In this episode of the Growers Mineral Podcast, National Sales Manager Chris Kohls sits down with Markus Weber, a fruit tree nursery owner and district manager based in Ontario, Canada. Originally from the Black Forest in Germany, Markus shares his journey to North America and how he built a successful nursery focused on growing food—not just plants.

Markus explains why micronutrients and balanced minerals are essential to soil and plant health, how a Growers field trial showed results in just 3 days, and the science behind frost protection using minerals and sugar.

They also discuss:

Greenhouse innovation and year-round fruit growing
Why Markus avoids calling it "fertilizer"
How soil biology impacts resilience and yield
What it means to grow what you can trust

If you're a fruit grower, orchardist, or just care about real soil health, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

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Sales manager Chris Kohls hands Jim Halbeisen a stack of the most‑asked field questions—and they don’t hold back. In this deep‑dive episode you’ll learn:

Why Growers Mineral isn’t certified “organic.” Jim explains the urea roadblock and why food‑/tech‑grade inputs still keep heavy metals ultra‑low.
How one balanced formula works on every crop. Hear how plants take what they need and pass the rest to soil microbes for on‑demand feeding.
The real role of high‑calcium lime. Forget simple pH math—Jim breaks down soil flocculation, oxygen flow, and microbial ignition.
Water quality myths that kill performance. Total dissolved solids (TDS), rainwater hacks, and when RO systems (or just a splash of vinegar) matter.
If you’re ready to let biology do the heavy lifting—and stop wasting inputs—hit play. Then send us your next question for a future Growers Q&A!

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In this episode, southeast-Georgia growers Bob & Jesse Merck join Jim Halbeisen and Chris Kohl to break down how calcium nutrition, balanced soil biology, and water chemistry turned rain-soaked frustration into record yields, 5-month shelf life, and a you-pick stand that sells out as soon as the gates swing open.

🌱 Episode Highlights
Soft-Berry Fix – Adding 2 tons/acre of high-cal lime + weekly Growers foliar sprays (2 gal/acre) cut “mushy” blueberries by half and impressed local schools.
“Let Crops Talk” – Jim explains why observation beats prescriptions in regenerative farming.
45 Inches of Rain, Chili Thrips & Fungal Wipe-Outs – How the Mercks rebuilt soil structure and plant immunity.
Direct-to-Consumer Gold – From farm stand strategy to landing county-wide school contracts.
Water Quality 101 – TDS testing, soft-water mixing, and the secret to clog-free fertigation.

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In this episode of the Growers Mineral Podcast, we talk with Dennis Grove from Maryland’s Eastern Shore. With decades of experience as a farmer, poultry producer, and Growers rep, Dennis shares his insights on everything from nutrient management plans and phosphorus restrictions to the rise of compost and calcium sources like paper mill lime.

We explore how Maryland’s strict farming regulations impact everyday decisions and what Dennis sees as the path forward for sustainable agriculture in the region.

Topics Covered:

Maryland’s nutrient management laws
Phosphorus restrictions & foliar feeding
Transitioning from poultry litter to compost
Calcium options: paper mill lime & aragonite
Farming near urban development zones
Why Growers Mineral fits Maryland’s challenges

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In this episode of the Growers Mineral Podcast, we talk with Pennsylvania-based father-son duo Lowell and Wendell Grove, longtime farmers and trusted Growers reps. Hosted by Jim Halbeisen, this down-to-earth conversation covers everything from reducing nitrogen inputs and using alternative lime sources, to navigating today’s cattle markets and running farm equipment auctions.

Lowell first started using Growers back in 1997 after seeing results feeding the mineral to livestock. That success carried over into their cropping program—and today, he and Wendell continue to focus on practical, low-input farming that works.

Whether you’re just getting started or have been farming for decades, this episode brings real stories and takeaways from folks who walk the walk.

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Jim Halbeisen Answers Your Questions – Growers Mineral Q&A
In this Q&A session, Jim Halbeisen answers some of the most common questions we get from farmers, agronomists, and curious listeners.

Topics include:

• The best dilution ratio for hand-spraying Growers
• How (and why) to do a jar test before spraying
• Using aragonite and calcium in your fertility program
• Where biochar fits in with the Growers system
• Thoughts on water quality, phosphorus use, and more

This video is full of practical insights from someone with decades of in-the-field experience.

📌 Have a question you'd like Jim to tackle in a future Q&A? Drop it in the comments below.
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What happens when you get the water right?

In this episode, Jim Halbeisen sits down with Matt Gooding to talk about the critical role water plays in nutrient uptake, foliar feeding, and crop response. They cover what they’re seeing in the field this season, how timing makes or breaks a foliar application, and why moisture management is more than just watching the weather. Whether you’re managing drought stress, trying to improve plant uptake, or just looking to get more out of your existing program, this episode brings practical, field-tested insights straight to your ears.

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In this episode of the Growers Mineral Podcast, we sit down with Jerry Stutzman, a Missouri-based farmer with deep experience in row cropping, pasture management, and non-conventional farming practices. Jerry shares his journey—from raising commercial chickens in Kentucky to transitioning into more pasture-based operations in Missouri.

Learn why Jerry believes in thinking outside the box, what led him to Growers Mineral Solutions, and how he's navigating today’s agricultural challenges with a practical, open-minded approach.

🟢 Topics Covered:

Row crop vs. pasture-based farming
Starting with commercial poultry
Why timing is key in cattle farming
Partnering with Growers Mineral Solutions
Lessons from years of adapting and experimenting

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In this episode, host Jim Halbeisen is joined by Chris Kohls in the field with longtime Growers customer Jeff Miller and district manager Loren Scherping. They discuss drone foliar feeding, the importance of forage quality, calcium applications, and how Growers Mineral fits into real-world farming practices.

🔹 Topics include:
• 125+ years of family dairy farming
• Feeding Growers to dairy cows
• Pop-up fertilizer and seed placement
• Using drones for foliar feeding
• High-calcium lime and soil health
• Transitioning from dairy to beef
• Minnesota weather and crop conditions
• Fresh meat market & cattle pricing

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In this episode of the Growers Mineral Podcast, we sit down with Keith Shutt, a lime spreader and independent operator based in Minto, North Dakota, just south of the Canadian border. Keith shares how he built his business around applying sugar beet lime and why calcium is still one of the most misunderstood elements in modern agriculture—especially in high pH calcareous soils like those found in the Red River Valley.

We discuss:

• How Keith got started in lime spreading
• The science and strategy behind applying 10 tons per acre
• Why soil tests can be misleading in calcareous regions
• How calcium affects soil structure, oxygen levels, and crop health
• The role of Growers Mineral Solutions in improving nutrient uptake and yield
• Real-world results from ND farms using lime and low-input systems

Whether you're a farmer, agronomist, or just curious about improving soil health, this conversation offers valuable insight into how balancing calcium can transform both your soil and your bottom line.

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