Welcome back to the EZ Ag podcast where innovative farming meets practical solutions. I’m Matt Long, and today’s episode is your reminder to carpe diem ‒ seize the day. Because while it might feel like a slow time on the farm, the best producers I know are grinding away, dialing in next season’s Max Yield System plan right now. Let me tell you, the best time to plan for a record 2026 crop is right now, not next spring. Why? Because the struggles of this season, whether it was a tough stand, nutrient deficiencies, pest pressure, or late weed escapes, those pain points are fresh. And that means we’ve got the clarity and urgency to make smart data backed changes for next season. So today I’m breaking it down. What goes into a Max Yield System plan and how can you start now to reduce stress, increase yield, and build a system that works harder and smarter for you next year?
Part 1 is the cropping plan. Your Max Yield System starts with a clear cropping plan. What’s going into each field next year? First, identify what crop you will have on each field on your farm next year. Will it be corn on corn, corn into wheat stubble or Milo stocks? And is it dry land or irrigated production? Pull out your APH records, look at historical planting populations, start mapping out field by crop combinations. And then take it a step further by identifying your bushels per thousand plant goal for each individual field for next year. That single number drives the rest of the system’s decisions. You’re not just aiming for a good crop, you’re engineering for yield backed by data.
Part 2 is the fertility plan. Next, let’s build a fertility plan. And this isn’t just NPK. Start pulling samples and getting a good solid base of soil test data. Match your yield goals to real fertility requirements. Then layer in biological fertility tools that feed microbes, unlock tied up nutrients and improve nutrient use efficiency. And here’s where we see massive returns when we pair high efficiency fertility with advanced seed treatments. These aren’t just insurance policies anymore, they’re active contributors. The right treatment supports early growth, combats early season pathogens and insects, and feed soil biology from the moment the seed hits the dirt. This is not a plan based on gut feelings. This is a science based roadmap to help your crop convert fertility into bushels efficiently and profitably.
Part 3 is the crop protection plan. We’re not just reacting to weeds and pests. We’re protecting yield potential from the very start. That means building a plan around weed control with residuals, insect and disease prevention, not just treatment, and smart integration of foliar nutrition during postemerge applications. The goal is to keep the plant growing healthy and efficient all season long. We feed the crop to maintain yield, not chase it. And this plan, like everything else, is rooted in the two key principles of the Max Yield System. First, high yield planting principles and second, the top five factors to produce a top crop. You know, soil conditions at planting time, seed placement, seed quality, right hybrid, right field, and post planting management.
So what do you need to get started? Here’s your homework to build your 2026 Max Yield System plan now. Gather up a list of every field on your farm and the current and past crop history of the field for the last three to five years. Get together your APH in historical plant population data. Pull in all your soil test results. Add to that notes on biological or seed treatment tools you’ve used, and then take your scouting notes from past seasons on weed escapes, disease or insect problems. Start organizing this now in July and you’ll be ahead of the curve come budgeting, booking and planting time.
Here’s my final thoughts on why you should seize the day and start planning for 2026 now. From what I see across the area each year, the guys who win the yield contest aren’t lucky. They plan early, they think differently, and they act while others are asleep at the wheel. So don’t be lulled into thinking with planting and wheat harvest in the rear view mirror. This is the off season. Right now is prime time for planning, learning, and improving. That’s how we reduce stress, increase efficiency, and build a system that grows not just more bushels but your legacy. This is your call to action. Carpe diem, take the next step in your 2026 Max Yield System plan today. Reach out and we’ll help you get started. We’re here to help you seize the day.
Thanks for tuning in to the EZ Ag podcast. Until next time, remember, ag is easy when you tune into the EZ Ag podcast. That’s all for today. I’m Matt Long. Grow your yield, grow your legacy, grow strong with Axis Seed!
Leave a Reply