FEATURED EPISODE
Insights and Lessons Learned From 25 Years of Using Plant Growth Regulators
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!
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.
ALL EPISODES
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.
Cutting The Curve Podcast: Choosing the Right Lime for Your Farm
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.
Overcoming Drought and Boosting Farm Yields
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.
How Data Analytics Drives Successful Farming Decisions
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!
Making Cover Crops Work On Your Farm
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.
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.
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.
Changing Soybeans After 6 Years
After six years, Kelly Garrett is almost certain he’ll be switching from Enlist-traited soybeans to Dicamba-traited soybeans in 2024. He and agronomist Mike Wingrove discuss the reason they’re contemplating this decision. Essentially, it boils down to a herbicide resistant weed issue. Which, so far isn’t costing much of a yield drag but…why wait until it does? They share with Damian Mason how they'll make the soybean switch successful.