The off-season isn’t just about oil changes and wear part replacements anymore—technology has revolutionized winter prep for farmers. In this episode, Damian Mason is joined by Ryan Stien and Christopher Murray from John Deere to explore how farmers can maximize the return on investment (ROI) from their precision Ag technology during downtime. From software updates to ensuring machinery connectivity and optimizing data for smarter decision-making, they share practical tips and insights to help y...
Jan 19, 2025•28 min
Conventional farming is evolving. Whether driven by regulations, financial incentives, or the undeniable benefits, many farmers are starting to adopt regenerative farming practices. In this episode, Kelly Garrett and Dr. Josh Miller dive into the why and how of this transition. They explore the tangible benefits of soil health , reduced input costs, and participation in sustainability programs, offering insights for those ready—or reluctant—to take the leap. Whether you're curious about the futu...
Jan 12, 2025•46 min
In this episode, Damian Mason talks to Kelly Garrett about why he’s shifting away from soybeans and committing to continuous corn on his farm. From economic advantages to agronomic challenges, Kelly breaks down his decision-making process. Joined by Clint Frese and Mike Evans of Calibrated Agronomy, the discussion dives deep into managing corn-on-corn systems—covering fodder management, soil temperature dynamics, manpower allocation, and marketing strategies. Tune in for actionable insights and ...
Jan 05, 2025•33 min
Kevin Matthews has weathered multiple economic downturns in Agriculture. What’s different about this one? He discusses that with Damian Mason in this episode of Cutting the Curve. The two “middle age farm guys" provide historical context and comparison — from the PIK program to revamping CRP, what might the USDA roll out? What tactics can farmers deploy to remain solvent in a challenging farm economy? And most importantly, is there an upside to the downturn? You bet there is!...
Dec 29, 2024•36 min
Could hiring a custom harvester transform your farming operation? Chad Olsen of Olsen Custom Farms and XtremeAg farmer Lee Lubbers share their insights with Damian Mason in this compelling episode. Chad’s team harvests crops across 17 states, using 90 combines and 80 semi trucks operated by 150 employees. Lee explains how partnering with Chad has boosted efficiency, freed up working capital, and reduced his farm’s financial strain. With on-farm economics tightening , could outsourcing your harve...
Dec 22, 2024•50 min
Farming success hinges on precision, and this episode of XtremeAg’s Cutting the Curve Podcast dives deep into the importance of getting the right source, rate, time, and place for your crops. Host Damian Mason chats with Alabama farmer Chad Henderson , who is pushing the limits with a cutting-edge trial on double crop soybeans . Joined by Drew Ewing from Spraytec, Chad breaks down the critical strategies behind product treatments—especially when time is not on your side late in the season. Disco...
Dec 15, 2024•23 min
Think wheat farming can’t be profitable? Think again. Lee Lubbers, fresh off a victory in the 2024 National Association of Wheat Growers yield competition for South Dakota, joins Damian Mason to share how he hit an incredible 138.35 bushels per acre. From evolving production practices to the strategic use of products and precise timing of applications, Lee reveals the methods behind his high ROI. Tune in for actionable insights and discover how wheat might just be your next winning crop....
Dec 08, 2024•34 min
Humidity and temperature management inside your bins are the two most critical factors to maintaining stored grain quality , but they’re hardly the only factors. Mold, toxins, foreign material, leaks, lack of air flow, damaged seed….these are but a few of the problems farmers might face when managing their grain. In this episode, host Damian Mason gets answers on how to maintain grain quality from XtremeAg’s Johnny Verell and Superior Grain’s Dave Wehlander and Rodie Jelleberg. Presented by Simo...
Dec 01, 2024•24 min
Don’t let winter weeds steal your nutrients or turn your field into a springtime nightmare. Join Damian Mason as he talks with farmer Kelly Garrett and FMC's Gail Stratman about why late fall and winter are crucial for weed management. Discover strategies to tackle winter annuals, protect your soil's productivity, and ensure cleaner fields come planting season. From targeting small weeds early to preventing massive infestations, this episode is packed with insights to keep your farm thriving yea...
Nov 24, 2024•26 min
In production agriculture, improving fertilizer efficiency is more critical than ever, with up to 90% of applied fertility feeding the soil rather than the crop. Could activated carbon be the solution? Brad Benson and Brandon Laws of Activated Carbon Technologies join Arkansas farmer Matt Miles to share results from two years of farm trials that are reshaping how we think about soil health and fertility. Hosted by Damian Mason, this episode dives into the science and strategy behind activated ca...
Nov 17, 2024•36 min
Fall is one of the busiest times of year for farmers, but it’s also prime time to gather insights that can drive next year’s success. In this episode, Kelly Garrett and FMC's Gail Stratman join Damian Mason to discuss how you can turn real-time observations during harvest into actionable plans that improve yield and profitability. What clues are your crops giving about soil balance, input needs, or even experimental techniques? Discover how to make harvest-time notes work for you, transforming f...
Nov 10, 2024•16 min
As 2024 unfolds, the agriculture industry faces what could be the start of several tough financial years, with farm economics taking a stark downward turn. For many in agriculture, the strains of high input costs, inflated machinery prices, and soaring interest rates are hitting home. What do these economic realities mean for the future of farming? And how does this period compare to previous downturns in agriculture? In this episode, seasoned farmer Matt Miles joins host Damian Mason to explore...
Nov 03, 2024•48 min
In this episode, we chat with Johnny Verell from XtremeAg, who reveals why your header transport trailer deserves more attention. Johnny shares how adding two high-speed, all-wheel-drive header trailers to his farm transformed harvest season, from speeding up field transfers to cutting down combine idle time. He also added grain tank extensions that have become a game-changer in maximizing machine efficiency. If you want to farm faster and smarter this harvest season, you won’t want to miss John...
Oct 27, 2024•22 min
You’re probably applying too much nitrogen . It’s not your fault, you -- along with most of America’s farmers — have been conditioned to do so. More “N” means more corn, so crank up the “N!” This over- application of Nitrogen is about to come to a halt as nutrient management plans are likely part of future farm legislation. With that in mind, why not cut the curve and start reducing your nitrogen spend now? In this episode Temple Rhodes shares practices he’s employed to reduce “N.” Temple shares...
Oct 21, 2024•31 min
Depending on size and age, you could have more investment in your grain set up than your machinery. But do you maintain it with the same diligence as you tend to your rolling equipment? If your grain dryer, leg, or unloading system goes down during harvest, how much time might this cost you? Superior Grain’s Dave Wehlander and Rodie Jelleberg team up with XtremeAg’s Johnny Verell to run through their pre-harvest punch list for grain storage readiness. Can you afford downtime this harvest? Watch ...
Oct 16, 2024•22 min
In this episode of Cutting the Curve, we dive into a groundbreaking fertility reduction trial conducted at Matt Miles' farm in Arkansas. Joined by Kelly Garrett from XtremeAg and AgroLiquid’s Galynn Beer and Stephanie Zelinko, the team tested different fertility prescriptions to see how low they could go while still maintaining strong yields. The surprising result? The lowest fertilizer spend delivered the second highest yield—and the highest profitability. Tune in to learn how you can adjust yo...
Oct 14, 2024•35 min
Johnny Verell is shook things up with some major planter upgrades before the 2024 season. In this episode, Johnny sits down with Damian to discuss his decision to consolidate from three 40-foot planters to two 60-foot planters, along with modifications to his 2x2 application and a shift to wider rows. Johnny shares the reasoning behind these changes and, more importantly, the results he's seeing. If you're thinking about making significant adjustments to your planting strategy, this episode is a...
Oct 07, 2024•23 min
Are you leaving money in the field? Harvest loss is a costly problem that too many farmers face, often unknowingly. Kevin Matthews believes, “There is no acceptable loss,” especially when your hard-earned yield is blowing out the back of your combine. In this episode, Kevin and Brian Robertson from Estes Performance Concaves break down the hidden losses happening at the header and inside the combine—also known as "rotor loss"—which can add up to over $8 per acre. Join host Damian Mason as they d...
Sep 30, 2024•33 min
Thinking about cutting back on dry fertilizer applications to save costs? Before you make a decision, tune in to this episode of XtremeAg’s Cutting the Curve. Host Damian Mason sits down with Kelly Garrett and Scott Lay from Agricen to explore how you can reduce your dry fertilizer usage without compromising yield or depleting your soil. Learn how treating your fertilizer can maximize its effectiveness, boost crop productivity, and even unlock sustainability benefits like lowering your carbon in...
Sep 22, 2024•27 min
Crop insurance might not be the most thrilling part of farming, but it’s crucial for long-term success and profitability. In this episode of XtremeAg's Cutting the Curve, Kelly Garrett teams up with financial advisor Jarod Creed of JC Ag Financial Services (Jarod@eliteagins.com) to break down how crop insurance and grain marketing can work hand-in-hand to safeguard your farm’s revenue—even when commodity prices fluctuate. They share proven strategies that ensure financial stability for Kelly's I...
Sep 15, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Could hidden pathogens in your soil be silently robbing your farm of yield? According to Kelly Garrett, the impact of soil-borne diseases on his farm was greater than expected after ramping up disease testing this summer. In this episode, Rebecca Helget from Integrated Ag Solutions joins PatternAg’s Mike Tweedy to explore cutting-edge advancements in soil pathogen testing and treatment. Discover how these technologies can help you reclaim lost yield and boost the health of your farm's soil. Don'...
Sep 09, 2024•36 min
There’s a fallacy still held by some farmers that fertility doesn’t work if it’s not incorporated into the soil. To that end, Damian Mason posed the question to Vern Garrett: Does tillage fix nutrient stratification? The answer from XtremeAg’s next generation farmer: “Trying to solve nutrient stratification with tillage is kind of like, you stubbed your toe and you decide to cut it off to fix it. You’re making small problem into bigger problems that are hurting you more down the line.” Tune into...
Sep 03, 2024•25 min
In this episode, Damian sits down with Jordyn Burco, a rising star in agriculture, and Mark Coots from Teva Corporation, to explore the future of farming. Jordyn shares her journey of returning to her family farm and the strides she's made over the past five years. The discussion dives deep into the challenges and opportunities of generational hand-offs, the importance of self-assessment in farming, and what the next generation of agriculture looks like. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or simpl...
Aug 26, 2024•40 min
With corn prices dipping below $4, farmers are facing unprecedented challenges. Johnny Verell, who has been trialing various corn strategies over the past five years, joins forces with Brian Adams of Volunteer Ag Service to share how Verell Farms plans to adapt and stay afloat. From innovative approaches to cost-cutting measures, they delve into the tactics that could be the key to surviving—and thriving—in an era of low commodity prices. Tune in to discover strategies that could help your farm ...
Aug 18, 2024•37 min
In this episode, Damian Mason, Chad Henderson and Kevin Matthews dive deep into the "systems approach" to production agriculture, breaking down what this approach entails, starting with the planter and in-furrow practices and carrying them all the way through to harvest. Tune in to learn how this holistic method is revolutionizing the way they manage their crops, leading to greater efficiency and higher yields. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just curious about modern agricultural practices,...
Aug 12, 2024•39 min
Matt Miles and his son Layne reveal the impressive results of their three-year trial on early-planted soybeans . Discover how their February-planted beans achieved a remarkable yield of 90 bushels per acre and learn about the benefits of early harvesting, including a positive price basis. Matt also shares exciting news about their double crop soybeans planted right after the July 22 harvest, predicted to yield 50 bpa. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in desiccation, double cro...
Jul 31, 2024•35 min
Chances are, you’re planting treated seed. But are your seeds treated with the right products to deliver you maximum yield potential? Seed treatment options have expanded tremendously, as have the quality of inputs available via treatment. XA’s Temple Rhodes, Kelly Garrett and Damian Mason join Corteva Biologicals’ Mario Carillo in a discussion about how farmers can utilize seed treatment to achieve stress reduction, pest resistance, and, ultimately, bigger yields. Presented By Simon Innovations...
Jul 25, 2024•26 min
If you’re not tissue sampling your crops now, you might as well make the jump straight to sap sampling . If you are tissue sampling, it’s time for your crop testing to evolve. That’s the general consensus from Mike Evans of Integrated Ag Solutions. Why sap rather than tissue? Because tissue sampling tells you what’s already happened in the the plant — too late for you to affect it. Sap sampling, on the other hand, informs the grower of what nutrients are, or are not, coursing through the crop’s ...
Jul 22, 2024•31 min
It’s no secret, farm revenue will be down in 2024. So, how can you keep your farm finances flush? One method: Adjust your fertility program to a “just in time” application method, saving on fertility spend while getting greater yields. Temple Rhodes explains how he’s shifting his fertility program, applying nutrients just as the plant needs them. The practice saves a little money, but more importantly, his crops benefit from the full investment in fertility. Tommy Roach joins Temple to explain t...
Jul 17, 2024•35 min•Ep. 161
In this episode, join host Damian as he dives into the world of agricultural drones with Layne Miles and his father, Matt. Discover how this dynamic duo from Arkansas is embracing cutting-edge technology to revolutionize their farming operations. From the legal hurdles to financial considerations, and the practical to the impractical applications, Layne and Matt share their insights on integrating unmanned aircraft into modern agriculture. Tune in to learn about the future of farming and how dro...
Jul 15, 2024•35 min
