Podcasts

Temple Rhodes farms on Maryland’s eastern shore, operates a couple other business ventures, and he’s now contributing to XtremeAg. Throughout the season we’ll tune in to see what Mr. Rhodes is doing with fungicide treatments, seed plots, and micronutrient products to increase fertility uptake — a big issue for his geography. Because Temple farms in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, he’s under an environmental microscope. Enjoy meeting Temple and hear about how he runs his operation to “never become complacent.”

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.

Russia invaded Ukraine, global commodity markets are going crazy, supply chains continue to be disrupted, fertilizer may be unavailable, and then there are interest rate and inflation issues to sort out. In short, the world’s a volatile place. It’s normal to feel a little nervy! But what steps can each of us take to minimize stress, and even capitalize on the current volatility? Kelly Garrett discusses his strategies to profit during times of uncertainty along with Silveus Financial Risk Advisor Bryce Guse.

South Dakota farmer Lee Lubbers likes making money and he likes making his job easier. That’s why he’s excited about biological seed treatment, Nutri-Shield from Hefty Naturals — It’s easy to apply and the product got results in his first year using it. Nutri-Shield is a talc-based seed treatment providing faster emergence, increased root development, and heat stress mitigation throughout the season. The best part: It’s applied in the planter box, which means everyone can use it, not just farmers who apply in-furrow treatment. ​

Crop insurance isn’t always exciting but it can keep your farming operation profitable, or at least solvent to live for the next generation. When it comes to selecting the right crop insurance product for your operation are you asking the right questions and analyzing the pertinent parameters? Jared Clark and Bryce Guse with Silveus Financial share four things you should know before making your crop insurance decision.

Lee’s been using Heat Shield every crop year since 2016 with good results. The best part: with three options of application — seed treatment, in-furrow, or foliar — Lee likes the versatility as well as the results. What are the results, you ask? Trials show a 6 to 16 bushel corn yield bump at a cost of about 8$ per acre. Lee is joined by Hefty Naturals' Lead Agronomist Rob Fritz and Brand Manager Matt Thompson to explain the benefits of heat stress mitigation via biologicals. They also discuss handling differences between a living biological product and conventional crop chemistry.

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.

Lee Lubbers brought his notes on the lessons gleaned from last year that he thinks all of us can apply for a more prosperous 2022.

Farmers tend to focus on production, which is important but production alone won’t guarantee profitability. That’s why business-minded operators devote energy to the other sources of farm revenue — crop insurance and government programs — and integrate them with crop marketing to achieve farm profitability. Bryce Guse and Jared Clark with Silveus Financial explain.