Episodes
We’re moving beyond outdated fertility practices and digging into strategies that boost profitability. While farming equipment and tech have evolved, fertilizers like 18-46-0 and 0-0-60 are still common, often holding back yield and soil health. We’ll discuss how in-depth soil testing, liquid fertilizers, and chelated micronutrients can help you make every input count. Ready to bring your fertility program up to speed? Text “Up to Date” to 641-919-5570 to learn more, and let’s get your farm...
Published 11/12/24
Are you doing things to hold back your profits with soybeans? It's time to challenge the status quo and discover how shifting a few things can unleash the full yield potential! Through correct soil tests and strategic nutrient management, it's possible to transform soybeans from just a filler crop into plentiful producers, and today we’ll guide you on that journey.
Published 11/05/24
Can the right soil testing technique transform your farming success? Join us as Certified Crop Adviser Preston Grobe brings his expert perspective on the role of soil sampling in navigating nutrient management. With precise insights into macro and micronutrient levels, we showcase the importance of selecting the right lab for your soil tests to ensure accurate and actionable results.
Published 10/29/24
Today we emphasize the importance of using common sense and personal judgment in evaluating new technologies and trends in Ag. In this episode, we’re highlighting concerns about the advertising, information and the industry's shift toward subscription models for farm equipment. By asking the right questions and managing farm inputs wisely, you can maximize profits while remaining informed about the latest agricultural trends.
Published 10/22/24
Would prioritizing profit over speed in nitrogen application safeguard both your pocket and the environment? Join Rod as he covers nitrogen application, exploring how making good choices when choosing what type of N to apply and when to apply it can prevent nitrogen loss, reduce costs and improve environmental factors. The stakes are high, and the risks of hasty decisions could lead to more regulations, so let's dive into how we can self-regulate effectively to protect our livelihoods.
Published 10/15/24
Can reducing dry fertilizer applications lead to better farm yields and increased profitability? Explore the alternative methods that are challenging traditional practices. Backed by 30+ years of experience, we’ll dive into the importance of critically assessing generalized statements, seeking concrete data, and actively monitoring soil health to enhance farm performance.
Published 10/08/24
What happens when a fourth-generation dairy farmer transitions to a high no-till farming system? Join us as Rick Gehrke from Wisconsin shares his incredible journey from a regional seed company to a thriving national seed brand. Rick's story is a testament to innovation and perseverance towards transforming the future of his family farm.
Published 10/01/24
Today we’re talking about all things cover crops. We touch on the best practices of drone seeding and the importance of managing the carbon-nitrogen ratio. From budget-friendly options like cereal rye to more diverse mixes, tune in for a great discussion that promises to take your soil health to the next level.
Published 09/24/24
Join us as we explore the dig deeper into the world of plant roots and the role they play in improving plant health and yield. Listen in as we discuss the vital role of the root system and how it helps in achieving optimal crop yields.
Published 09/17/24
Join us as we talk with Dan about how in furrow nutrient application can significantly enhance farm profitability. He shares his journey of overcoming yield plateaus and high nitrogen usage. Tune in to hear Dan share how his farm has achieved higher profits.
Published 09/10/24
Discover the hidden depths of your farm's soil as we take you on a journey through the fascinating world of root systems and soil compaction. Unlock the secrets to optimizing nutrient availability in your soil with a focus on phosphorus and potassium levels. Let’s dissect how healthy root systems play a pivotal role in nutrient uptake and the benefits of regenerative agriculture practices. By promoting deeper root growth, you can create natural pathways for water movement, thus improving soil...
Published 09/02/24
Are your soybean yields stagnant? Tune in today to hear how you can transform your soybean yields from average to extraordinary with a few strategic changes. Join us for an open conversation with Mike from Minnesota, who did just that. Frustrated by stagnant soybean yields, Mike reached out to A Better Way to Farm for guidance. By incorporating in-depth soil testing, starter fertilizer, micro-nutrients, and foliar feeding into his farming practices, Mike saw his soybean yields soar from 40-50...
Published 08/26/24
How are farmers supposed to thrive when the cost of production for an acre of corn has skyrocketed from approximately $800 in 2017 to more than $1,100 today? Join us for a discussion with Dr. Scott Irwin, the Norton Chair of Agricultural Marketing from the University of Illinois, as we unpack the soaring production costs, the impact of inflation on farm expenses, and the intricate balance of maintaining profitability in such volatile markets. He offers his expert analysis on the various...
Published 08/19/24
What if you could decrease your cost of production while simultaneously increasing your yield by 25 BPA? Join us as we chat with Chad from Northwest Iowa, who has successfully redefined his 1,200-acre corn and bean operation. Chad shares how adopting cutting-edge strategies has made his farm more efficient and profitable. So don't miss this episode’s insights on achieving optimal results through innovative and efficient practices.
Published 08/12/24
Enhancing plant health is key to boosting yields and profitability, and we've got the tips to help you do just that! Here we discuss the significant benefits of using Nonionic surfactants to improve spray coverage and absorption, along with the game-changing impact of adding sugar to your tank. Backed by research from the USDA and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, these methods can lead to increased pest tolerance and higher yields. We will also stress the importance of diligent field...
Published 08/05/24
Learn how to navigate today's commodities market with practical insights and strategies that can save your farm from financial peril. On this episode, we welcome back Roger Wright to help decode the unpredictable world of grain marketing. He shares his expertise on how farmers can manage these financial and emotional strains. Gain valuable knowledge on the importance of strategic grain storage and how to capitalize on potential future price rallies. Tune in for insights to help you thrive in...
Published 07/29/24
Could sugar be the secret ingredient your crops are missing? Join us as we cover the unexpected advantages of incorporating sugar into your farming practices. We dive into the science and history to reveal how sugar applications can boost nutrient uptake, enhance photosynthesis, and improve stress tolerance in crops. We'll cover diverse methods such as foliar feeding, fungicides, herbicides, and in-furrow treatments, and we'll guide you on how to effectively implement sugar treatments in your...
Published 07/22/24
Join us on this episode as we uncover the crucial role boron plays in plant nutrition. Listen to insights from a groundbreaking research paper that highlights boron's importance in reducing the accumulation of toxic elements in plants, a discovery that dates back over a century. We'll also discuss boron's impact on various crops, and why addressing boron deficiencies is vital for preventing plant issues. So how does boron content affects overall plant health and productivity? Don't miss this...
Published 07/15/24
Today we explore the world of foliar applied nitrogen and its potential for farming. This episode will equip you with actionable insights that can enhance your yields and profitability. Foliar feeds can stimulate plant growth by making deeper soil nutrients accessible. As you listen, think on how these insights can be applied to your own practices to maximize this year's yield.
Published 07/08/24
Join us as we explore effective strategies for maximizing farm profits by tackling the common challenges of nutrient deficiencies in crops. We'll focus on critical elements like potassium and sulfur. Discover how yellowing in various parts of the plant can signal imbalances in magnesium, manganese, nitrogen, and sulfur, and learn about the crucial 10:1 nitrogen to sulfur ratio. In this episode you’ll gain insights from field tests on cost-effective application rates so listen in for practical...
Published 07/01/24
Unlock the secrets to boosting your crop yield and profitability with insights from certified crop advisors Preston Grobe and Tyler Hall. Learn how to sidestep the five common mistakes in foliar feeding that could be cutting your yields and profits. Preston shares actionable advice and the importance of the four R's of agronomy—right rate, right time, right place, and right source—to avoid yield loss. This episode is brimming with strategies to make your farming operations more efficient and...
Published 06/24/24
Join us in this episode as we explore the vital role of boron and its profound impact on crop health and yields. We'll discuss the challenges of retaining negatively charged nutrients like boron, sulfur, and nitrogen in the soil. Do you know that there are scientifically proven methods and resources you can adopt to address these nutrient deficiencies and improve your farming practices? So, listen in as we reveal how by incorporating adequate boron into your farming practices, you can drive...
Published 06/17/24
Is Yellow flash dragging your yield down? Ever wondered why your soybeans turn yellow after using glyphosate? Today we unravel the mystery behind this common farming issue and provide practical solutions to keep your yield on track. Tune in to hear Rod's expert advice on combating yellow flash effectively. Learn his tried-and-true method of using chelated manganese to keep your crops vibrant and productive, ensuring no "bad days" for your plants. In this episode, you'll have actionable tips...
Published 06/10/24
Join us as we sit down with Jerry, a Missouri farmer and 25 time yield contest winner, who shares his extensive knowledge on optimizing farm inputs for maximum profit. Jerry recounts his journey in the National Corn Growers Contest and shares how foliar feeding became a cornerstone of Jerry's farming practices in the last 20 years. Jerry provides detailed insights on the exact steps he takes to foliar feed the crop. This episode will provide actionable strategies to improve farm productivity...
Published 06/03/24