which is actually late winter in the Arkansas delta. Matt is making a cropping mix change based on price, manpower, moisture management, farm cost structure, and a few other reasons. He explains to Damian the analytics that go into his cropping decisions. Are you analyzing all aspects of your farm operation and financials to make cropping decisions? This episode will help you!

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Making Cover Crops Work On Your Farm

Making Cover Crops Work On Your Farm

K. Garrett
Sometime between your crop's late reproductive stage and mid-winter, you have the opportunity to improve your soil quality and protect it from erosion by planting cover crops. Do you plant cover crops? Chances are, you don’t. Because most farm ground acres lay barren from harvest until planting. Kelly Garrett sees that as a mistake now that he’s seeing big results and financial returns after several years into his cover crop journey. Kelly is joined by Austin Tiefenthaler, a cover crop seed producer, with advice on incorporating cover crops into your operations.

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Financial Fundamentals for the Beginning Farmer

Financial Fundamentals for the Beginning Farmer


Farming is a business with high capital investment and historically low margins. Successful farming depends on more than just high yields — navigating the financial aspects of the farm is crucial, especially when the farm economy tightens.

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Member Spotlight: How Fresh Ideas Fuel First Generation Farmer James Hepp

Member Spotlight: How Fresh Ideas Fuel First Generation Farmer James Hepp


The Member Spotlight is on Iowa’s James Hepp. James — to put it lightly — isn't afraid to try new new things. He got into farming by crafting an arrangement with a retiring operator whose children wanted to retain the farm asset. James shares with Damian some financial and business tips that could help an aspiring young farmer get established.

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