A Better Way To Farm Podcast

Did you know that something as simple as sugar can help your crops?  In this episode we talk about how sugar is a powerful tool for farmers. It’s not just for sweet tea sugar can feed good microbes in the soil, help break down old plant residue, and even improve the health of crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat. Rod shares how sugar used to be hard to work with, but now there are easy options tha...

What if simply changing when you apply potassium could lead to higher yields and profitability? In this episode, digging into K applications. With rising costs and market uncertainty, now’s the time to make sure everything we do pencils out. You’ll learn:  Why potassium levels in your soil can change a lot; Tips to help your crops grow better; and What to know about potassium sulfate.    Doing th...

Are You Planting for Profit—or Just Following the Calendar?   In this episode of the A Better Way to Farm Podcast, we’re covering 7 tips to improve profitability this season because when you plant with intention, you plant for profit. We’re sharing 7 real and actionable strategies you can use right now to improve planting outcomes and set yourself up for a better harvest. What You’ll Learn in This...

What would you do if your family farm had to shut down? In this episode, we talk with Jason, a Michigan farmer. His family had been farming for over 100 years. But everything changed when they learned the soil was full of PFAS—harmful chemicals from using treated human waste as fertilizer. Jason shares how this happened, how it’s affected his family, and what he’s doing to keep going. What You’ll...

Are your soybeans stuck at a plateau? What if you could break past that and grow even more? Today Rod’s shares 3 easy, proven tips to help you get better soybean yields and boost your farm’s profits.  Here’s What You’ll Learn:  How to set the right plant population and nutrition for maximum growth; How testing for SCN can make a big difference; and Why adding chelated manganese to your glyphosate...

Spring planting season is just around the corner—are you ready to hit the ground running? In this episode, we’re covering strategies that can help you avoid the stress and confusion that often happens. We’ll break down how clear role definitions, cross-training, and daily check-ins can keep your team in sync and ensure a smooth, productive season. Plus, we’ll discuss one simple but powerful change...

Are you getting the most out of your spray applications? In this episode, we’re talking about how adjuvants can help your herbicides work better, improve soil health, and save you money. Whether you own a sprayer or hire someone to apply, these tips will help you make better decisions for your farm.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Should You Own a Sprayer? – How it can save money and give you...

With planting season around the corner, let’s talk about why you need a seed treatment with adenosine monophosphate. Nearly all corn seed in the U.S. comes pre-treated, but not all treatments are created equal. Understanding what’s in them can be the difference between a strong start and a costly struggle.   In this episode, we’re covering:   A patented seed treatment proven to boost emergence How...

In this episode we’re breaking down exactly how you can affordably get your planter set up for liquid fertilizer. It’s simpler, more cost-effective, and easier to implement than you think.   Today we dive into: The real ROI of liquid fertilizer and how it pays for itself How even non-mechanically inclined farmers can set up a system with ease How regardless of your budget you can get your planter...

Maximizing efficiency and profitability starts with getting nutrient application right. Too much wastes money, too little costs yield. In this episode, we break down:   -The risks of over- and under-application -Why one-size-fits-all fertility plans don’t work -How soil testing guides the right rates & timing -Placement strategies to maximize uptake   Fertility isn’t just about applying nutrie...

Ever wondered how some farmers push their yields higher while keeping input costs under control? At A Better Way to Farm, we cut through the noise and bring you real-world strategies to maximize profitability on your operation. In this episode, we sit down with Curt, a fourth-generation farmer from northwest Illinois, who overhauled his fertility program to secure his farm’s future. Learn how his...

What if the future of farming means changing the way we’ve always done things? In this episode, we talk about the big challenges farmers face today—higher costs, rising interest rates, and crop prices that just aren’t keeping up. It feels a lot like the struggles of the 1980s, but this time, we have better tools to help. We’ll focus on what farmers can control, how to make smart changes, and why b...

Could your crops be missing out on a crucial boost due to misunderstood micronutrient management? In today’s episode, we dive into the truth about zinc applications—why some people get lackluster results—and how precise soil and tissue testing can completely change the game. We’ll cover common pitfalls with nutrient interactions and how to master them for better plant health and bigger yields. Don...

Let’s unlock the secrets of maximizing your farm's potential by harnessing the power of manganese! This episode promises to clear up the widespread confusion between manganese and magnesium and provide invaluable insights into why manganese is the pivotal micronutrient your crops can't do without. We urge our listeners to take action against potential threats like excess sodium and potassi...

Could your crops be suffering from a hidden iron deficiency despite having seemingly adequate soil levels? Join us as we discuss the critical, yet often overlooked, role of iron. We cover proven solutions like iron chelates in foliar applications and the magic of non-ionic surfactants, ensuring that your plants get the nutrients they need to thrive. Learn why soil and tissue testing is imperative....

Ever wondered what chloride and molybdenum actually do for your crops? In this episode, we’re breaking it down. We’ll clear up the common mix-up between chloride and chlorine (trust us, they’re not the same). You’ll get practical tips you can actually use to strike the right nutrient balance and see real results in your fields.

In this episode, we’re diving into the overlooked powerhouse of crop production—copper! While NPK gets all the glory, we’re here to show some love to micronutrients like boron, manganese, zinc, and more. We’ll cover why deficiencies happen, how to fix them, and why paying attention to the small stuff can lead to big results. Whether you’ve been farming for years or are just getting started, tune i...

Is sulfur the missing link in your fertility program? In this episode, we’re diving into sulfur—its role alongside nitrogen and phosphorus, why it’s often overlooked, and why adding it might be critical for your farm. We’ll also explore how nutrient imbalances can block plants from getting what they need. If you’re ready to optimize soil fertility and grow better crops, don’t miss this one.

Hey friends, let’s talk about magnesium—one of the most overlooked keys to healthy plants and better yields. In this episode, we’re digging into how magnesium, calcium, and potassium interact in the soil and, sometimes, fight for absorption. We’ll break it down and share simple strategies to help you get that balance right, improve soil health, and boost your profitability. Join us for a practical...

Our latest episode today promises to arm you with the knowledge to challenge conventional beliefs about soil pH and calcium needs. Learn why calcium is more than just a secondary nutrient, offering benefits that span plant structure strengthening, enzyme activation, and disease resistance. This episode doesn't just stop at nutrients; it extends to larger farm practices, exploring how calcium i...

Join us for an insightful exploration into the critical role of potassium in our farm, where we unpack the complexities of potassium uptake and its profound impact on plant health and yield. Listen in as we examine the intricate relationships between essential nutrients to help us understand how to optimize nutrient storage and access. Don't miss our practical strategies and recommendations fo...

2025 is shaping up to be one of the toughest years in decades, and outdated fertility practices will cost you. Rising input costs, low markets, and extreme weather are putting your farm’s profitability at serious risk. In this episode, we explain why traditional nutrient management is holding you back and how there’s A Better Way to Farm. Learn how comprehensive soil testing can help you make smar...

Can soil pH levels silently sabotage your farming success? Join us as we uncover the intricate role of phosphorus management in your farm, where the balance of soil health and crop yield hinges upon understanding and addressing the chemical reactions in your soil. Listen in to discover the transformative power of soil microbiology in unlocking phosphorus reserves, paving the way for healthier crop...

Join us as we uncover the essential role of boron in farming and how it impacts plant growth, metabolism, and drought resistance. We’ll discuss the importance of proper soil testing, address common misconceptions, and share actionable strategies to tackle nutrient deficiencies. Discover how boron can enhance yields, support soil health, and secure the future of your family farm with science-backed...

What if the secret to achieving abundant harvests lies not in simply adding more nitrogen, but in mastering the delicate management of nutrient interactions? Our nutrient specials begin with NITROGEN , a vital yet often misunderstood component of agriculture. We sometimes need to question traditional practices and embrace continuous learning. Balancing nitrogen application entails more than just f...