A Better Way To Farm Podcast

Rod Livesay
  • 4.9 (116)
  • How To
  • Updated Weekly

Low commodity prices and high interest rates are putting a squeeze on American farmers. A Better Way To Farm shows you how to maximize profit so you can farm the way you want! Visit https://abetterwaytofarm.com to use the free Farm Profit Score calculator.

  1. 1d ago

    369: Don't Let This One Nutrient Rob Your Yield!

    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: • Why boron is critical for crop performance • How boron affects phosphorus and potassium uptake • Why split applications win • The danger of waiting for visual deficiency symptoms • How foliar feeding strategies impact ROI If your soil test does not include boron levels, this episode may change how you look at fertility planning moving forward.

    8 min
  2. 368: Tissue Testing: Catch Problems Before They Cost You Yield

    May 26

    368: Tissue Testing: Catch Problems Before They Cost You Yield

    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: Why crops can lose yield even before you see a deficiencyThe key growth stages when tissue testing matters mostHow tissue testing helps protect profit instead of reacting too late Key Takeaways! 🌾 Waiting for yellow leaves is already too late. 🧪 Soil tests show potential. Tissue tests show reality. 📈 Small nutrient shortages can become expensive fast. 🚜 Better data leads to better profit.

    10 min
  3. 367: Tissue Testing: What Your Crop Is Trying To Tell You

    May 19

    367: Tissue Testing: What Your Crop Is Trying To Tell You

    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 smart decisions in season. A small fix at the right time can protect a lot of yield and help your farm stay strong. In this episode, we cover: How tissue testing helps you stop guessing and start knowingWhen to test crops to protect yield earlyHow to take clean samples for accurate results

    18 min
  4. 366: What Most Farmers Get Wrong About Surfactants

    May 12

    366: What Most Farmers Get Wrong About Surfactants

    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 create more problems than they solve. Rod also explains: • When an MSO is necessary • Why water pH matters more than most farmers realize • The real purpose of ammonium sulfate • How anti-drift and anti-foam products work • Why coverage on the underside of the leaf is critical • How to improve chemical performance without wasting money Plus, Rod shares a simple at-home test farmers can use to evaluate surfactant performance and the affordable tool he recommends every operation should have. If you want better spray coverage, improved chemical performance, and stronger ROI from every pass across the field, this episode is packed with practical takeaways you can use immediately. Questions about surfactants or spray applications? Text Karen at 641-919-5570 and the team at A Better Way to Farm will be happy to help. Remember: “Good enough is not a standard.” And in tight-margin years, details matter more than ever.

    12 min
  5. 365: Are New Farm Products Helping You Or Hurting Your Profit?

    May 5

    365: Are New Farm Products Helping You Or Hurting Your Profit?

    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 when new farm products hit the marketHow cobalt and moly affect plant growth and yieldWhy too much of a good thing can hurt your crop Key Takeaway You do not need every new product to win. You need the right plan. Test your soil. Start small. Watch your results. Keep what works. This is how strong farms grow and stay profitable for years to come.

    16 min
  6. 364: Free Resources That Increase Yield

    Apr 28

    364: Free Resources That Increase Yield

    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: Spot problems early Use the right inputs Avoid wasting money Grow stronger crops  This episode reminds you that simple knowledge leads to strong results.  What You’ll Learn: How simple books can help you make better farm decisionsEasy ways to understand soil tests and plant healthHow to use sampling to protect yield and boost profit Key Takeaways: Knowledge helps you save money and grow yield.Soil and tissue testing give clear answers.

    13 min
  7. 363: Moly and Cobalt: The Truth Farmers Need Now

    Apr 21

    363: Moly and Cobalt: The Truth Farmers Need Now

    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 cropWhy soil tests guide better decisions and protect your yieldHow to spot real solutions instead of chasing hype Key Takeaways: Test your soil first so you know what your crop really needs.Every input can help or hurt depending on how you use it.

    7 min
  8. 362: Thinking About Switching To Soybeans? Listen To This First

    Apr 14

    362: Thinking About Switching To Soybeans? Listen To This First

    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… It’s to make more of it. What You’ll Learn: Should you switch to soybeans and will it actually make you more money?How to get more ROI from every dollar you spend by placing nutrients where the plant can use them.How to manage soybeans for higher yield with better populations, micronutrients, and in-season decisions. Key Takeaways: • It’s not the crop, it’s execution. • Soybeans only become more profitable when they’re managed for yield. • Broadcasting nutrients is one of the biggest inefficiencies in your program. • You don’t need more plants; you need better plants. • Micronutrients are where yield is often gained or silently lost. The Bottom Line If you’re switching to soybeans just to save money… you’re already behind. But if you have a plan to manage them for yield and ROI… there’s real opportunity. Want Help Making the Right Call? If you want to walk through your acres, your numbers, and your plan… Text SOYBEANS to 641-919-5570. We’ll help you build a system focused on one thing.

    15 min
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Low commodity prices and high interest rates are putting a squeeze on American farmers. A Better Way To Farm shows you how to maximize profit so you can farm the way you want! Visit https://abetterwaytofarm.com to use the free Farm Profit Score calculator.

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