As we turn the page to April and spring planting season quickly approaches, we're starting a three-part series on the Top 5 Factors to produce a top crop.

Planting season isn’t just about getting the crop in, it’s about setting the yield ceiling for your entire year. The difference between an average crop and a high-yield crop is rarely luck. It comes down to decisions being made right now.

Decisions get made quickly. Conditions aren’t always perfect. The pressure is on to get the crop in the ground and keep things moving. But the growers who consistently raise top crops aren’t just reacting to the moment. They’re following a system.

The crop plan is really a diagnostic tool for what’s going on in the field. It helps us understand where we’re at today and what our goal is going to be over the next three to five years.

High yield crops do not happen by accident. The difference between average and elite growers is not luck. It is preparation.Here are the five parts of the Max Yield System every grower should have locked in before March 1st.

And now that the calendar has turned to 2026, it’s time to focus on what you need to do by March 1st to create Maximum Yield when the combines roll this fall. Here are the five parts of the Max Yield System every grower should have locked in before March 1st.

Not all seed is created equal. This Stalk Talk explains how Axis Seed’s independence, rigorous cold germ testing, and local hybrid evaluation help farmers reduce risk, improve emergence, and build more consistent yield across every acre.

The data is in—now it’s time to make the decisions that build yield. In this Stalk Talk, we show how to dial in your hybrid placement, fertility, and crop protection plans on a field-by-field basis to maximize ROI and reduce stress in 2026.

Farming gets easier with the right system. In this episode, Matt Long explains how the Max Yield System uses tech from Axis Seed, Pivot Bio, BW Fusion, Meristem, and Lygos to help you farm smarter, not harder. From nitrogen-fixing microbes to stress-fighting polymers, it’s all about data-driven planning that builds yield—and your legacy.

Tradition can’t drive yield. In today’s ag landscape, success comes from smart innovation, not old habits. At Axis Seed – Red Barn, the Max Yield System helps you break the cycle of “how we’ve always done it” by partnering with cutting-edge companies like Pivot Bio, BW Fusion, Meristem, Lygos, and Axis Seed. Farm smarter, increase ROI, and build a legacy that lasts.

The Top 5 Factors to Produce a Top Crop haven’t changed—because they still work. From soil conditions at planting to post-planting management, these principles drive consistent, high-yielding results. At Axis Seed – Red Barn, we help you plan and execute each step with precision. Don’t leave yield on the table—follow the Max Yield System and build your legacy one season at a time.

Farming gets easier when you focus on what you can control. In this episode, Matt Long explains how the Max Yield System helps take emotion out of ag by focusing on the Top 5 Factors to Produce a Top Crop. From early planning to post-planting management, success starts with a clear plan—not luck. Tune in, simplify your strategy, and grow your yield with purpose.

Protect your corn seed investment with proper storage and handling. Keep seed cool, dry, and away from pests, chemicals, and rough handling to maintain germination and yield potential. Use sealed packaging, store above ground, and plan for timely planting. Follow these tips to preserve seed quality and ensure a strong, healthy start for your 2025 crop.

Innovation in agriculture is driven by the need for better solutions, sustainability, and efficiency. At Red Barn Enterprises, our consultants use data, science, and new technologies—like biotech and soil chemistry tools—to tackle nutrient fixation, pest stress, and more. With our Max Yield System, we help farmers grow smarter, increase ROI, and protect long-term soil health. Ready to farm differently? Partner with Red Barn today.

When is it “go time” for planting? With moisture disappearing fast, it’s tempting to rush. But Red Barn’s Matt Long shares a simple 1–10 trick to help you make the right call. Hint: if it’s not an 8 or above, it’s a NO-GO. Don’t let pressure from neighbors push you into poor conditions—high yields start with smart planting.

Your 2024 planting success starts now. This week on the blog, I challenge you to rethink early vs. late planting, stop chasing the long-term forecast, and use mixed maturity to your advantage—all while staying rooted in the four key principles: soil conditions, seed placement, seed quality, and hybrid selection. Red Barn is here to help you take control of your planting plan

Did you know 100% of your max yield potential is set the moment your planter hits the field? In this week’s blog, we break down the four key planting factors that impact your bottom line: soil conditions, seed placement, seed quality, and hybrid selection. If you’re serious about maximizing yield, it starts at planting—and Red Barn is here to help you get it right.