FCLG: Farmers Sharing Calls

Join Andy Dardini, owner of Physagro, and the assembled farmers of the Fellowship of Christ Like Growers as they discuss crop fertility decisions. Follow along as the FCLG covers nitrogen application timing strategies, nitrogen for soybeans, and products such as CarbonWorks CetaiN, which is formulated to maximize your nitrogen investment. Highlights 00:36: Andy Dardini Introduction. 01:40: Physagr...

When helping growers establish successful agronomy programs on their farms, it's important to be authentic. To be a good listener. And to provide added value beyond a range of commodities. Max Systems owner Chris Schlegel shares his approach to helping farmers increase their farms' productivity to begin this episode. The wide-ranging discussion also covers agronomy trends across the United States,...

Andy Dardini, owner of Physagro, discusses soil biology and its importance to our farms and our own health. Following Andy's presentation, our assembled group of farmers discuss the practical considerations of using biologicals on the farm. Highlights 1:25 Andy Dardini's presentation begins. 3:10 Andy's background and Physagro overview. 4:30 A perspective on the diversity of soil biology. 5:20 Imp...

Nate Firle, chief agronomist and owner of AgRevival, provides a behind-the-scenes look at how his company conducts strip trials on his research farm for the benefit of farmers across the country. Highlights 1:25: Nate Firle's introduction 4:10: Benefits of replicated strip trials 5:25: How AgRevival designs its research trials 8:35: Two areas of focus for AgRevival's research – contract research a...

What are we trying to accomplish with fall tillage? It's all about achieving that perfect seedbed for spring planting. Iowa farmer Jeremy Swanson leads our discussion about what tillage must accomplish for our farms. And he also shares the story of his farm's journey from conventional tillage to strip till and no till acres. Our farmer group also discusses the importance of oxygen to our soils, th...

George Sims takes us on a journey to the beginning of the 20th Century, when orange growers only had four tools in their agronomy program. It's a tale that soon takes a twist with the advent of synthetic fertilizers around the time of World War Two. After decades of heavy use of these chemicals, and with many farmers seeing diminishing returns, it has left some asking "how do we do what's best for...

90% of the microbes in the human gut are also present in our soils. Yes—everything is connected when it comes to nutrition. Healthier soil biology translates to healthier, more nutrient-dense plants, which translates to a healthier and more secure food supply for people. But how do you take care of your soil biology properly? It's a balancing act. You have to look at each farm on a holistic level...

The biggest story for many growers in 2023 was drought. On this episode, we talk about drought coping strategies and review the vital role that nitrogen conversion has in the health of our soils and crops.  6:30 What can you do to relieve stress on plants during a bad drought?  8:20 What biological processes occur in plants every day and how to support plants with their daily needs. 12:25 A grower...

Listen along as guest presenter Jeremy Swanson of Agronomy Rx (Webster City, IA) discusses several aspects of nitrogen and its proper use in your agronomy program. 2:31 Jeremy's nitrogen presentation begins 3:49 Introduction to the different types of nitrogen used in farming 6:05 Discussion of UAN and its 3 components 8:40 How to protect against the offgassing of urea 11:12 Biological reactions th...

Find crop insurance confusing? Crop insurance agent Melanie Utterback offer her insights on the various factors that producers must consider when selecting the appropriate level of coverage for their farms. Highlights from this discussion include:  3:15: Introduction to the various types of multi-peril coverage 6:00: Introduction to replant extra coverage 7:00: Discussion of hail and wind coverage...

What are the true macro nutrients that you need to worry about on your farm? Ever since the dawn of synthetic fertilizers, we've had the three letters NPK drilled into our minds. But it's really carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen you need to support the health of your soil, your crops, and your farm. Here are some key points from our discussion about this crucial topic: 10:55: Carbon, hydrogen, and oxyg...

This episode covers a wide variety of topics around biological alternatives to synthetic fertilizers. Does it still make sense to farm like grandpa and dad did? Here, we explore the latest science and gain personal perspectives from several proponents of biological-based strategies. Here a few important moments from this podcast: 00:00: Jason's overview of his fertilizer-free farming strategy. 9:2...

On this podcast Steve Fresk, who farms in Southwest Minnesota, recalls his journey into cover crops and discusses how he arrived at his current strategy. We also hear from other farmers who use cover crops as well as other strategies to boost the health of their soil while decreasing their dependence on commercial fertilizers. Here are a few of the important moments in this podcast:  4:50: "It's a...

As farmers, we often choose our agronomy strategies alone, with only sales pitches to guide us. We worry for our farm’s future because our success depends on salespeople who may place their interests ahead of ours. The Fellowship of Christ Like Growers is working to change this with our Farmers Sharing Calls. Our podcasts are an opportunity to bless each other with shared knowledge without sales p...