Matt Miles's father used to say, “Cotton is always looking for a reason to die.” Matt explains cotton production in the Arkansas delta — from moisture issues to managing a high maintenance crop to capitalizing (hopefully!) on record high cotton prices. As Matt explains, cotton is a high risk, high reward crop. With cotton picking equipment costing $900,000 new, it needs to be. This is XtremeAg’s first cotton-themed recording and Matt does a good job of explaining the nuances of cotton farming, w...
May 13, 2022•35 min
At the time of recording this episode, the Midwest is cold and wet. Less than ideal conditions for sure and planting progress is considerably below average. Toss record high input prices into the mix and we have the recipe for some very stressed farmers. But Kelly Garrett says, don’t sweat it. “It’s still early and conditions aren’t right.” Kelly defies the common recommendation to hold off on soybeans and race to put your corn in the ground. Listen to his reasons why you shouldn’t panic over th...
May 06, 2022•28 min
Renewable diesel isn’t the same as biodiesel because it’s made from a variety of oil seed crops and it’s not blended with fossil fuel. Why does any of this matter to American farmers? Because renewable diesel has the potential to gobble up trainloads of soybeans, increase demand for alternative crops such as Canola and Camelina, and improve the environment. Pete Meyer, head of grain, oilseed, and advanced feedstocks analytics for S&P Global Commodity Insights discusses the potential of renew...
May 02, 2022•34 min
In the old days, we dribbled out fertilizer from our planters and hoped it found its way to the seed to boost early growth. Basically, as Stuart Meacham of CapstanAg says, it was a “controlled spill.” But with all the technological advancements in machinery, field mapping, and data analytics, isn’t it time for precision in-furrow fertilization? Lee Lubbers thought so, which is why he sought out CapstanAg’s Select Shot in-furrow fertility system. XtremeAg’s Lee Lubbers, Kelly Garrett, and Kevin M...
Apr 25, 2022•30 min
Farmers wear a lot of hats and fill a lot of roles within their operations — with production being the most important and most focused on for the majority of operators. So where does that leave marketing one’s crop on the hierarchy of priorities? And with so many variables and the degree of complexities in commodity marketing, can a farmer really be as knowledgable about marketing as he or she should be? Sean Findley and Bryce Guse commodity traders with Silveus Financial join me for a tutorial ...
Apr 21, 2022•43 min
Fertilizer price spikes have been the subject of much media over the past six to twelve months. But what forces are at play globally that may make the problem worse or better? Bryan Bednarek fertilizer trading expert with StoneX Financial discusses the fertilizer supply chain, pricing, and explains why he’s not concerned about facing a full blown fertilizer shortage. He’s joined by XtremeAg’s Lee Lubbers for perspective on farm-level fertilizer availability and how to be prepared for the next se...
Apr 20, 2022•43 min
American farmers will plant about 90 million acres of corn in 2022. Approximately 35% of that corn will find its way to an ethanol plant. In frank terms, ethanol has been good for corn farmers. But how long will ethanol demand persist amid the proliferation of electric vehicles combined with growing sentiment opposed to ethanol? Pete Meyer, head of grain, oilseed, and advanced feedstocks analytics with S&P Global Commodity Insights discusses the future of ethanol and corn demand to explain h...
Apr 13, 2022•35 min
Kevin Matthews had been looking at soil sample results for decades before he finally realized the importance of calcium to magnesium ratios in his soils. This may seem like advanced agronomy to some but the reality is this: You can’t get to the next level of production without a firm foundation of soil basics. This is why Agroliquid created the Back2Basics educational series — so farmers can discover their next level ability by addressing the basics first. Or, as Kevin says, “fixing limiting fac...
Apr 07, 2022•34 min
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 ...
Mar 30, 2022•34 min
Beyond just water delivery, can an irrigation system improve your soil? Yes, as a matter of fact, it can. Drip irrigation is installed approximately 12 inches underground, where it provides critical moisture at root level, while also delivering valuable nutrients. Kelly Garrett installed drip irrigation seven years ago and has seen improved agronomics because of it. Kelly explains the versatility and benefits of drip versus traditional center pivot irrigation. He’s joined by Netafim agronomist T...
Mar 24, 2022•15 min
Don’t tell your seed sales representative but...triple stack corn isn’t doing the job it once did. If you’re paying a premium for seed traits that aren’t giving you much return, it’s time to change your strategy. That’s what Iowa producer Kelly Garrett is doing — switching to more conventional (and less expensive!) seed corn while opting for in-furrow yield enhancement instead. Last year’s trial netted Mr. Garrett $100 more per acre using Ethos — an insecticide containing a biological fungicide....
Mar 21, 2022•18 min
Tile drainage isn’t really tile — it’s corrugated, perforated, plastic pipe. Maybe you know that or maybe the concept of subsurface farm drainage is new to you. Either way, you should listen to this two-part episode about the benefits and payoffs of tile drainage. Tile drainage is water management and it is good for the environment, your soil, and your bottom line. Lee Lubbers says tile drainage is a triple payoff through appreciation, depreciation, and asset improvement! Lee is joined by Chad H...
Mar 16, 2022•48 min
Farming is a business as well as a lifestyle. Fact: if you don’t operate your farm as the business it is, there will be no lifestyle. Jared Clark, CEO of Silveus Financial explains how to protect profits and make more money off your crop insurance by integrating it with commodity marketing. In a year like 2022 is shaping up to be — with escalating commodity prices and solid demand — you might be tempted to overlook crop insurance and simply swing for the fences. Jared explains why that’s likely ...
Mar 07, 2022•41 min
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...
Mar 02, 2022•40 min
Tile drainage isn’t really tile — it’s corrugated, perforated, plastic pipe. Maybe you know that or maybe the concept of subsurface farm drainage is new to you. Either way, you should listen to this two-part episode about the benefits and payoffs of tile drainage. Tile drainage is water management and it is good for the environment, your soil, and your bottom line. Lee Lubbers says tile drainage is a triple payoff through appreciation, depreciation, and asset improvement! Lee is joined by Chad H...
Mar 01, 2022•37 min
In 2021 FMC launched Xyway, a systemic fungicide engineered to be applied at planting as a tank mix with starter fertilizer. 95% of the farms that used the product saw great results. But those farmers who applied Xyway in-furrow, especially in cool, damp soil, experienced germination issues. Iowa farmer, Kelly Garrett, having heard of this potential issue through XtremeAg users, opted for a 2x2 application (2 inches deep and 2 inches away from the seed bed). His farm saw a 26 bushel yield bump u...
Feb 25, 2022•27 min
Cotton prices are good, at the moment. Which means, as a cotton producer, you could make a few bad decisions and still be profitable. But that’s the path to take for long-term success. Arkansas cotton producer Matt Miles joins the guys from Silveus Financial to discuss cotton strategy heading into 2022. With input prices skyrocketing and the price of a cotton harvester pegged around $800,000, there’s plenty at stake. This is why you need a good plan and solid partnerships to capitalize on high c...
Feb 21, 2022•32 min
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 farmer...
Feb 16, 2022•36 min
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. Presented by Silveus Financial The risk of loss in trading futures and/or opt...
Feb 14, 2022•29 min
Robb Dedman was sitting in an Ag conference when he heard a presenter explaining how a product could increase phosphorous uptake in corn. As the crop consultant and biz partner to Matt Miles, Robb had been noticing that very problem at Miles Farms: The soil held ample “P” yet the crop tissue samples showed a deficiency. So, Mr. Dedman went on a search and discovery mission. He found a company named AgrotechUSA and conducted trials last year with their NutriCharge product, which increases phospho...
Feb 11, 2022•34 min
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 h...
Feb 01, 2022•37 min
Crop production presents a lot of challenges and dozens of variables. When a crop fails, or underperforms, you have to put on your detective hat to go about finding out what happened. Was it soil condition, fertility, water, the wrong input, seed germination issues? What if, as it turns out, it’s none of those things? Iowa farmer Kelly Garrett joins Tommy Roach, VP of technical services for NACHURS to discuss their detective strategy when investigating a crop problem and what they found — someti...
Jan 26, 2022•16 min
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. That is, unless the weather throws him a curve ball this spring. Chad explains the reasons and experiences ...
Jan 22, 2022•31 min
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. Lee shares: - Experiences working with NRCS for an 1,100 acre drainage project. - The importance of soil fertility during a drought. - The value of advanced planning. - Why money management is crucial to longevity. - How interaction with your family’s next generation can be instructive as well as satisfying. Presented by Advanced Drainage Systems
Jan 21, 2022•31 min
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. Presented by Silveus Financial The risk of loss in trading futures and/or options is substantial and each investor and/or trader mus...
Jan 20, 2022•38 min
Fertilizer and diesel prices are up considerably. Meanwhile farms are under increasing environmental pressure. These forces combine to create a real opportunity for manure utilization via drip irrigation. Drip irrigation, as we’ve discussed in previous episodes, is a more efficient means of delivering moisture to your crop. But drip is also a very effective means of nutrient management which saves time, machinery hours, and diesel all while eliminating the soil compaction common with manure appl...
Jan 18, 2022•42 min
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. Prese...
Jan 12, 2022•31 min
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!
Jan 10, 2022•31 min
It’s the end of the year and the farm belt has made money. That means farmers will be at the implement dealer's counter, checkbook in hand, ready to get money off their books, right? Well, maybe, but not for Lee Lubbers. Mr. Lubbers shares tax strategy and how Lubbers Farms goes about making machinery and tax decisions on their operation. They don’t make any rash purchase decisions at new year’s time or solely based on the prior year’s profitability. The biggest tax management decision the Lubbe...
Jan 03, 2022•40 min
Fertilizer prices are up dramatically heading into 2022. You’re likely already familiar with that fact. But are you familiar with the range of alternatives you can employ to decrease your fertilizer input costs while still maintaining fertility levels in your soil? Kevin Matthews discusses alternatives from chicken litter to biologicals to less popular fertilizer products that’ll give you the nutrients you need without breaking the bank. The best part: you’ll still get a big crop and a profitabl...
Dec 27, 2021•28 min
