Claim OwnershipXtremeAg: Cutting The Curve Podcast
Subscribed: 46Played: 3,221
Subscribe
© Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Description
XtremeAg’s Cutting the Curve Podcast, one of the best farming podcasts in America, hosted by Damian Mason. In each episode, top American farmers share their proven strategies for boosting crop yields and improving farm ROI. Learn from farming experts who provide tips on regenerative agriculture, new farm equipment, fertilizer recommendations, agronomy and farm efficiency. Whether you want to improve your crop yield for corn or soybeans, explore sustainable farming practices, or optimize your nutrient management, the Cutting the Curve Podcast delivers insights you can apply to your farming operation today. Stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of agriculture. https://www.xtremeag.farm/podcasts
381 Episodes
Reverse
In this special "Next Generation" episode of Cutting the Curve, the XtremeAg team dives deep into how artificial intelligence (AI) and rapid tech advancements are reshaping agriculture. A roundtable of second-generation farmers—including Jackson Henderson, Layne Miles, Danielle Venable, Alexander Evans, Caleb Coots, and Connor Garrett—discusses the real-world implications of AI in ag operations, from data management and soil recommendations to autonomous equipment and drone scouting. While many acknowledge the potential of AI to enhance efficiency, optimize chemical applications, and reduce labor, they also express concerns about overreliance, information overload, and the risk of diminishing human skill sets. Key takeaways include the need for balanced adoption, integration challenges, and the importance of maintaining agronomic expertise alongside new technologies.
In this episode of XtremeAg’s Cutting the Curve, host Damian Mason is joined by Arkansas farmer Matt Miles and Brian Strider of Holganix for a reflective conversation on the deeper meaning of modern farming. The discussion emphasizes farming with purpose—balancing profitability with long-term soil health, family legacy, and sustainable agronomic practices. Miles shares the generational story of his family farm and the steps he’s taking to prepare the next generation, while Strider highlights the value of biologicals and reducing synthetic inputs. Together, they explore how stewardship, education, and innovation are shaping the future of agriculture.
Presented by BASF
This XtremeAg Cutting the Curve episode, hosted by Damian Mason, explores nitrogen use efficiency from agronomic, economic, and environmental perspectives. Kelly Garrett shares how his farm reduces synthetic nitrogen inputs by leveraging soil mineralization and testing, while Scott Lay of Agricen discusses how N-Finity, a biological nitrogen efficiency tool, enhances soil performance through three key modes of action: mineralization, atmospheric nitrogen fixation, and microbial recruitment. Trial results across multiple XtremeAg farms—including those of Kevin Matthews, Chad Henderson, Matt Miles, and Johnny Verell—demonstrate consistent yields with significantly reduced nitrogen use. The episode highlights improved ROI, potential for carbon credits, and the need to proactively adapt to evolving regulatory expectations.
Presented by BASF
In this episode of Cutting the Curve, the XtremeAg team dives into the “Economic Fertility Challenge” focused on growing 100-bushel soybeans using only $50 worth of post-applied fertility products. With fertility prescriptions designed by XtremeAg members and applied across irrigated and double-crop soybean plots in North Carolina, the challenge tests practical ROI strategies under varying field conditions. Participants include Kevin Matthews, Chad Henderson, Johnny Verell, Stephanie Zelinko, and Gabe Saxon. The discussion explores nutrient timing, input efficiency, crop yield environments, and data-driven decision-making to help growers optimize fertility spend without compromising performance.
This episode of Cutting the Curve explores the persistent challenges and emerging solutions in nitrogen management for row crop producers. Host Damian Mason is joined by Trey Cutts and Galynn Beer from Tidal Grow to discuss how traditional practices like fall-applied anhydrous ammonia contribute to nitrogen inefficiency and loss. They introduce AlignN, a foliar-applied nitrogen technology designed to improve timing, uptake efficiency, and flexibility. Backed by field trials—including at Mason's own farm—AlignN offers a practical tool to align nitrogen delivery with crop demand, reduce overall application rates, and enhance ROI, particularly in a volatile economic environment.
Presented by BASF
In this episode of Cutting the Curve, northern Illinois farmer Grant Strom discusses the practical evolution of his residue management system aimed at improving soil biology and planting conditions. Strom outlines his farm’s transition from conventional tillage to reduced-till and no-till practices, driven by the challenges of managing high volumes of crop residue from higher-yielding varieties. He emphasizes the role of biological products—specifically Holganix Bio 800+ Thrive—in breaking down residue without the need for aggressive tillage. Strom details how timing, temperature, and moisture affect residue decomposition and describes measurable improvements in soil structure, microbial balance, and long-term field performance after implementing the biological program. His insights offer data-backed guidance on managing tough residue, optimizing nutrient cycling, and enhancing overall soil health without compromising yields.
Presented by BASF
In this episode of Cutting the Curve, XtremeAg farmers Kelly Garrett, Matt Miles, and Johnny Verell—alongside AgroLiquid’s Stephanie Zelinko and Aarron Stahl—discuss the Economic Fertility Challenge focused on growing high-yield corn with a constrained post-applied fertility budget of $60 per acre. Each farmer approached the challenge differently: Kelly emphasized micronutrient balance guided by SAP testing; Johnny opted for higher volume of core nutrients like phosphorus, calcium, and sulfur; and Matt took a hybrid strategy. Results from past trials showed significant overapplication of nitrogen with little return, prompting a shift toward precision nutrient management using data from SAP and tissue sampling. The discussion highlights the importance of applying the right nutrients, in the right quantities, at the right time—especially under tight commodity pricing. The episode underscores the value of site-specific research, cost-efficiency, and leveraging biologicals and micros for improved ROI in corn production.
In this episode of XtremeAg Cutting the Curve, Johnny Verell and Rodie Jelleberg of Superior Grain Equipment explain how to adapt grain drying systems for wheat, barley, and canola amid high humidity and persistent rain. Verell details how his western Tennessee operation dried two-thirds of their wheat crop to preserve test weight, prevent dockage, and plant double-crop soybeans earlier. Jelleberg offers insight from the Upper Midwest, where growers are modifying standard setups to dry cereal grains due to disease pressure and late-season storms. The conversation highlights efficient low-temperature drying, cost control, and the versatility of modern mix-flow systems in protecting grain quality under challenging harvest conditions.
Presented by BASF.
In this episode of Cutting the Curve, host Damian Mason discusses real-world applications of soil moisture and weather monitoring technology with Jacob Appleberry of Live Oak Agronomy and Nick Emanuel, founder of CropMetrics and now with CropX. The episode focuses on integrated soil sensors and weather stations used across 18,000 acres, providing key insights into irrigation timing, fertility planning, and root development. Appleberry shares his firsthand experience deploying over 20 sensors on irrigated and dryland farms, including work with XtremeAg’s Matt Miles. Emanuel explains how the CropX platform combines hardware and AI-powered software to simplify decision-making and improve ROI. Whether managing limited water resources or planning early-season fertility, the technology helps farmers make precise, data-driven choices that optimize inputs and protect profitability.
Special thanks to the people at BASF for sponsoring The Cutting The Curve Podcast.
In this episode of XtremeAg’s Cutting The Curve, host Damian Mason is joined by Randy Coffee and Trevor Van Loo of Superior Grain Equipment to explore the economics and strategy behind expanding or upgrading on-farm grain systems. They address the growing need for storage driven by increasing yields and limited commercial capacity, even amid low commodity prices. The discussion highlights opportunities to offset investment costs through USDA and FSA loan programs, energy efficiency grants, and smart system design. Efficiency gains from faster unloading, labor reduction, and optimized harvest timing are emphasized. The episode also identifies common pitfalls—such as undersized dryers, sentimental retention of outdated bins, and poor site layout—and provides guidance on planning scalable, future-ready infrastructure. Farmers are encouraged to approach grain system design as a long-term capital investment that pays off in operational efficiency and harvest flexibility.
Presented by BASF
In this episode of the Cutting The Curve farming podcast, Chad Henderson and Chase Garner share how to reduce spray water volume without losing coverage or control. By combining water pH adjustment, optimized chemistry, and adjuvant use with crop oil, they achieve low GPA spraying of just 3–6 gallons per acre instead of the traditional 15–20. They explain nozzle selection tips, spray pressure management between 20–28 PSI, and droplet size optimization to ensure consistent weed kill and avoid oil-water separation. The approach improves spray application efficiency, reduces machine hours, and increases acres per load, all while maintaining herbicide performance and lowering fuel use.
In this episode of Cutting The Curve, the XtremeAg team takes on the challenge of how to grow wheat for just $30 per acre—without giving up yield or quality. Hosted by Damian Mason, the discussion features AgroLiquid’s Stephanie Zelinko and Gabe Saxon, along with farmers Kelly Garrett, Temple Rhodes, and Johnny Verell. Their goal? Reach 120-bushel yields while maximizing efficiency.
You'll hear how these growers used late-season foliar feeding, nutrient balance, and targeted nitrogen management to enhance both grain fill and protein—while staying under budget. Kelly Garrett shares a standout result: wheat tested at sub-0.4% vomitoxin, compared to widespread 2%+ levels in the region.
This episode is packed with takeaways for growers facing input cost pressures and market volatility. If you're serious about increasing ROI and grow big wheat yields efficiently, this one’s a must-listen.
This episode of the Cutting The Curve farming podcast features Damian Mason and Chad Henderson in a forward-looking discussion on the future of farming. They examine how agriculture can solve its recruitment challenges, engage youth in ag, and remain culturally relevant in an era of rapid change. Highlighting Gen Z farming values, social media in farming, and succession concerns, the episode offers strategies to build sustainable ag talent and enhance industry image. If you’re navigating ag labor sustainability or planning for long-term viability, this is a must-listen.
This episode is presented by Teva Corporation
Host Damian Mason is joined by Sam Coutu to preview the upcoming Quebec field day focused on corn yield trials.
This episode breaks down how real-world, field-proven strategies are tested: skip row versus traditional corn planting, high vs. low population density, soybean fertility management, and the impact of late planting. By leveraging soil test data and cross-regional collaboration with U.S. XtremeAg members, Sam structures agronomic programs that deliver transparent results and actionable insights.
Farmers will learn how side-by-side trials and open, bilingual field panels offer both increased yield and cost-effective fertility options, especially valuable in today’s uncertain ag economy. Key topics include managing input availability, reducing population and weather risks, and making smarter seed and fertility choices. Benefit from real farm insights, data-driven decisions, and access to equipment and local dealers. If you want to optimize yield and ROI while seeing what actually works (and what doesn’t), this episode and the event are essential.
In this special edition of Cutting The Curve, the farming podcast previews Johnny Verell's upcoming 2025 field day in Jackson, TN.
Verell breaks down how he’s using nitrogen reduction strategies and corn variety trials to manage input costs while improving return per acre. With a focus on planting population trials, biological integration, and drone application in ag, he explains the benefits of split nitrogen use, hybrid-by-zone planning, and See & Spray precision.
Listeners will take away insights into reducing fertilizer costs, improving hybrid ROI, and tackling field variability with a data-driven mindset.
This episode of the Cutting The Curve – farming podcast features Texas farmer Todd Kimbrell and his game-changing pivot into sesame farming. Learn how Kimbrell diversified with 1,500 acres of sesame using a specialty contract model that includes Act of God protection and logistical support. With no fertilizer and minimal inputs, he’s seeing $100+/acre returns on fields that used to sit idle after wheat harvest. Discover how dryland crop options, contract farming models, and low-input systems can drive high ROI potential, maximize idle land use, and reduce farm risk in today’s tight-margin ag economy.
Presented by Nachurs
This episode of "Cutting the Curve" focuses on the critical role of calcium in crop health and nutrient uptake. Agronomic expert Tommy Roach and farmer Kelly Garrett discuss how calcium, often misclassified and overlooked in row crop management, is essential for cell strength, nitrogen uptake, and overall yield. Despite soil containing adequate levels, calcium's availability and mobility to the plant are limited due to its double positive charge and mass flow dependency, especially under drought conditions. Garrett outlines a comprehensive multi-pass application strategy using both in-furrow and foliar methods, often up to five times per season, emphasizing the use of calcium acetate and proper nutrient pairing - such as boron - to enhance uptake. They advocate for reallocating nutrient budgets to focus on micronutrient balance, supported by real-world results from SAP and tissue testing showing increased ROI and yield improvements.
Presented by Nachurs.
In this episode of the Cutting The Curve Farming Podcast, Damian Mason and Kelly Garrett talk with Farm Weird founder Jason Mauck of Gaston, Indiana, about his innovative relay cropping system that grows wheat and soybeans together for 80–90 days. Jason seeds ultra-early wheat in 45″ bands at low rates (300–400K seeds/acre), creating windbreaks and conserving moisture. Soybeans are planted in between at about 160K seeds/acre, with canopy closure by mid-May for effective weed suppression. A single early herbicide pass suffices. This approach reduces seed, herbicide, and fertilizer inputs while improving soil health, moisture retention, and profitability—often surpassing corn in return. Jason shares his vision for relay cropping with corn, cattle, and other systems.
Presented by Nachurs.
This episode of the Cutting The Curve – Kelly Garrett and Mike Evans preview Field Day 2025, revealing how SAP testing enables early detection of nutrient needs, helping farmers stay ahead of stress symptoms and make real-time soil fertility management decisions. By focusing on nitrogen assimilation, cover crops, and balanced nutrition, Kelly and Mike demonstrate how data-driven farming leads to measurable improvements...
This episode is presented by Nachurs
This episode of the Cutting The Curve – farming podcast tackles Yield Management in Extreme Conditions.
With fields underwater and replanting happening twice in some cases, Johnny Verell and Brian Adams break down the agronomic decisions they’re making to rescue yield in a season defined by delays. Listeners will gain insights on fertility management, crop planning, and how to build spring resilience through yield protection tactics. From SAP testing to cotton risk management, this one’s packed with wet-season strategy.
Presented by Nachurs
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States
what is the name of the planter box treatment he likes?