XtremeAg: Cutting The Curve Podcast

Farming Podcast | Are You Adapting To Thrive In Tomorrow’s Agriculture?

In this special edition of Cutting the Curve, Damian Mason sits down with the next generation of XtremeAg contributors—Connor “Vern” Garrett, Alexander Evans, Danielle Venable, Jackson Henderson, and Layne Miles—joined by Caleb Coots of Teva Ag. The discussion centers on adaptability in agriculture [https://www.xtremeag.farm/podcasts/adaptability-in-agriculture-economics]: economic pressures, changes in herbicide regulations, evolving input strategies, and shifting mindsets. With real-world examples from each operation, the group explores how young ag professionals are responding to tighter margins, input bans, changing technologies, and the stress of expansion. They also challenge conventional ideas around growth, highlighting the need for operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.   Presented by TEVA

Farming Podcast | Cotton Foliar ROI Under $50 Budget | XtremeAg

In this episode of Cutting the Curve, host Damian Mason discusses the Economic Fertility Challenge focused on cotton production [https://www.xtremeag.farm/podcasts/cotton-foliar-roi-50-dollar-budget]with XtremeAg farmer Matt Miles and fellow contributors Kevin Matthews, Kelly Garrett, agronomist Stephanie Zelinko, and Gabe Saxon from AgroLiquid. The challenge, held on Matt Miles’ Arkansas farm, tested various foliar nutrition strategies on cotton under a strict $50 per-acre budget. With different teams applying nutrients using alternate timing and formulation methods, the goal was to evaluate return on investment (ROI) and yield efficiency in the face of tightening commodity margins. Despite differences in regional experience and field conditions, all participants emphasized strategic potassium management and spoon-fed foliar nutrition to optimize yields. Results from this collaborative trial offer valuable insights for improving nutrient efficiency and profitability, even beyond cotton.

Farming Podcast | Is It Time to Trust Non-Branded Ag Inputs? | XtremeAg

In this episode of Cutting the Curve, XtremeAg tackles the widespread skepticism surrounding post-patent (generic) crop protection products [https://www.xtremeag.farm/podcasts/non-branded-ag-inputs-xtremeag]. Host Damian Mason speaks with Brian Adams of Volunteer Ag Services and Bret Corbett of Albaugh to explore the misconceptions about generics, their formulation quality, and their role in modern farming systems. The conversation emphasizes that while not all generics are created equal, many U.S.-manufactured post-patent products undergo rigorous testing, comply with EPA standards, and often contain updated surfactants and adjuvants. The panel outlines how farmers can confidently adopt these inputs by evaluating product sourcing, compatibility, and supplier credibility—offering a cost-effective strategy in today’s challenging ag economy.

Farming Podcast | Is There Life Outside the Farm? | XtremeAg

In this candid episode of Cutting the Curve, Damian Mason hosts a roundtable with members of the next generation of agriculture—Alexander Evans, Connor “Vern” Garrett, Danielle Venable, Jackson Henderson, and Layne Miles—joined by Caleb Coots of TEVA Ag. The group shares how they balance personal time with the demands of farming [https://www.xtremeag.farm/podcasts/work-life-balance-young-farmers], how their identities are shaped by agriculture, and why building family traditions off the farm is as vital as yield goals. Topics include drag racing, falconry, parenting, mental health, generational expectations, and the pressure to embody the "farmer" identity 24/7. A thoughtful look into how young ag professionals are reshaping what it means to live and work in production agriculture today.   Presented by TEVA

Farming Podcast | Cotton Fertility Timing Trial | XtremeAg

In this episode of Cutting the Curve, host Damian Mason is joined by Matt Miles and agronomist Stephanie Zelinko to break down the results of a cotton fertility challenge [https://www.xtremeag.farm/podcasts/cotton-fertility-nutrient-timing] conducted in partnership with AgroLiquid. The trial, hosted on Matt's farm, tested three fertility programs designed by Matt, Kevin Matthews, and Kelly Garrett, each limited to a $50 foliar application budget with the goal of achieving 1,750 lbs (3.5 bales) per acre. Despite different application timings and nutrient mixes, all three programs yielded strong results, with Matt’s at 1,806 lbs, Kelly’s at 1,800 lbs, and Kevin’s at 1,724 lbs. The key differentiator was nutrient timing, especially consistent potassium and calcium delivery throughout the crop’s reproductive phase. The discussion emphasizes cotton’s high nutrient demands, the role of spoon-fed foliar treatments, and opportunities to trim costs without sacrificing yield by strategically managing application timing and product selection.