#77: Residue Management: Myths, Microbes & the science behind it all

#77: Residue Management: Myths, Microbes & the science behind it all

What if everything you've been told about residue breakdown is missing the biggest piece of the puzzle? In Episode #76, Sean Nettleton is joined by Mason Claude and Dr. Cassidy Million for a deep dive into the science of residue decomposition. They break down the biology behind decomposition, explain why microbes—not nitrogen—do the heavy lifting, and challenge common practices like tillage and UAN applications that often fail to deliver the results growers expect. The conversation also covers how residue management impacts soil temperature, planting conditions, nutrient cycling, microbial activity, and ultimately the success of next year's crop. Whether you're battling heavy corn residue, planting into no-till, or simply looking to improve soil function, this episode offers practical insights backed by research to help you build a more effective residue management system. In this episode, you'll learn: * Why residue breakdown starts with biology—not products * The biggest myths surrounding residue decomposition * Why chopping and burying residue isn't the same as breaking it down * How carbon-to-nitrogen ratios affect decomposition * The surprising role fungi play in residue management * What products and practices actually move the needle * Why soil temperature may be a better indicator of success than visual residue disappearance * How residue management fits into a long-term soil health strategy This is an episode that challenges conventional thinking and gives growers a practical framework for managing residue with the next crop, not just the next pass across the field, in mind.

The Factory is Built... How Do We Maximize Production?

This episode starts by breaking down the yield equation and answering a fundamental question: how much of yield is really in Mother Nature's hands, and what can growers still influence? The answer lies in kernel weight—the one yield component that can still be impacted from R1 through R6. The key is understanding the physiology of the finish and managing crop stress during the grain-fill period. In this long-form conversation, Sean Nettleton and Mason Claude dive into the leading causes of crop stress, protein breakdown within the plant, soil test interpretation, nodule health, and practical strategies to help crops finish stronger and maximize yield potential. If your goal is to push yield this season, it's not too late. Start with this episode.

#75: Finding Trusted Voices in Modern Ag Media

In Episode 75 of Crop Cast, Sean Nettleton sits down with Dustin Hoffmann [https://x.com/Dustin_IAAgBiz], Supervising Editor and Lead Farm Broadcaster for the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network [https://iowaagribusinessradionetwork.com/], to discuss the evolving landscape of agricultural media. The conversation explores the relationship between podcasts and local radio, the importance of journalistic integrity, the challenges facing modern agriculture, and why building trust with both farmers and consumers has never been more critical.

#74: Nitrogen Pt. 2: Timing, Sulfur, and Smarter Nitrogen Management

In this follow-up nitrogen discussion, the Crop Cast team dives into real-world observations from across the Corn Belt and Northern Plains, examining how weather, soil conditions, nitrogen forms, and application timing impact crop performance. The conversation highlights why nitrogen should be managed as a season-long strategy rather than a one-time application, with a strong focus on sulfur, carbon, calcium availability, and nutrient efficiency. Stay tuned for Part 3...

#73: Nitrogen Pt. 1: The Biggest Opportunities Farmers Are Missing

In this episode of Crop Cast, host Sean Nettleton with Mason Claude and Jaren Schley take a deep dive into nitrogen management during side-dress season and challenge some long-held agronomic assumptions. The conversation covers timing versus total nitrogen rates, why placement and weather matter more than ever, and how growers can potentially reduce nitrogen use while maintaining or improving yield. The crew also breaks down the flaws of traditional nitrate testing and explains how BW Fusion [https://bwfusion.com/]’s SET (Side-dress Efficiency Test) approach provides a more complete picture for in-season fertility decisions.