XtremeAg: Cutting The Curve Podcast

Farming Podcast | Reduce Nitrogen, Lower Your Carbon Score, and Capture 45Z Money—Here's How

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 [https://www.xtremeag.farm/podcasts/reduce-nitrogen-lower-carbon-score-capture-45z-mone] 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 45Z tax credit eligibility makes nitrogen efficiency one of the biggest financial opportunities for corn growers.

Farming Podcast | Is Your Farm Structure Costing You Money? New ARC & PLC Payment Rules Explained

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 structure, C corporations, and ownership arrangements can impact government payments, why larger farming operations should review their eligibility, and what producers need to know before the mid-July deadline.

Farming Podcast | R-Stage Fertility for Higher Yields | XtremeAg

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 [https://www.xtremeag.farm/podcasts/r-stage-fertility-higher-yields]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 for identifying nutrient deficiencies, discusses timing considerations for corn and soybean fertility applications, highlights key nutrients such as potassium, boron, sulfur, and zinc, and outlines practical application methods including aerial, drone, ground rig, and pivot fertigation. The conversation emphasizes measuring results, adapting programs to local conditions, and making informed fertility decisions that improve yield and profitability.

Farming Podcast | Are You Ready for the 45Z Credit? | XtremeAg

USDA has released key guidance for the 45Z Clean Fuel Tax Credit, [https://www.xtremeag.farm/podcasts/45z-tax-credit-for-farmers] bringing farmers closer to receiving payments for regenerative farming practices. Ryan Pearcy of ARVA [https://arva.com/] 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 an estimated $30–$40 per acre in additional value, with even greater opportunities for operations that already have low CI scores. While Treasury must still finalize implementation rules, producers are encouraged to calculate their carbon intensity score now through the USDA FDCIC. Click Here to Find Your CI Score with the USDA's Calculator [https://www.usda.gov/usda-fdcic]

Farming Podcast | Fungicide, Fertilizer, Fuel, and Finances — How to Make It All Work

Damian Mason and Art Graves of Vive Crop Protection discuss how farmers can manage fungicide [https://www.xtremeag.farm/podcasts/fungicide-timing-farm-input-costs], fertilizer, fuel, and financial pressure without sacrificing crop performance. The episode covers fungicide timing, planting-time decisions, V5 applications, disease risk from residue and soil pathogen load, and ways to reduce input costs while protecting yield potential.