XtremeAg: Cutting The Curve Podcast
XtremeAg’s Cutting the Curve Podcast, one of the best farming podcasts in America, hosted by Damian Mason. In each episode, top American farmers share their proven strategies for boosting crop yields and improving farm ROI. Learn from farming experts who provide tips on regenerative agriculture, new farm equipment, fertilizer recommendations, agronomy and farm efficiency. Whether you want to improve your crop yield for corn or soybeans, explore sustainable farming practices, or optimize your nutrient management, the Cutting the Curve Podcast delivers insights you can apply to your farming operation today. Stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of...
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Farming Podcast | Are Your Soil Nutrients Going Unused? | XtremeAg
<p>Using Carbon Technology to Improve Nutrient Uptake and Reduce Inputs</p> <p>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.</p> <p>In a recent episode of Cutting the Curve, Arkansas farmer Matt Miles joined host Damian Mason, alongside Brad Benson and Brandon Laws of Activated Carbon Technologies (ACT), to discuss how carbon amendments are helping farmers optimize nutrient use and improve yields using the fertility already present in their soil.</p>
Farming Podcast | Corn Disease Management Strategy | XtremeAg
Are You Losing Corn Yield to Disease Without Knowing It? <p>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 grain fill.</p> <p>In this episode of Cutting the Curve, host Damian Mason is joined by Adam Byrne of FMC and Kelly Garrett, a founding member of XtremeAg, to discuss how farmers can reduce corn...
Farming Podcast | Is Fall Fertility Costing You? | XtremeAg
<p>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 The group addresses the economic inefficiencies and agronomic downsides of outdated fertilizer applications, particularly the tendency to broadcast fertilizer in the fall without tying it to actual nutrient demand.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 timing, placement, and environmental risks, the conversation encourages farmers to adopt more precise, ROI-driven fertility strategies. Insights include alternative methods, the impact of soil conditions, and how evolving from habit-based practices can improve profitability.</p>
Farming Podcast | Are You Wasting Seed Potential? | XtremeAg
<p>Know Your Seed Treatment: Why It Matters More Than Ever</p> <p>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 UPL, to break down the practical, economic, and agronomic reasons for paying closer attention to seed treatments.</p> <p>Seed Treatment: The Foundation of a Su...
Farming Podcast | Outside-The-Box Fertility Tactics | XtremeAg
<p>In this episode of Cutting the Curve, Damian Mason speaks with Tommy Roach of Nachurs and Texas farmer Todd Kimbrell about moving away from conventional fertility practices toward more efficient, cost-effective nutrient strategies. The discussion centers on reducing or eliminating fall-applied nitrogen and phosphorus, and instead using in-season applications of micronutrients like zinc, sulfur, boron, copper, and potassium acetate. Kimbrell shares his transition to foliar feeding, wide drop applications, and targeted nutrient timing. This episode emphasizes the value of rethinking traditional approaches to fertility to improve nutrient use efficiency, soil biology, and return on investment—without increasing input costs.</p>...
Farming Podcast | Farm Financial Stress Test Tips | XtremeAg
<p>Farm financial success requires more than strong yields or land appreciation. In this episode, Damian Mason speaks with Jeff Janssen of JC Ag Financial Services and Iowa farmer Kelly Garrett to explore the elements of a real financial stress test. They cover critical areas like calculating true cost of production, identifying hidden expenses, and managing financial pressure through operational scale and revenue diversification. The discussion also highlights strategic decisions around grain storage, marketing risk, and preparing for conversations with lenders. This episode offers practical, actionable insights to help farmers strengthen cash flow management and improve long-term profitability.</p>
Farming Podcast | Cover Crop Strategies Beyond Rye | XtremeAg
<p>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 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 a...
Farming Podcast | Running a Family Farm Remotely | XtremeAg
<p>In this episode of Cutting the Curve, Damian Mason speaks with South Dakota native Derek Skogsberg about building a modern, financially viable farming operation 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...
Farming Podcast | Soil Health Strategies That Pay
<p>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, 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 so...
Farming Podcast | Can You Boost Wheat Yields on Budget? | XtremeAg
<p>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 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...
