A Better Way To Farm Podcast

In this episode, Rod and Kayla look back on the past few weeks and the lessons they picked up from farmers, field days, and business owners.

From learning to focus on what matters most to seeing what other farmers are testing, the message is simple: keep learning, keep looking, and always find ways to do better.

What You'll Learn:

This episode shares an Iowa farmer's journey of making small changes, learning more, and improving step by step. From better soil testing to better fertilizer use and new ways to apply products, each improvement helped move the operation forward.

What You'll Learn:

Sometimes better farming starts with one simple decision: be willing to change.

In this episode, we sit down with an Iowa farmer who grew up farming the traditional way. As he started managing his own ground, he began exploring no till, cover crops, and a different approach to fertility. The results gave him plenty of reasons to keep going.

What You'll Learn:

✓ How changing fertility practices helped improve farm yields

✓ Why no till and cover crops can improve soil structure and water infiltration

✓ How liquid fertility can complement a soil h...

In this episode, we talk about upcoming field days and why hands on learning matters so much. We share what farmers can see in the field, from liquid fertilizer systems and drones to root pits, soil testing, and real-world crop trials.

What You'll Learn:

Sometimes the biggest test isn't choosing between right and wrong. It's choosing between something good and what God has called you to do.

In this episode, Rod walks us through Numbers 32 and the story of Reuben and Gad, who found good land and wanted to settle there before reaching the Promised Land.

A farm is more than acres and equipment. It is a business, a family, and a legacy.

In this episode, Rod sits down with Kayla to talk about growing up in the family business, the lessons that shaped her, and what it takes to build a stronger future for farmers and their families.

So, how do you create enough opportunity for the next generation to come home?

The message is simple: you don't have to follow someone else's blueprint. Find what works for your...

High input costs, high interest, and uncertain markets are putting more pressure on farmers than ever. So how do you protect the farm when you can't control the price of grain, the weather, or interest rates?

You start with what you can control.

In this episode, Rod challenges farmers to stop relying on "plant and pray" and start looking closely at what each input is doing for the farm. The goal isn't simply to grow more bushels. 

It's to grow profitable bushels.

Every season brings a new list of products promising bigger yields. They sound impressive. The real question is simple: will it make you money?

In this episode, Rod encourage farmers to look past the marketing and dig into the numbers. He explains why field days, soil testing, and real field results can help farmers make better decisions for 2027.

What You'll Learn:

Farming is more than raising a crop. It's building a business that can support your family today and for generations to come.

In this episode, we sit down with Illinois farmer and banker Isaac to discuss farming from both sides of the table. We talk about improving return on investment, making better input decisions, and why lenders value farmers who have a clear plan for improving profitability.

What You'll Learn:

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The markets are looking stronger, and advice is coming from every direction. It can be hard to know what is worth your money and what is just another sales pitch.

In this episode, Rod shares why every product is not right for every field or every growth stage. He explains how reading the label, understanding your crop, and making informed decisions can protect your wallet and improve your profits.

What You'll Learn:

The finish line matters just as much as the starting line. A strong crop can still lose yield if late-season nutrition is ignored.

In this episode, we discuss how soil testing, tissue testing, and targeted foliar nutrition help farmers make the right decisions during the final stages of the growing season. We explain why guessing with nutrients costs money, how to support crops through pollination and grain fill, and why healthy plants are better equipped to handle disease.

What You'll Learn:

There are no shortcuts to building a profitable farm. The biggest gains often come from understanding your soil, making smarter decisions, and improving a little every season.

In this episode, a Minnesota farmer discuss the lessons he learned from years of testing, field trials, and education. From breaking compaction and improving soil health to fine-tuning nitrogen, tissue testing, and late-season nutrition, we explain why strong fundamentals continue to outperform guesswork.

What You'll Learn:

In this episode, one Wisconsin farmer shares how moving from a one-size-fits-all fertility program to field-specific nutrient management transformed his operation. Through soil testing, tissue testing, foliar feeding, and a focus on micronutrients, he pushed his soybean yields from 75 to 97 bushels while building a system designed for long-term profitability.

His story is a reminder that better yields start with better management, and every season is another chance to improve.

What You'll Learn:

Foliar feeding can boost yields, yet small mistakes can do more harm than good. In this episode, we break down how to avoid crop burn.

What You'll Learn:

Key Takeaways!

🌱 Foliar feeding works best when conditions are right.

🚜 Precision application protects both yield and crop health.

Every year, farmers hear about the next product that's supposed to change everything. Things like amino acids, enzymes, and biologicals. The promises can sound exciting, but the results are what matters.

In this episode, Rod takes a closer look at the science behind amino acids and enzymes. He explains why crops need balanced nutrition before any specialty product can deliver real value. Instead of chasing shortcuts, build a strong foundation first.

Good agronomy isn't about buying more products. It's about making every input earn its place.

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Today we talk with an Illinois farmer about how small changes lead to big results. From soil and tissue testing to spoon-feeding nutrients throughout the season, Brent shares how managing every field based on its individual needs has improved yields, forage quality, and profitability.

Success doesn't come from guessing. It comes from learning, testing, and making better decisions.

What You'll Learn:

Every acre you spray starts with water. If your spray water has the wrong pH, it can reduce the effectiveness of herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides before they even reach the field. In this episode, Rod explains why testing water pH is one of the easiest ways to improve spray performance.

Learn why water quality matters, how the right acidifier can protect your investment, and why a small step before spraying can save you money and improve weed control all season long.

What You'll Learn:

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Yellow soybeans after a glyphosate application may seem like a temporary problem, yet the yield loss can be very real. In this episode, Rod explains what causes yellow flash, why manganese plays a critical role, and how farmers can reduce stress on their soybean crop.

You'll hear real-world examples, research insights, and practical strategies that can help protect yield potential and improve profitability with a simple addition to your spray program.

What You'll Learn:

Foliar feeding has been debated for years. Some farmers swear by it. Others are not convinced. So what separates success in Foliar Feeding from disappointment?

In this episode you’ll hear from farmers across the Midwest using foliar feeding in corn, soybeans, and alfalfa. From consistent yield increases to improved crop performance across every acre, they explain what worked on their farms and why.

If you have ever wondered whether foliar feeding is worth it, this episode gives you the roadmap.

What You'll Learn:

What if micronutrients are more than tools for growing bigger crops…What if they play a major role in building stronger soil biology?

In this episode of A Better Way to Farm, Andrew sits down with farmer and researcher Curt to talk about how micronutrients influence the living system beneath your feet. 

This episode goes beyond yield and focus on creating healthier, more efficient system that works for years to come.

What You'll Learn:

Boron might be one of the most overlooked nutrients in agriculture, and it could be quietly stealing yield from your operation. In this conversation, Rod breaks down why boron plays a much bigger role than most farmers realize and why focusing only on N, P, and K may be leaving profitability behind. 

You’ll learn why boron impacts pollination, root growth, sugar movement, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance. Rod also explains why timing matters more than simply applying more product and why split applications consistently outperform large single applications. 

In this conversation, we cover:

•...

A crop can look healthy while still having hidden hunger. In this episode, Rod explains why tissue testing helps growers catch problems early and make better decisions before profit slips away.

Let’s walk through the best timing for tissue testing in corn and soybeans, common mistakes growers make, and how simple corrections can protect bushels this season. This episode is packed with practical advice you can use this season to improve efficiency, protect yield, and make every acre produce the best ROI possible.

In this episode, we cover:

Imagine walking in your field and it looks good, then later you see stress and start guessing. This episode shares why tissue testing helps you see what your plant needs right now so you can act early and protect your yield.

Soil may hold nutrients, yet your plant may not be using them. Stress, water, and root issues can block uptake. Your plant is your report card. Early testing gives you a chance to fix problems before they show up and cost you yield.

Keep it simple and make...

Surfactants can make or break your spray program. But with thousands of products on the market, many farmers are left wondering:

What actually matters?

What works?

And what is just adding cost and confusion?

In this episode, Rod breaks down the role surfactants play in:

• Pre-emerge applications

• Post-emerge spraying

• Foliar feeding

• Fungicide and insecticide passes

You’ll learn why different spray situations require different approaches and why “one-size-fits-all” products can sometimes...

New products can feel exciting and confusing at the same time. In this episode, we talk about enzymes, cobalt, and moly in a simple way. Learn how to stay smart, protect your money, and grow strong crops.

We focus on one big idea. Test before you invest. Start small. Learn what works on your farm. This helps you stay in control and build profit year after year.

What You’ll Learn:

In this episode, we share simple tools that make farming easier to understand. You do not need big textbooks. You can learn from short and easy guides that give real value.

These tools help you understand your soil, your crops, and your inputs.

We also show how small details matter. Nutrients, pH, and ratios can change your results. When you understand them, you make better choices.

You will hear how testing helps you:

Moly and Cobalt are getting a lot of buzz right now. It sounds exciting. It feels like the next big win. However, this episode reminds you to slow down and make decisions that pay.

Soil testing gives you the right roadmap. Because nutrients can hurt your crop if used the wrong way or at the wrong time.

What You’ll Learn:

You’re probably asking yourself right now…

Should you switch more acres to soybeans this year? It’s a fair question. Input costs are high. Margins feel tight. And soybeans look like the safer, cheaper option. 

But here’s the truth…

Cheaper does not mean more profitable. In this episode, we break down how to actually decide if switching makes sense for your farm and more importantly how to make those soybean acres pay if you do. Because the goal isn’t to save money…

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Farming today is not easy. Costs are up, weather shifts fast, and every decision carries more weight. 

In this episode, we break down simple ways to get more out of every spray pass. It comes down to making better decisions with what you are already doing.

What You’ll Learn:

In this episode, we explore how farmers can improve crop performance by focusing on micronutrients. They play a major role in plant health, stress tolerance, and fertilizer efficiency.

We break down why guesswork falls short and how a smarter approach, built on soil testing and proper timing can turn wasted inputs into stronger yields.

 What You’ll Learn:

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Input costs are climbing. Markets are moving. Right now, every decision matters.

In this episode, Rod breaks down what’s really happening with nitrogen prices, shifting acres, and the noise coming from every direction telling you to try the next “silver bullet.”

This isn’t about reacting. It’s about making the best decision for your farm.

Because the choices you make this season don’t just impact this crop… they impact your long-term profitability.

Rod walks through real-world strategies to...

Most farmers think adding liquid fertilizer to their planter takes a huge investment. That’s not always true.

In this episode, we sit down with equipment expert Jeff and break it down in a way that actually makes sense. Real setups, real numbers, and what you actually need to get started without wasting money. We walk through different in-furrow options, what they cost, and how to choose the right system for your operation so you’re not overbuilding or overpaying.

Here’s what you’ll take away:

In this episode, we explain why many fertilizer programs fail and how you can make improvements.

If you want to improve fertilizer efficiency and increase your yield potential, this episode will show you practical steps you can take this season.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

In this episode, Andrew talks with a Minnesota farmer who decided he was done guessing. He was tired of writing checks and hoping things would work out. He wanted to understand why he was doing what he was doing. Four years later, his yields are up in a big way.

In this episode, we cover:

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There’s a lot of noise in agriculture right now. Big promises. Shiny shortcuts. That’s not what this episode is about.

We’re going back to the fundamentals…the things that actually move the needle. Strong starts, healthy roots, simple decisions that stack into real profit.

This episode focuses on early-season choices that protect yield from day one. No hype. No magic. Just proven basics done right.

In this episode, we cover:

In this episode, we talk with North Dakota farmer Darrell about how small changes made a big difference on his farm. He shares how testing new ideas helped him gain confidence, grow better crops, and protect his profit margin even after a hail storm.

This is a great conversation with a farmer who decided to make a change for his farm.

🌱 What You’ll Learn:

In this episode, we talk with market expert Roger Wright to share clear and steady ways to protect your farm income. This conversation helps farmers focus on smart choices, calm thinking, and strong planning so farms stay alive for the next generation.

🌱 What You’ll Learn:

Today’s episode is here to help rice growers stay strong and make smart moves. We walk through rice fertility in a simple way that makes sense in the field. This episode is packed with real farm knowledge you can use this season.

If you grow rice or work with someone who does, this episode will help you think differently about nutrients, water, and timing. Small changes can lead to healthier crops and stronger yields.

🌱 What You’ll Learn:

High input costs and tight margins are forcing farmers to look harder at every dollar. In this episode, Ryan talks with Stephanie Fackler from John Deere Financial about how financing decisions impact profitability more than most producers realize. Many farms rely on the same operating loan year after year without understanding the hidden costs. This conversation breaks down better ways to manage cash flow, what 0% financing really means, and why unsecured input financing can reduce risk. Stephanie also shares insight on where the Ag economy may be headed and how farmers can protect working capital while navigating low commodity...

In this episode, we talk with Robbie, a farmer from Mississippi who decided to question the way things had always been done. After floods, lost seasons, and rising costs, Robbie knew the “old way” was not working.

He shares why putting nutrients exactly where the plant needs them made a real difference on his farm.

🌱 What You’ll Learn:

• Why questioning old habits can protect your farm

• How targeted fertility gained him 12+ bushels

• A better way to spend money from planting to har...