The Growers Mineral Podcast

In the September 2026 conference call, Jim Halbeisen talks with Marty Whitsitt, Paul Meyers, and Dave Armstrong about what they are seeing across Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa.

Paul shares lessons from his family’s decades of experience with Growers Mineral Solutions, including water quality, forage production, livestock health, reduced tillage, soil structure, and the gradual transition to regenerative farming. Marty and Paul discuss the importance of looking beyond yield and conventional testing to consider forage quality, profitability, soil biology, and the overall health of the farm.

Dave provides an update on corn and soybean conditions in Iowa, cattle prices, and the agricultural markets. Jim closes the call with thoughts on the upcoming WASDE report, rising fertilizer costs, product availability, and the growing recognition of soil biology throughout mainstream agriculture.

It is a wide-ranging conversation filled with firsthand observations about building healthier soil, producing better-quality feed, lowering input costs, and making farming decisions based on what is actually happening in the field.

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In this April 2026 Growers Mineral Conference Call,  the call opened with Norman Mahin joining from his farm in Kansas, where he shared his experience with the Growers program. Daniel Wolf from Wisconsin followed, speaking on the dairy industry and how it ties into the beef market, including insights on beef-on-dairy and its relevance for producers today. Dave Armstrong closed out the conversation, offering his perspective on the beef industry based on his hands-on experience raising cattle and what he’s learned over the years. 

Topics covered include:

0:34 – Chris Kohls: Call introduction and overview.

2:30 – Norman Mahin: Background on his Kansas operation and introduction to the Growers program.
15:00 – Crop Performance (Norman Mahin): Results in crop performance and overall impact on the farm.

23:30 – Daniel Wolf: Overview of his dairy operation and his experience with Growers.
39:00 – Beef-On-Dairy (Daniel Wolf): Connection between dairy and beef markets, including beef-on-dairy.

42:20 – Dave Armstrong: Background and experience raising beef cattle.
48:00 – Beef Market (Dave Armstrong): Insights on the current beef industry and market trends.
54:30 – Takeaways and Advice (Dave Armstrong): Key takeaways and advice for producers.

📅 Next Call: September 10, 2026

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In this March 2026 Growers Mineral Conference Call, the discussion centers on farmer-led experimentation, soil biology, and practical fertility strategies. Growers from the Upper Midwest share experiences from their dairy and forage operations, discussing calcium management, biological soil activity, and ongoing field trials. The conversation also highlights ways farmers are reducing reliance on conventional nitrogen inputs while maintaining forage quality and productivity.

Topics covered include:
0:34 – James Schiltz: Call introduction and overview.
1:15 – Nelson & Kervin Weaver: Dairy operation overview, soil biology observations, and fertility management with minimal added nitrogen.
6:30 – On-farm trials: Comparing calcium sources and evaluating forage quality responses.
14:30 – Field management: Corn silage production, planter-applied calcium, foliar feeding, and previous season results.
22:30 – Input outlook: Fertilizer costs, nitrogen alternatives, and supporting soil biology.
25:00 – Grower’s meeting recap: Farmer feedback and interest in biological approaches.
30:00 – Q&A: Pasture management and interpreting biological activity in grazing systems.

📅 Next Call: April 9, 2026

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In this February 2026 Growers Mineral Conference Call, the discussion centers on southern crop production, highlighting real-world challenges from extreme cold weather and how growers are adapting using the Growers program. Featuring operations in Georgia and Florida, the call explores strawberry and blueberry production, frost management strategies, and how calcium-based fertility supports plant resilience under stress.

Topics covered include:
 0:00 – Jim Halbeisen: call kickoff, February calendar introduction, and program updates
 5:10 – Bob & Jesse Merck (Georgia): operation overview, strawberry production, and response to extreme cold weather
 9:00 – Regional discussion: frost damage, crop protection strategies, and economic impact across the Southeast
 20:00 – Jesse Merck & Jeremy: implementing the Growers program, soil testing, and calcium management approach
 44:30 – Program application: spray timing, seasonal fertility strategies, and lessons learned

The call highlights how growers are navigating extreme and unpredictable weather conditions while using calcium-based management to support plant health, improve resilience, and maintain productivity. Real-world experiences reinforce the importance of flexibility, timing, and long-term soil-building strategies.

📅 Next Call: March 12, 2026

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In this January 2026 Growers Mineral Conference Call, growers and customers from across the country share how the Growers program supports diverse operations, from nurseries and residential landscapes to dairy and vegetable production. The call highlights long-term results, real-world applications, and how calcium-based management supports plant and animal performance.

Topics covered include:
0:00 – James Schiltz: call kickoff and January calendar introduction
2:12 – Chris Carter (Florida): January calendar feature, nursery production, flower integrity, and how the Growers program supports business success
12:58 – Eddie Jantzi & longtime Growers customer: June calendar feature, 10 years using the Growers program, and results seen in a residential setting
26:41 – Paul Meyers (Illinois): dairy operation overview, using the Growers program with cattle and in the field, and management insights
38:19 – Marty Whitsitt: business update, current projects, and discussion of an upcoming vegetable meeting
58:30 – Growers customer Karen: using the Growers program on flowers and the results she has seen

The call showcases how consistent calcium management and practical Growers programs are being applied across operations to improve quality, support longevity, and adapt to changing production challenges.

📅 Next Call: February 12, 2026

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In this December 2025 Growers Mineral Conference Call, team members share real-world experiences from the field, highlighting blueberry production success, nutrition-based disease management, and the importance of understanding live soil pH. The conversation focuses on how proper calcium management and informed soil decisions can reduce risk and improve long-term farm performance.

Topics covered include:
0:00 – James Schiltz: call kickoff, December context, and industry observations
3:03 – Todd James (Michigan): blueberry success stories, grower relationships, and his journey as a Sales Representative
16:46 – James Schiltz: live soil pH, risks of over-liming, and understanding true soil activity
20:18 – Markus Weber (Ontario, Canada): Disease Checkmate — how proper nutrition helps outmaneuver crop disease pressure

The call highlights how growers and representatives are using calcium, balanced nutrition, and better soil awareness to make smarter management decisions and protect crop health.

📅 Next Call: January 8, 2026

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In this November 2025 Growers Mineral Conference Call, producers from across New York and the Northeast share updates on pumpkins, Christmas trees, vegetables, grain crops, and dairy. They highlight how calcium management, the Growers program, and smart rotations are helping them navigate one of the most weather–extreme seasons in years.

Topics covered include:
0:00 – Russell Bobel: call kickoff, November calendar feature and conservation–minded farming
0:35 – Jim Halbeisen: intro to New York guest speakers and recent customer feedback on pumpkins
2:23 – Randy Granger (NY): Christmas tree production, pumpkin fertility strategy, pelletized lime use, strip till management and ag entertainment insights
15:16 – Larry Eckhardt (NY): managing variable soils, wildlife pressure, sweet corn programs, pop up fertility with Growers, drip tape compatibility, vegetable acreage, hay markets and beef integration
33:06 – Curvin Horst (NY): rotation goals on a young dairy, wet then dry season challenges, soybean weed pressure, tiling improvements, dairy facility upgrades and thoughts on beef on dairy and milk markets

The call highlights how diverse operations are using calcium, timely foliar applications, and improved soil structure to maintain crop quality, reduce risk in extreme weather, and keep their businesses profitable.

📅 Next Call: December 11, 2025

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In this October 2025 Growers Mineral Conference Call, farmers and industry voices from across the U.S. discuss regional crop conditions, calcium applications, and the economics of sustainable soil health.

Topics covered include:
0:00 – Russell Bobel: call kickoff & new “listen later” option for Amish and Mennonite communities
2:02 – Jim Halbeisen: fall lime applications, calcium-to-magnesium balance & soil aeration
6:00 – Keith Shutt (ND): sugar beet lime benefits, high-pH soil management & fertilizer cost comparisons
22:01 – David Armstrong (IA): yield realities, gypsum use, compost synergy & lessons from decades on the Growers program
34:41 – Norman Mahin (KS): implementing the Growers program in new areas & lime pile education
1:06:47 – Russell Bobel: closing remarks & November call reminder

The call highlights how Growers Mineral’s focus on calcium and soil biology continues to help farmers reduce input costs, build healthier soils, and adapt to shifting market pressures.

📅 Next Call: November 13, 2025

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In this September 2025 Growers Mineral Conference Call, farmers and industry voices from across the U.S. share real-world experiences, crop updates, and market insights.

Topics covered include:
00:22– Fertilizer costs & Growers’ approach to soil biology
06:45 – Tyler Cameron (ND): no-till, sugar beet lime & Growers program success
14:44 – Daniel Wolf (WI): forage quality, corn silage high-chop debate & Growers fertility program
34:40 – David Armstrong (IA): crop conditions, cattle markets & composting practices
54:15 – James Schiltz: premiums through Growers Grown & consumer demand for quality

The call highlights the Growers program’s focus on sustainable fertility, strong farmer networks, and real solutions to today’s ag challenges.

📅 Next Call: October 9, 2025 – featuring updates from Kansas with a focus on calcium and new trials.

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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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