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!

New paint is sexy. We get it. We’re farmers too and we like shiny new machinery! But farming is a business and a business faced with reduced revenue must make adjustments. How do you stay on the cutting edge of Agricultural technology with older machinery? With precision equipment upgrades, that’s how. XtremeAg’s Kelly Garrett and John Deere’s Clint Chaffer explain how — for a fraction of the price of new — you can update your existing machinery to improve productivity. Proof: Kelly went to the field this spring using a planter with 20 seasons of “experience” but with technological updates added over the years. When farm economics are stressed, precision upgrades help you reduce crop inputs, save time, and farm more efficiently!   

Are farm finances tighter than usual? Discover how to save money while maintaining yield and revenue in this must-listen episode. Host Damian Mason talks with XtremeAg’s John Verell and Meristem’s Peter Rousonelos about cost-effective farming practices using the “R’s” of crop cost removal: Reduce, Recycle, Re-use, Repurpose, and Re-Think. Learn innovative ways to cut costs per acre, boost farm profitability, and keep your operation financially sustainable. If you’re a farmer looking for proven strategies to improve farm efficiency and save money, this episode is for you. Tune in for actionable tips and real-world advice on smart farming!

Award-winning results, less nitrogen. Kelly Garrett, with agronomist Mike Evans, achieved an impressive 324 bushels per acre with just 151 pounds of applied nitrogen—earning him recognition in the National Corn Growers Association’s new Nitrogen Management Class. In this episode, they join Damian Mason to share their game-changing methodology and discuss the future of farming under increased environmental scrutiny. Discover how to optimize nitrogen use, break the over-application cycle, and boost your profitability without compromising yield. If you’re serious about sustainable and profitable farming, don’t miss this episode of Cutting The Curve!

Kelly Garrett and Temple Rhodes were both highly skeptical when they received their small plastic bags of pink powder with instructions to treat their seed corn. The pink powder was New Leaf’s bacterial technology, which is now available in products from four different companies. Kelly and Temple share  results and lessons from their trials. Both saw a yield response, more roots, and bigger biomass from using the bio stimulant. Kelly intends to use New Leaf’s biological insecticide technology on every corn acre he plants in 2025. We’re talking about biological technology that works and you’re getting the straight scoop. Give this a listen or a watch and share it with someone who can benefit from it! 

The off-season isn’t just about oil changes and wear part replacements anymore—technology has revolutionized winter prep for farmers. In this episode, Damian Mason is joined by Ryan Stien and Christopher Murray from John Deere to explore how farmers can maximize the return on investment (ROI) from their precision Ag technology during downtime. From software updates to ensuring machinery connectivity and optimizing data for smarter decision-making, they share practical tips and insights to help you gear up for success in the next growing season. Tune in to make the most of your precision tools year-round!

Conventional farming is evolving. Whether driven by regulations, financial incentives, or the undeniable benefits, many farmers are starting to adopt regenerative farming practices. In this episode, Kelly Garrett and Dr. Josh Miller dive into the why and how of this transition. They explore the tangible benefits of soil health, reduced input costs, and participation in sustainability programs, offering insights for those ready—or reluctant—to take the leap. Whether you're curious about the future of agriculture or seeking strategies for adaptation, this episode sheds light on the growing push for regenerative farming.

In this episode, Damian Mason talks to Kelly Garrett about why he’s shifting away from soybeans and committing to continuous corn on his farm. From economic advantages to agronomic challenges, Kelly breaks down his decision-making process. Joined by Clint Frese and Mike Evans of Calibrated Agronomy, the discussion dives deep into managing corn-on-corn systems—covering fodder management, soil temperature dynamics, manpower allocation, and marketing strategies. Tune in for actionable insights and proven techniques to make continuous corn a sustainable and profitable choice for your farm.

Kevin Matthews has weathered multiple economic downturns in Agriculture. What’s different about this one? He discusses that with Damian Mason in this episode of Cutting the Curve. The two “middle age farm guys" provide historical context and comparison — from the PIK program to revamping CRP, what might the USDA roll out?  What tactics can farmers deploy to remain solvent in a challenging farm economy? And most importantly, is there an upside to the downturn? You bet there is!