When helping growers establish successful agronomy programs on their farms, it's important to be authentic. To be a good listener. And to provide added value beyond a range of commodities. Max Systems owner Chris Schlegel shares his approach to helping farmers increase their farms' productivity to begin this episode. The wide-ranging discussion also covers agronomy trends across the United States, a background on processing humic products, and the importance of cooperating (not fighting) nature as farmers.

Highlights
1:04 Opening prayer
1:33 Chris Schlegel and podcast introductions
7:25 Reflections on the FCLG's mission and our goals
10:40 Overview of Max Systems: the importance of faith, networking, and outreach
14:40 Chris's story about the importance of engaging with people
24:10 Selling to farmers: Importance of authenticity
26:10 Selling to farmers: Create a personalized approach
28:40 Learning from Beck's Hybrids culture: Create a consistent experience
29:40 Selling to farmers: Work to provide trust by adding value
32:45 Selling to farmers: Separate yourself from the competition and be grower-focused
36:20 "Infinite Game" by Simon Sinek: Finite vs. infinite games
39:00 How do you adapt this when selling agronomic products? 
44:05 Differences in grain storage across the United States
45:15 Stories of land prices in the Midwest
50:25 Stories of Texas crop production
53:00 Agronomy trends across the United States
1:00:30 Eliminate the middle man to improve your margins
1:02:25 Know your products and how they work
1:04:05 Carbon product sourcing, processing, and testing
1:13:00 Planning for the future: The importance of balance
1:17:55 Reflections: People enter your life for a reason
1:19:00 Reflections: Agronomy inspirations from around the world
1:20:30 The different ways of testing humics
1:22:00 The importance of processing method for humic products
1:27:22 Four ways to extract humics from raw ore: Raw humics are useless
1:34:50 Application rates for humics
1:38:40 Structured water discussion
1:44:00 20 years ago: George Sims begins a better way of farming
1:48:40 Benefits of humics during high-stress periods
1:55:10 Discussion: Different forms of potassium
1:59:50 Harness the power of education and the desire to improve; learn from each other
2:04:45 We cannot fight nature as farmers
2:08:10 "Where Food Begins" by National Geographic: What's in the best soil in the world?
2:12:05 Barriers to creating the "perfect" soil
2:17:25 The continuous need to support and feed soil biology
2:19:35 Biblical advice: Leave ground fallow one in seven years
2:22:40 Future focus: The importance of clean water
2:28:25 Episode wrap-up and concluding prayer

Andy Dardini, owner of Physagro, discusses soil biology and its importance to our farms and our own health. Following Andy's presentation, our assembled group of farmers discuss the practical considerations of using biologicals on the farm.

Highlights
1:25 Andy Dardini's presentation begins.
3:10 Andy's background and Physagro overview.
4:30 A perspective on the diversity of soil biology.
5:20 Importance of soil biology to our farms: nutrient availability, disease prevention, and even our own health.
7:20 Threats to building a healthy biological community in the soil: synthetic chemicals and compaction.
11:15 Ripple effect of neglecting our soil health: less residue breakdown, more disease, less nutrients.
12:45 98% overlap between soil and gut microorganisms.
14:00 How Physagro products are formulated.
15:00 Discussion Begins
15:20 Biologicals aiding breakdown: GMO vs. non-GMO crops
17:28 Physagro's formula for residue breakdown
19:10 The risk of feeding "bad" bugs in the soil with biological food sources.
21:30 Is there a difference in residue breakdown with glyphosate use? 
23:10 Are there other food sources than sugars for soil biology? 
25:45 Is there a time when we shouldn't use sugar to feed soil biology? 
27:35 How to manage tillage in an organic farming scenario. 
29:30 What are some indicators that you should be using a biological product? 
31:30 Using biological products in low carbon-to-nitrogen soils. Is it better to use a carbon product? 
34:50 Better to feed biology multiple sugars or focus on one? 
37:10 Physagro Microboost application strategies.
39:20 Physagro Biogreen: formulation and uses. 
41:05 Residue breakdown in GMO vs. non-GMO corn. 
43:10 Breaking down heavy metals. 
45:50 Decline of nutrients in our food.
47:25 What causes high-pH soils? 
48:45 Using a residue digester: apply on top or incorporate into the soil? 
52:25 Application strategies for biologicals. 
57:35 What types of biology does Physagro include in its products? 
1:00:00 More guidelines (screen/mesh size, psi) for applying biologicals. 
1:02:45 Using biologicals as a seed treatment. 
1:04:00 Discussion wrap-up. 

Nate Firle, chief agronomist and owner of AgRevival, provides a behind-the-scenes look at how his company conducts strip trials on his research farm for the benefit of farmers across the country.

Highlights
1:25: Nate Firle's introduction
4:10: Benefits of replicated strip trials
5:25: How AgRevival designs its research trials
8:35: Two areas of focus for AgRevival's research – contract research and farmer groups
11:25: Sharing stories and perspectives with each other is the best way to learn
12:40: The process of implementing a research trial
17:33: How Nate got his start in research
18:40: The importance of remaining objective
22:20: Group discussion Begins
22:30: What happens to research trials when the weather doesn't cooperate? 
24:40: What research study is Nate most excited about in 2024? 

27:40: Is AgRevival studying John Deere ExactShot or See & Spray? 
30:30: Importance of nutrient placement in a fertility program
36:00: Is there a way to study fertilizer stratification and its impact? 
41:50: Is Nate implementing any new standard practices on his farm this year as a result of research study results? 
46:15: Important to be more aware of correct tire pressures
47:30: Is Nate changing tillage practices on his farm?
52:20: How has agronomy and farming practices changed in the past 15 years? 
57:55: Nate's words of advice for farmers heading into 2025
1:00:40: You need to increase yields when commodity prices are falling
1:05:40: Include a carbon source when feeding your crop
1:08:08: You can't save your way to prosperity; instead, spend your dollars intentionally

What are we trying to accomplish with fall tillage? It's all about achieving that perfect seedbed for spring planting. Iowa farmer Jeremy Swanson leads our discussion about what tillage must accomplish for our farms. And he also shares the story of his farm's journey from conventional tillage to strip till and no till acres. Our farmer group also discusses the importance of oxygen to our soils, the use of biologicals to assist with residue breakdown, and the ins and outs of various tillage implements.

Highlights
1:00: Jeremy Swanson's bio.
2:15: Intro; having a biblical and sharing mindset.
4:45: Think spring when thinking about the goals of fall tillage.
7:00: The goals of residue management.
10:50: Why oxygen is so important to our soils.
11:40: Carbon/nitrogen ratio and its relevance to residue breakdown.
14:00: Using biologicals to help with residue breakdown.
15:15: Why you need to supply biologicals with a food source.
16:20: Oxygen supply and other considerations when applying biologicals.
18:45: Why we need to mitigate soil compaction with tillage.
19:25: Tillage implements and Jeremy's transition to strip till and no till.
26:00: Weed control considerations; a biblical perspective on weeds.
28:05: Group discussion begins.
28:20: Make field-level decisions when considering tillage methods. 
30:25: Farmers' experiences with vertical tillage. 
36:45: Farmers' experiences with chopping corn heads for residue management.
39:30: How Jeremy has used biologicals to assist with residue breakdown.
41:30: Andy Dardini's thoughts on the use of biologicals for residue breakdown.
45:50: Question to Jeremy: What would it take for you to use a ripper again? 
47:35: Are there differences biologicals' effectiveness between GMO and non-GMO crops?
50:25: A healthier plant can handle pests on its own.
53:40: Closing remarks; the importance of humility and prayer.

George Sims takes us on a journey to the beginning of the 20th Century, when orange growers only had four tools in their agronomy program. It's a tale that soon takes a twist with the advent of synthetic fertilizers around the time of World War Two. After decades of heavy use of these chemicals, and with many farmers seeing diminishing returns, it has left some asking "how do we do what's best for our soil?" From there, George leads us on a discussion of soil health and the vital role that carbon plays in our fields.

Highlights
6:30: A brief history of humics.
11:13: Soil vs. dirt. (You don't farm dirt.)
14:20: A history of citrus agronomy
17:25: The dawn of synthetic fertilizers; too much of a good thing is bad.
20:40: What's really best for our soils?
24:40: Excessive salt: why George first investigated carbon.
26:20: Organic matter and nutrient exchange in our soils.
32:43: More, more, more: Why this isn't the answer to agronomy and higher yields.
34:54: Carbon is the basis of all life.
35:43: Organic matter must go through a cycle.
37:47: Farmers must have faith!
39:10: How to evaluate carbon products.
46:25: Discussion Begins
47:04: The problem of excessive salt. 
1:00:40: Explaining cation exchange capacity (CEC)
1:03:20: Dale's story about a soil health test and soil health challenges.
1:11:45: Products to manage slugs.
1:16:34: Try a sap test to look for nutrient deficiencies.
1:27:30: Does CarbonWorks CetaiN prevent nitrogen leaching?
1:30:40: Soil nitrate test discussion.

90% of the microbes in the human gut are also present in our soils. Yes—everything is connected when it comes to nutrition. Healthier soil biology translates to healthier, more nutrient-dense plants, which translates to a healthier and more secure food supply for people. But how do you take care of your soil biology properly? It's a balancing act. You have to look at each farm on a holistic level and take action based on that farm's needs. If you have questions about PhysaGro products, reach out to this episode's main presenter, Andy Dardini, at [email protected].

Highlights
2:50 Introduction to PhysaGro and its products.
4:20 Summary of the decrease of nutrient markers in food.
7:50 How soil biology uses dormancy to compensate for and survive its environment.
9:10 Importance of biological diversity to gut health.
12:20 Importance of microbes to plant life and plant functions.
14:15 How CarbonWorks CetaiN enhances biological conversion.
17:10 Why pests attack the weak. 
19:50 Why different carbon sources aren't equal. 
21:22 Bernoulli's principle and how it relates to plant growth.
23:15 RO vs. activated water
30:40 Adding oxygen with CarbonWorks Replenish: reviewing a trial evaluating biological growth in water.
34:00 Biological products must be paired with good nutrition. How to store biologicals. 
35:40 Field results of PhysaGro products.
41:05 What is the right way and time to apply biologicals?
43:10 Does herbicide harm biologicals?
46:25 Importance of oxygen to converting sugars to energy in plants. 
49:00 Carbon dioxide concentrations in the air. 
50:30 Do biologicals increase digestibility in cattle?
56:18 More discussion on the timing of biological applications.
58:50 Water treatments as alternatives to activated water.
1:01:20 How to treat city water for applications. 
1:03:40 How to find the right balance in your in-furrow program.
1:08:12 Placement of products in relation to the seed. Is one method preferred over the others?
1:10:00 Importance of "resting" the land to biodiversity. Negative impact of monocropping.
1:10:43 Breakdown of crop residue and manure requires energy and oxygen.
1:16:30 Are calcium products beneficial? 
1:17:45 A reminder of the importance of balance in your agronomy program.
1:22:00 Corn on corn: Why do crops perform well without biodiversity?
1:25:25 Effect of the Roundup trait on multiple crop rotations.
1:28:15 Performance degradation of Roundup over time. 
1:29:30 How CarbonWorks Replenish assists with weed control.
1:31:00 Which CarbonWorks products are best paired with chemical application? 
1:36:10 Importance of energy and oxygen to soil health, even in soils with high organic matter. Need to look at every farm on a holistic level.

The biggest story for many growers in 2023 was drought. On this episode, we talk about drought coping strategies and review the vital role that nitrogen conversion has in the health of our soils and crops. 
6:30 What can you do to relieve stress on plants during a bad drought? 
8:20 What biological processes occur in plants every day and how to support plants with their daily needs.
12:25 A grower from Montana shares the importance of carbon, sugars, and trace minerals during drought.
14:33 Keegan from Minnesota discusses his experience with carbon and sugars throughout the Midwest. 
17:25 Using CarbonWorks Renew to boost the effectiveness of chicken litter; why is chicken litter so high in ammonia? 
20:50 Different strategies for applying Renew to chicken litter. 
23:45 Can you use a product like Renew on piglet manure?
25:00 Agronomy that works with nature (not against it) is best for our crops.
26:30 Strategies for sugar applications.
27:35 Choose sugar products with different types of sugar to support the entire soil biology. 
31:00 Treating urea with CarbonWorks CetaiN, benefits and strategies.
41:10 Future of anhydrous ammonia and government regulation. CetaiN and other alternatives.
45:00 Canadian research on CarbonWorks CetaiN.
50:00 Planning for a dry growing season.
56:00 Using carbon products and biologicals on orchard (permanent) crops.
1:08:55 The role of nitrogen and antioxidants as "stress relievers".
1:10:37 The pitfalls of nitrate carryover during dry years. Management strategies utilizing carbon.
1:15:10 The importance of product diversity in feeding the soil microbiology.
1:17:55 The correlation between high nitrate levels and excessive nematode populations; managing nematodes.
1:24:45 Wrap up.

Listen along as guest presenter Jeremy Swanson of Agronomy Rx (Webster City, IA) discusses several aspects of nitrogen and its proper use in your agronomy program.
2:31 Jeremy's nitrogen presentation begins
3:49 Introduction to the different types of nitrogen used in farming
6:05 Discussion of UAN and its 3 components
8:40 How to protect against the offgassing of urea
11:12 Biological reactions that convert nitrogen into plant-available forms
12:40 The role of carbon in holding nitrogen in the soil
18:15 Preferred nitrogen sources (and why)
23:23 Products/strategies to reduce leaf burn from nitrogen application
24:55 When to apply various forms of nitrogen
33:00 Importance of sulfur to corn germination
36:25 Importance of amino acids; plant-based amino acids as nitrogen source
41:33 Notes on sulfur use
47:42 When is it too late to apply nitrogen?
50:23 Floury vs. flinty corn and nitrogen applications
52:32 Importance of healthy microbial populations in the soil
59:55 Importance of balanced soil biology to crop health
1:15:00 Relationship between potassium and nitrogen; "luxury consumption" and lower yields
1:23:23 Soil fungi and plant health: Mother Nature's "clean up crew"
1:29:55 Why is ammonium important for grain fill? 
1:49:50 Importance of oxygen to soil and plant health
1:54:25 Relationship of carbon and nitrogen: why add a carbon source with nitrogen applications?
2:03:28 Yield loss resulting from foliar pesticide applications

Find crop insurance confusing? Crop insurance agent Melanie Utterback offer her insights on the various factors that producers must consider when selecting the appropriate level of coverage for their farms. Highlights from this discussion include: 
3:15: Introduction to the various types of multi-peril coverage
6:00: Introduction to replant extra coverage
7:00: Discussion of hail and wind coverage begins
9:05: Crop insurance advice and incentives for new farmers
10:50: Crop insurance considerations with irrigation
12:55: Precision agriculture calibration requirements for crop insurance
18:30: Crop insurance and specialty crops (edible beans as an example)
21:30: In-depth discussion of hail coverage
24:05: Specifics of wind coverage
25:40: Further discussion of insurance coverage for irrigators, enterprise vs. field coverage
30:55: Insurance benefits of planting cover crops
33:10: Strategies to consider for buy-up coverage
37:50: Trends with green snap coverage
40:50: Pasture/hay and honey bee coverage
48:40: Does margin protection insurance pay?

What are the true macro nutrients that you need to worry about on your farm? Ever since the dawn of synthetic fertilizers, we've had the three letters NPK drilled into our minds. But it's really carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen you need to support the health of your soil, your crops, and your farm. Here are some key points from our discussion about this crucial topic:

• 10:55: Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen as macronutrients
• 17:45: Have we gone too far with synthetic fertilizer use?
• 28:00: Why do plants' leaf tips burn first? What is this telling you?
• 42:10: What are humic/fulvic acids, and are they actually acidic?
• 1:08:45: You depend on soil biology to make nutrients available to plants.