A Better Way To Farm Podcast

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: Why temperature, humidity, and timing matter How application overlap and tank mixes affect crop safety Best practices for crop staging and foliar applications Key Takeaways! 🌱 Foliar feeding works best when conditions are right. 🚜 Precision...

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. Inste...

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&#39...

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 st...

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...

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...

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 work...

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 stre...

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 ad...

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 chanc...

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 s...

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: How to stay smart...

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...

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: How nutrients like moly and cobalt can help or hurt your crop Why soil tests...

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 tho...

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: How to choose the right products for your goal Why water quality impacts performance more than most realize How to improve e...

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: The role of micronutrients in crop health...

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...

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...

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: Why fertility programs stop working How to improve fertilizer efficiency Why early plant nutrition matters

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: How soil testing helps you stop guessing and start making smart choices Why fixing pH can unlock yield you are...

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 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: Why plant nutrition matters more than jus...

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: How to protect your farm income even when markets swing When to sell crops to avoid big price drops Why locking in a safe pri...

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...