XtremeAg: Cutting The Curve Podcast

Reducing synthetic nitrogen is becoming increasingly important as the USDA's updated 45Z carbon intensity calculator places greater weight on nitrogen use. XtremeAg is testing how far nitrogen rates can be reduced while maintaining yield through on-farm trials featuring Agricen's N-FINITY. Kelly Garrett is evaluating nitrogen programs ranging from 140 to 45 pounds per acre. The combination of lower fertilizer costs and potential 45...

Many farmers focus on maximizing crop yields, but far fewer realize their farm business structure could affect how much they receive from USDA safety net programs. In this episode, Kelly Garrett sits down with Jared Creed of JC Ag Financial Services to discuss the changes made by the One Big Beautiful Bill, including the new $155,000 payment limitation per eligible individual for ARC and PLC programs. They explain how entity struct...

In this episode of XtremeAg’s Cutting the Curve, Damian Mason interviews agronomist Mike Evans of Calibrated Agronomy about the importance of R-stage fertility management in corn and soybeans. The discussion focuses on why growers should reserve part of their fertility budget for reproductive growth stages, when nutrient demand is highest and yield potential can still be influenced. Evans explains the value of sap analysis fo...

USDA has released key guidance for the 45Z Clean Fuel Tax Credit, bringing farmers closer to receiving payments for regenerative farming practices. Ryan Pearcy of ARVA joins XtremeAg founder Kelly Garrett to explain how ethanol and biodiesel plants can reduce their carbon intensity (CI) scores by sourcing grain from farmers using practices such as no-till, cover crops, and reduced synthetic fertilizer. Farmers who qualify could see...

Agronomist Jared Cook of Calibrated Agronomy discusses why profitable crop production starts with healthy plants rather than reactive crop treatments. He explains that strong soil biology, balanced fertility, and proper water management allow crops to resist stress and disease naturally, reducing the need for costly inputs. Cook emphasizes that farmers should move beyond symptom-based agronomy and instead use a complete agronomic t...

Soybean nematodes remain a major and often underdiagnosed source of yield loss, especially in fields with heavy Root-Knot Nematode pressure. In this episode, Matt Miles discusses the scale of the problem in Arkansas, the limits and costs of traditional nematicides, and why he is now applying Averland FC in-furrow on all at-risk soybean acres after using it on corn and soybeans the past two years. Speaking with Damian Mason and Vive...

This episode of Cutting the Curve examines how farmers are approaching 2026 planting decisions amid shifting acreage trends highlighted in the USDA Prospective Plantings report. Damian Mason, Iowa farmer Adam Ullrich, and consultant Jarod Creed discuss five key decision areas: labor availability, machinery investment, grain marketing strategy, overall farm management, and financial discipline. Rather than making drastic operational...

In this episode, Damian Mason talks with Jared Cook of Calibrated Agronomy about “knowledge extinction” in agriculture: the idea that farmers are receiving less meaningful agronomic guidance as input decisions become more price-driven. They discuss how retail consolidation, sales-focused advisory models, and resistance to continued learning can reduce the quality of agronomic decision-making. The conversation emphasizes...

In this episode of XtremeAg’s Cutting the Curve podcast, Damian Mason talks with Jared Cook of Calibrated Agronomy about why water quality matters far beyond simple H2O. The discussion explains how irrigation water, spray water, and even rainwater can carry mineral and biological “baggage” that affects soil balance, nutrient availability, herbicide performance, and crop management decisions. Jared outlines how cal...

At Commodity Classic, Damian Mason speaks with Kansas farmer and Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission chairman Brant Peterson and Texas Panhandle producer Jason Birkenfeld about the future of grain sorghum. The discussion focuses on sorghum’s drought tolerance, lower water requirements compared to corn, and expanding opportunities in livestock feed, forage silage, ethanol, exports, and food-grade markets. As irrigation challenges ...

Are farmers actually reducing crop stress… or just reacting to it after the damage is already done? That’s the question Damian Mason throws out during this live panel at the Nachurs booth at Commodity Classic with Matt Miles, Johnny Verell, Temple Rhodes, and Tommy Roach. The conversation covers everything farmers deal with every season—too much rain, not enough rain, weak roots, high nighttime temps, and nutrien...

At Commodity Classic, a panel featuring Kelly Garrett, Chad Henderson, and Kevin Matthews digs into one of the most overlooked problems in crop production—nutrient imbalance. The conversation goes beyond the usual N-P-K talk and gets into the real challenge farmers face: how micronutrients, timing, and plant demand all work together to determine whether fertilizer actually turns into yield. From SAP analysis and sulfur shorta...

In this episode, Damian Mason speaks with Texas farmer Todd Kimbrell, who operates 70 miles south of Dallas and grows corn, wheat, cotton, and double-crop sesame—all without irrigation. Todd outlines the unique production calendar and environmental challenges he faces compared to farmers in the Midwest, including early planting windows, reliance on rainfall, and crop marketing strategies influenced by distinct regional market...

Using Carbon Technology to Improve Nutrient Uptake and Reduce Inputs

With increasing economic and environmental pressure, American farmers are seeking ways to improve crop nutrition without increasing reliance on synthetic inputs. One promising solution? Carbon-based soil amendments.

In a recent episode of Cutting the Curve, Arkansas farmer Matt Miles joined host Damian Mason, alongside Brad Benson and Brandon Laws of Activated Car...

In 2025, many row-crop farmers across the Midwest experienced surprising yield losses—not due to lack of fertility or weed control—but because of unmanaged or mistimed corn disease pressure. From southern rust reaching further north to recurring outbreaks of tar spot, growers were challenged with invisible yet economically significant threats to plant health and g...

In this episode, Damian Mason hosts a discussion with Temple Rhodes, Chad Henderson, and Nachurs agronomist Tommy Roach, focused on re-evaluating common fall fertility practices. The group addresses the economic inefficiencies and agronomic downsides of outdated fertilizer applications, particularly the tendency to broadcast fertilizer in the fall without tying it to actual nutrient demand. By breaking down the science of nutrient ...

Know Your Seed Treatment: Why It Matters More Than Ever

In modern agriculture, seed treatment has evolved from an optional layer of protection to a critical component of crop success. Yet many farmers are still in the dark about what's actually on the seed they plant. In this episode of XtremeAg’s Cutting the Curve, host Damian Mason speaks with Paul Johnson, a 30-year industry veteran and Seed Treatment Portfolio Manager at ...