Thinking about adding grain sorghum—aka milo—to your operation? Lee Lubbers shares why this crop is a game-changer for his farm. From lower production costs compared to corn to boosting organic matter where soybeans fall short, milo is earning its place in his cropping system. In this episode, Lee talks with Damian about his strategy for maximizing yield and nutrient content to command a premium price. As always, Lee isn’t just experimenting—he’s all in. Tune in to hear how he’s making milo work for his bottom line.

Temple Rhodes did a large scale trial in 2024 eliminating applied dried fertilizer and replacing it with plant-applied nutrients. It worked. So he’s making some big changes to his nutrient application strategy this year to focus on the crop, not just the soil test. A few side benefits include: reduction of salts in the soil, bigger yields, and less cost. Not to mention increased soil biology which is another focus for the new year. Temple takes a break to talk to Damian about exciting changes coming to Chestnut Manor Farms.  

Strip-till isn’t just about conservation—it’s a game-changer for nutrient availability and soil health. That’s one of Chad Henderson’s key strategies as he heads into the new season. In this episode of XtremeAg's Cutting the Curve, Chad shares why he’s doubling down on strip-till, upgrading his data collection with cost-effective tech for his equipment, and making a major shift from in-furrow application to seed treatments. His goal? Reduce labor, simplify operations, and cut costs without sacrificing performance.

If you're looking for practical ways to improve efficiency and profitability on your farm, don’t miss this insightful discussion with host Damian Mason!

Can cutting input costs actually cost you more in the long run? Farmer Matt Miles shares hard lessons from his 2024 season, where saving $50 per acre on potassium ended up costing him $150 per acre in lost yield. He also reveals the hidden costs of skipping crop rotation after a seven-bushel decline in non-rotated soybeans. In this episode of Cutting the Curve, Matt and host Damian Mason break down the true impact of fertility decisions and crop rotation on farm profitability. Tune in for insights to refine your farming and nutritional strategy in 2025!

In this episode of XtremeAg Cutting the Curve, host Damian Mason sits down with Kelly Garrett and TJ Kartes to discuss a bold move for 2025—interseeding cover crops into growing corn as early as June. Kelly shares the agronomic, economic, and sustainability benefits of this approach, from erosion control to carbon sequestration and livestock forage. TJ Kartes of Saddle Butte Ag breaks down the science behind selecting the right cover crop species and dispels common myths about water retention, nutrient competition, and cold climate challenges.

Tune in to hear how this strategy could reshape farming practices and improve soil health while increasing ROI. Don't miss this insightful discussion with real-world takeaways for forward-thinking farmers!

Most farms today rely on data management software and on-implement hardware—but are you truly maximizing these tools for bigger returns and streamlined operations? In this episode, Layne Miles teams up with Ryan Stien to break down Deere’s Operations Center and how it helps Miles Farms make smarter, more profitable decisions. As Layne puts it, “If you missed the technology train, grab a cab and go catch it because the train isn’t coming back to the station.” Tune in to learn how leveraging farm data can drive efficiency, boost ROI, and future-proof your operation.

Johnny Verell is on a mission to trim up to $20 per acre in expenses by strategically adjusting his spraying regimen. By eliminating one sprayer pass and an airplane pass, he’s cutting costs without cutting corners. But instead of simply saving, he’s reinvesting—reallocating his nutrient budget and timing fertility applications based on moisture conditions. In this episode of Cutting the Curve, host Damian Mason sits down with Johnny to discuss smarter spending strategies, maximizing efficiency, and ensuring profitability without sacrificing yield. Tune in to learn how precision adjustments can boost your bottom line!

It started with auto steer on tractors  — or maybe even before that — where automation ends up, is still an open discussion. Damian Mason hosts that discussion in this episode with XtremeAg’s John Verell and John Deere’s Michael Porter. The evolution of farm machinery automation rolls forward on America’s farms. Johnny Verell explains how autonomy helps him farm better, make more money, and do more work with fewer people. If you’re already on the path to autonomy, listen to what lies ahead. If you’re considering investing in the next phase of automation, listen to this! 

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Kevin Matthews is shaking up his fertility practices in 2025 with a hybrid approach to crop care. While he remains a firm believer in trickling liquid fertilizer “just in time” for crop development, he’s turning to dry fertilizer to tackle problem areas. But there’s a catch—it requires upgrading to strip-till equipment. In this episode, Kevin shares how he’s streamlining his farm operations, including an eye-opening review of his parts and machinery inventory that revealed unexpected waste. Tune in to hear how these changes aim to boost his farm’s economics and efficiency in the new year.

Is your farm financially prepared for 2025? Economic pressures are mounting, and staying solvent requires a solid strategy. In this episode of Cutting The Curve, Jeff Janssen joins Kelly Garrett and Damian Mason to tackle critical topics like working capital, cash flow, cost of production, and aligning your financial goals with your banker’s expectations. From calculating current assets to understanding the hidden costs of stored grain, this discussion delivers actionable insights to maximize your farm’s financial position. Don’t overlook the business side of farming—your legacy depends on it!