XtremeAg: Cutting The Curve Podcast

Farming Podcast | Cover Crop Strategies Beyond Rye | XtremeAg

In this episode of XtremeAg’s Cutting The Curve, host Damian Mason is joined by Kelly Garrett and TJ Kartes of Bio Till to explore how farmers can achieve better results with cover crops by moving beyond cereal rye. The discussion focuses on reducing disease risks, improving nutrient cycling, and tailoring cover crop strategies [https://www.xtremeag.farm/podcasts/cover-crop-strategies-beyond-rye]to specific cropping systems. The conversation also covers the benefits of interseeding, chemical program compatibility—especially related to atrazine—and how diverse mixes including oats, brassicas, and peas can enhance soil health, livestock feed options, and overall return on investment. Farmers are encouraged to consider both agronomic data and future regulatory trends in planning their cover crop systems.

Farming Podcast | Running a Family Farm Remotely | XtremeAg

In this episode of Cutting the Curve, Damian Mason speaks with South Dakota native Derek Skogsberg about building a modern, financially viable farming operation [https://www.xtremeag.farm/podcasts/remote-farm-management-business-model]while living out of state. With a professional background in agronomy and agribusiness, Skogsberg shares how he returned to his family’s legacy farmland after decades in other industries, creating a business model that balances investment, operational efficiency, and generational preservation. Farming approximately 1,000 acres—half owned, half family-managed—Skogsberg details the transition from investor to operator, the importance of pro forma financials, equipment investments, hiring the right personnel, and using tools like John Deere Operations Center to farm remotely. He emphasizes treating the operation as a standalone business and offers key insights for families considering a non-traditional path to maintaining farm viability.

Farming Podcast | Soil Health Strategies That Pay

In this episode of Cutting the Curve, host Damian Mason is joined by Temple Rhodes and Barrett Ersek to explore the concept of "Thriveability" — a farmer-driven mindset focused on improving soil health [https://www.xtremeag.farm/podcasts/soil-health-strategies-reducing-inputs], reducing inputs, and enhancing long-term economic outcomes. Barrett, founder of Holganix, explains how the company has shifted from selling crop inputs to becoming a partner in soil health by leveraging microbial technologies, intensive data collection, and prescriptive agronomic support. Temple shares real-world results from implementing Holganix's fall and spring biological products, including measurable gains in soil structure, water infiltration, and crop performance. The conversation highlights how integrating soil health strategies into a farming operation — paired with quantifiable metrics and optional carbon credit opportunities — can deliver immediate and long-term financial returns while improving the resilience of the land.

Farming Podcast | Can You Boost Wheat Yields on Budget? | XtremeAg

In this episode of Cutting the Curve, host Damian Mason discusses the results of the Economic Fertility Challenge with farmer Johnny Verell and agronomist Stephanie Zelinko. The challenge, conducted in partnership with AgroLiquid, aimed to maximize wheat yields [https://www.xtremeag.farm/podcasts/wheat-fertility-roi-strategies] with a $30 foliar fertility spend per acre. Johnny Verell achieved the highest yield at 114 bushels per acre and won on both yield and ROI, outperforming fellow farmers Kelly Garrett and Temple Rhodes. The discussion highlights strategies such as spoon-feeding nutrients, leveraging crop tissue testing, and aligning applications with growth stages. Despite depressed commodity prices and high input costs, targeted foliar nutrition proved to be a viable approach to maintaining yields while managing budgets.

Farming Podcast | Precision In-Furrow Strategies Tested | XtremeAg

In this episode of Cutting The Curve, Damian Mason hosts Temple Rhodes, Chad Henderson, Kevin Matthews, Joe Leslie, and agronomist Stephanie Zelinko to discuss the Economic Fertility Challenge—a collaborative in-furrow fertility trial [https://www.xtremeag.farm/podcasts/in-furrow-corn-fertility-challenge]with AgroLiquid, aiming to maximize ROI under a $40/acre fertility budget. The challenge was conducted on irrigated corn with a 300-bushel yield goal, testing varied nutrient strategies across different farms without revealing treatment identities to eliminate bias. The discussion emphasizes budget-conscious fertility planning, precision placement, and how real-world application on different soil types impacts results. Farmers share insights on phosphorus prioritization, micronutrient selection, and the efficiencies gained from targeted in-furrow applications—highlighting that agronomic effectiveness and profitability can be achieved even under financial constraints.