A Better Way To Farm Podcast

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…

...

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:

<...

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:

<...

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...

Farming carries heart, pride, and purpose. Today, we talk with Sam, a sixth generation Iowa farmer, who shares how learning, teamwork, and belief helped his farm grow again. With guidance and education, his farm found new energy. His joy for farming returned. His family gained confidence.

This episode reminds us that farming is better when we grow together.

🌱 What You’ll Learn:

• How simple agronomy knowledge can boost confidence in the field

• Why working with a strong team helps farms move ahead

• Ho...

In this episode, we talk with Scott, a South Dakota farmer who is chasing better margins. What he has learned helped him cut nitrogen nearly in half and grow healthier crops.

If you have ever wondered if there is a better way, this episode is for you.

🌱 What You’ll Learn:

• How Scott cut nitrogen rates almost 50% while maintaining yield

• Why placement and timing beat adding more fertilizer

• How healthier plants stay green longer and grain fill better

Today, let’s finish strong. Zinc may be small, yet it plays a big role in how your crop grows, uses water, and fills grain. When zinc is right, plants stay steady. When zinc runs short, yield quietly slips away.

In this episode, we’ll show why early attention keeps crops moving forward all season.

🌱 What You’ll Learn:

• Why zinc matters from planting to harvest

• How zinc drives hormones, enzymes, and seed formation

• Why high phosphorus often leads to zinc trouble

Manganese does not get much attention, yet it can make your fertilizer dollars work harder. Get it right and crops run smoother. Miss it and yield slips away without much warning.

In this episode, we walk through why manganese matters, how it works with other nutrients, and why small fixes here can protect big yields.

🌱 What You’ll Learn:

• What manganese does inside the plant

• How manganese helps phosphorus, calcium, and nitrogen work better

• Why yellow striping often points to manganese<...

Iron may be small, yet it plays a big role in how your crops grow, stay green, and fill the bin. If your plants look pale, weak, or slow early in the season, iron could be the missing link. 

Today, we’ll hear how strong roots, smart testing, and targeted foliar applications help keep crops dark green, growing strong, and producing sugar when it counts.

🌱 What You’ll Learn:

• Why iron is key to chlorophyll, photosynthesis, and sugar production

• How to spot iron deficie...

Let’s talk nutrients that do not get much airtime. Chloride and Moly can help a crop or hurt it. It depends on how they are used. In this episode, we’ll break it down so you can make better fertility calls and protect yield.

This is not about chasing silver bullets. It’s about knowing what is helping your crop and what might be quietly holding it back.

🌱 What You’ll Learn:

• When and why chloride can strengthen plants and also cause real trouble

Let’s take a closer look at copper. It’s a micronutrient needed in very small amounts however, is critical to yield, stalk strength, and nutrient efficiency.

In this episode, let’s see where copper fits, how to test for it correctly, and why balancing micronutrients is essential for getting more from every input dollar.

🌱 What You’ll Learn:

• Why copper keeps getting ignored

• When N, P, and K stop working

• How to take a clean tissue sample

If you...

If you’re pouring on nitrogen and not seeing the yield you expect, sulfur might be what’s missing. We used to get sulfur for free. We don’t anymore. And pretending we still do is costing us real money.

In this episode, we break down sulfur in a way that actually makes sense—no fancy words, no guessing, just what works in the field.

🌱 What You’ll Learn (Plain and Simple):

• Why sulfur isn’t “extra” anymore—it’s essential

• What sulfur deficiency actually...

Ever see yellow leaves and think, “I need more nitrogen”?

🚨 Hold on. It might be magnesium waving a red flag.

In today’s episode, we break down why magnesium is the heart of chlorophyll, why too much can be just as bad as too little, and how the wrong balance can tighten soils, waste fertilizer, and hurt yields.

🌱 What You’ll Learn Today:

• How potassium and nitrogen block magnesium uptake

• The biggest mistake farmers make with yellow corn

• When high-mag lime h...

Ever wonder why your crop just doesn’t finish strong—even when pH looks “fine”? 👀

Today’s episode breaks down calcium, the quiet workhorse that keeps plants strong, roots growing, and soil life booming.

Today, we clear up big myths, tell real farm stories, and show why calcium is more than just lime—it’s the key to better yields and healthier soil.

🌱 What You’ll Learn Today:

• How calcium helps roots, microbes, and nutrient flow

• Why soil testing beats guessing—every time

...

In today’s episode, we’re talking about a nutrient that packs a punch: BORON. This powerhouse helps your crops bloom, grow, and increase yield. If you want bigger ears, fuller kernels, and better plants, this episode is for you!

🌱 What You’ll Learn Today:

• How boron helps pollen, silks, blooms, and seed development

• Why waiting until you see a deficiency means lost yield

• How boron boosts microbes, fungi, and even drought tolerance

Soil tests show 90% of farms are deficient and that means...

Want better yields and more profit without wasting money? Then this episode is for you because we’re breaking down why potassium is a game-changer. Plus, how using it the right way can help you win big.

🌱 What You’ll Learn Today:

• Why potassium is one of the hardest-working nutrients in your crop

• How CEC changes what “low” and “high” potassium really means

• Why drought makes potassium deficiency show up fast

Today, we break down why phosphorus is a BIG DEAL for your crops. It’s one of the “Big 3” nutrients, and it’s the one that helps your plants build strong roots, grow faster, and finish before frost hits.

This episode is full of clear steps you can use to farm smarter, cut losses, and keep more dollars in your pocket.

🌱 What You’ll Learn Today:

• Why phosphorus is the root-building powerhouse of your crop

• How erosion steals tons of soil and dollars

• H...

Nitrogen is the “big one” in farming. 

However, using too much can hurt your crops and your

wallet. In this episode, let’s break down tips that help you apply nitrogen wisely, protect your soil, and cut waste.

What You’ll Learn Today:

• Why too much nitrogen can actually lower your yield

• How timing and placement make a big money difference

• How other nutrients (like sulfur, zinc, and phosphorus) help nitrogen work better

Many farmers worry that using liquid fertilizer will “mine” or hurt their soil. But truth is, when nutrients go into the plant—and not just on the ground—you can actually build better soil and better yields over time. Farming has a lot of opinions. But results come from:

✔ Real tests

✔ Real science

✔ Real numbers

✔ Programs that actually build soil and yields

🌱 Here’s What You’ll Learn:

• Why soil already has huge amounts of P and K waiting to be unlocked

With rising costs and tighter margins heading into 2026, so today were walking through the real numbers and simple steps that help farmers keep more money in their pockets while still growing strong crops. 

This episode lays out the practical, proven ways to cut waste, boost efficiency, and make every acre pay.

🌱 Here’s What You’ll Learn:

• Why soil testing is the fastest way to stop wasting fertilizer

• How to use nitrogen correctly so less is lost and more is made in yield

...

In this episode, Rod and Curt dig into something big… the untapped nutrients beneath the soil surface. After deep soil testing this year, we’ve proven there are thousands of pounds of nutrients just waiting for roots to find them. 

If you want more profit per acre without spending more money, this is the episode for you.

🌱 Here’s What You’ll Learn:

• The simple shifts that help crops grow deeper

• How improving soil health creates a highway for roots to access more nutrients<...

In this episode, we talk with Ryan Wolf. He shares practical tips that can make your soil healthier and your yields higher. You’ll hear real talk about what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid costly mistakes.

🌱 What You’ll Learn:

• Smart ways to manage moisture, weeds, and nutrients

• Why timing and management matter way more than seed choice

• How to make cover crops part of a soil health plan