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Max Yield System | Grow Your Yield High yield crops do not happen by accident. They are engineered. The difference between average and elite growers is not luck, weather, or acres. It is preparation. The best growers do not chase problems during the season. They build a plan that prevents them. In the Max Yield System, yield is not a guess. It is the result of a clear Crop Plan, Seed Plan, Fertility and Biological Plan, and Crop Protection Plan working together from day one. When the plan is right early, decisions become easier and yield becomes repeatable. Start With the Crop Plan: Build From the Finish Line Every field has a story. Irrigation capacity, soil structure, residue, compaction, and environment all determine yield potential long before the planter rolls. Instead of chasing yield goals, strong growers focus on bushels per 1,000 plants and remove limiting factors early. Which Means →  You build yield from the ground up instead of reacting to problems mid-season. The Seed Plan: Match Genetics to the Environment The right hybrid on the right acre is one of the biggest drivers of yield consistency. Emergence strength, stress tolerance, ear flex, and placement by environment all matter. Uniform emergence leads to uniform plants, and uniform plants maximize bushels per plant. Which Means →  Strong, even plants protect your yield ceiling from the very start. Fertility and Biological Plan: Feed the System, Not Just the Crop Yield is not driven by how many pounds you apply. It is driven by what becomes available when the plant needs it. Root health, nutrient timing, and biological activity all play a role in nutrient efficiency and stress tolerance. Which Means →  The plant never runs short during key growth stages, protecting yield potential all season long. Crop Protection Plan: Protect Plant Momentum Early Yield is lost early, not late. Weeds, early stress, nutrient tie up, and plant health challenges quietly rob bushels long before tassel. Prevention beats rescue every time. A clean, healthy crop maintains photosynthesis longer and fills grain more completely. Which Means →  Every stress avoided is bushels preserved. Execution: Plans Only Work When They Are Followed The highest yielding growers do not guess. They execute. They monitor, measure, and adjust with purpose. Yield is not one big decision. It is many small right decisions stacked together through the season. Which Means →  Planned crops are predictable crops. Early Season Max Yield Checklist Before planting begins, ask yourself: Crop Plan Do I know the yield environment and limiting factor for each field? Have I planned a moisture or irrigation strategy ahead of peak demand? Am I focused on maximizing bushels per 1,000 plants? Seed Plan Are hybrids matched to stress level and soil type, not just maturity? Am I set up for uniform emergence with seed quality, depth, and conditions? Do I know which hybrids protect yield under stress? Fertility and Biological Plan Is nutrient timing aligned with crop demand, not calendar date? Am I supporting early root growth and nutrient uptake? Is nitrogen planned for efficiency, not just total pounds? Crop Protection Plan Is my pre-emergence weed control program selected and ready? Have I planned early plant health and stress mitigation? Do I know how I will protect photosynthetic capacity through grain fill? Closing Great crops are not grown by reacting. They are grown by planning. When your Crop Plan, Seed Plan, Fertility and Biological Plan, and Crop Protection Plan align, yield becomes repeatable, not accidental. Plan the crop early. Protect the crop throughout the season. Harvest the results. That's the Max Yield System. Grow Your Yield. Grow Your Legacy. Grow Strong with Axis Seed.

Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Welcome back to the EZAg Podcast, where innovative farming meets practical solutions. I’m your host, Matt Long, and today we’re joined by Jackson Lewis. Today we’re going to dig into what the Max Yield System is. We’ve been getting a lot of calls and questions from growers about the Max Yield System, so we’re going to start answering those today. What are you hearing from growers? Jackson Lewis: Matt, you’ve mentioned you’ve been getting a lot of calls from growers. What are the main questions you’re hearing? Matt Long: A lot of the questions we’re getting are simply, “What is the Max Yield System?” Growers want a simple explanation of what it actually looks like and how it works on their farm. What is the Max Yield System? Jackson Lewis: Let’s start with a simple overview. What is the Max Yield System? Matt Long: The Max Yield System really isn’t that different from what a lot of growers are already doing. Most growers already have a crop plan, they’re choosing seed, they have a fertility plan, and they have a herbicide plan. What the Max Yield System does is it formalizes that process and brings everything together in one place. Instead of each piece standing alone, we’re making sure that every component is actually working toward increasing yield, not just overcoming an obstacle. I compare it to a bunch of small SMART goals. Every herbicide pass has a purpose and a timing. Every fertility decision has a purpose. When you bring those little goals together, they help you create maximum yield. What problem led you to create the Max Yield System? Jackson Lewis: What were you seeing in the field that made you feel like this system was needed? Matt Long: The biggest struggle I see is the “we’ll figure it out when we get there” mentality. When growers get to the field, they’re often faced with competing opinions from different suppliers. That creates confusion, and it turns into a shoot-from-the-hip decision-making process. That doesn’t always lead to the best outcome. With the Max Yield System, we’re making decisions long before the planter or sprayer ever gets to the field. We gather information, sort through it, and make the best decision possible ahead of time. That way, when you get to the field, you’re comfortable with the plan. How is this different from business as usual? Jackson Lewis: A lot of growers feel like they’re already doing everything they can. What makes this different? Matt Long: Most growers really are doing everything they know how to do. The difference is that with the Max Yield System, our team joins the grower as a consultant. We walk with them through the entire process, even on things that don’t involve products we sell. One example is how we look at yield in terms of bushels per thousand plants. We focus on what can be done to improve every seed’s ability to produce more corn. That doesn’t require buying more seed or more fertilizer. It’s an added focus, not an added purchase. Why is a field-by-field approach important? Jackson Lewis: Why do you emphasize managing things on a field-by-field basis? Matt Long: No two fields are the same. Even if two fields look similar, there are always differences. One field might have average soil pH, another might have high pH. That changes how we manage seed selection and fertility. Weed spectrums can be different, which affects herbicide decisions. Managing on a field-by-field basis allows us to dial management in for that specific field instead of trying to average things across the whole farm. How does the Max Yield System help manage risk? Jackson Lewis: Beyond yield, how does the system help manage risk? Matt Long: We try to dial into the top five factors that produce a top crop. Those factors are: Soil conditions at planting Seed placement and spacing Seed quality Putting the right hybrid in the right field Post-plant management Post-plant management includes making decisions ahead of time, scouting during the season, and confirming that the original decisions still make sense. What happens after a grower commits to the system? Jackson Lewis: What’s the first step after a grower commits to the Max Yield System? Matt Long: The first decision is whether they want to start on the whole farm or just specific fields. Starting across the whole farm can reduce stress, but the system is field-specific, so we need to identify which fields we’re working with. Once we identify the fields, we can start making decisions for each one. What are bushels per thousand plants? Jackson Lewis: You talk a lot about bushels per thousand plants. What does that mean, and why does it matter? Matt Long: Bushels per thousand plants measures the productivity of the hybrid, not just the productivity of the acre. Bushels per acre is still important. A field yielding 127 bushels per acre is a good number. But research shows corn has the ability to produce more bushels per thousand plants than what we’re currently getting. In dryland systems, average APH might be 90 to 100 bushels per acre, which is about 6 to 7 bushels per thousand plants at a 15,000 population. Under irrigation, research shows the ability to produce over 20 bushels per thousand plants under the right conditions. If we can move from 6 bushels per thousand plants to 8, that takes a 90-bushel field to 120 bushels at the same population. The focus is on giving the plant a better start without investing in more seed or fertilizer. Weather will always play a big role, especially in dryland western Kansas, but there are still things we can do to influence that outcome. We try to get better every year so that when conditions are right, the top-end yield is much higher than what was planned. What harvest data do you use? Jackson Lewis: What kind of harvest data do you look at to develop this system? Matt Long: I like to ride combines with growers. I’ll look at the row next to the header to check stand consistency and ear height. That’s really planter data gathered at harvest. You can also evaluate things when the corn is only 12 inches tall by doing stand counts and bushels per thousand evaluations. Plants that are one or two leaf collars behind will produce fewer bushels. You can see all of that again at harvest in how hybrids and planter passes performed. Final thoughts Jackson Lewis: Anything else you want to add? Matt Long: The Max Yield System sounds intense and formal, but it’s actually a pretty laid-back system to be in. We start with what the grower already knows about their field. We gather soil test data and work through fertility and herbicide plans together. It doesn’t take a lot of time, but it takes pressure off because decisions are made far in advance. We won’t be perfect in making every decision upfront, but the system has flexibility to adjust, and that can make a big difference in yield and ROI. Key takeaway for growers Jackson Lewis: What’s the one thing you want growers to walk away understanding? Matt Long: Don’t stress about it. The Max Yield System is easy to initiate on your farm. We’re not trying to move from A to Z in one year. We’re focused on small, incremental changes over time that impact maximum yield. 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.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS), formerly called MSDS, explain chemical hazards, safe handling, and emergency response. In many operations, keeping SDS sheets accessible isn’t optional—it’s required. Who needs them?   Under OSHA rules, any operation where employees may be exposed to hazardous chemicals must keep SDS sheets on file . This includes farms, ag retailers, shops, construction crews, and service businesses. If a chemical is present and an employee could be exposed during normal use or an emergency, an SDS is required. Do small farms count?   Yes. Size doesn’t matter.  Small farms and home-based operations must keep SDS sheets if employees handle products like pesticides, fertilizers, fuels, oils, or solvents. Are there exceptions?   Some consumer products are exempt—but if they’re used more frequently or in higher amounts than normal household use, SDS requirements usually apply. Access and record-keeping:   SDS sheets must be available as long as the product is on-site, be easy for employees to access (paper or digital), and exposure records must be retained for 30 years. Why this matters for farmers:   Many audits, insurance reviews, and inspections fail over missing paperwork, not unsafe practices. Keeping current SDS sheets on file is one of the simplest ways to protect your operation and your people. Bottom line: If you use or store hazardous products and have employees, you need SDS sheets on file. It’s an easy win for safety and compliance. -Dwayne

High yields aren’t the result of one decision, they’re the result of a system . The Max Yield System is designed around a simple idea: Every decision should protect and enhance the number per 1000 plants you harvest. 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. 1. The Crop Plan This is the blueprint for how yield will be built. The crop plan defines: Target bushels per 1,000 plants for each individual field. Opportunities to Maximize Yield through enhanced management decisions. Obstacles to achieving Max Yield on a field by field basis and what potential stresses must be avoided. Which means:  every decision that follows is made to support the yield potential of the hybrid chosen for each field. 2. The Seed Plan Seed selection determines how each plant can respond to management. By March 1st, the seed plan should be finalized based on: Local performance and consistency data that supports your bu/1000 plants goals. Stress tolerance, Maximizing Yield in our climate often means minimizing yield limiting factors that are out of our control and your field by field seed plan should identify the right hybrid based on maximum potential and the hybrids ability to overcome stress. Response to management. Knowing which hybrids flex and perform under high management allows you to maximize yield. Which means:  you’re planting genetics proven to turn management into bushels. 3. The Fertility Plan Fertility isn’t about feeding the soil, it’s about feeding the plant. The fertility plan locks in: Balanced macro and micronutrient Season long nutrient availability to feed and finish your Maximum Yield Nitrogen timing that aligns with yield formation Which means:  nutrients are available when the plant is building yield, not after yield has already been limited. 4. The Biological & Stress-Mitigation Plan This is where modern yield gains are coming from. Biologicals and stress tools are planned to: Improve nutrient uptake efficiency Enhance root function Protect yield potential during stress Which means:  each plant gets more out of the nutrients already present and keeps yield components intact. 5. The Crop Protection Plan Yield protection starts long before the sprayer rolls. By March 1st: Pre-emerge weed control should be selected, or already applied Residual strategies finalized Trait systems aligned with potential needs for post herbicide applications. Which means:  early-season competition and stress don’t quietly steal yield. Why March 1st Matters for Max Yield March 1st isn’t about being early, it’s about being prepared . Growers who lock in these five parts of the Max Yield System: Reduce in-season stress Avoid reactionary decisions Preserve yield potential before it’s visible That’s how bushels per 1,000 plants increase and how strong yields turn into lasting legacies.

Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Welcome to the EZ Ag podcast where innovative farming meets practical solutions. I'm your host Matt Long, and today we're going to start something new for the new year. We're joined by our guest Matt Bornhorst. Matt is the Western US Sales Division Manager for BW Fusion and we just wrapped up a couple days of meetings with growers here in our office about BW and some of their products. And so, I want to give Matt the opportunity to talk to us a little bit about, what his takeaways are from those meetings, but also, Matt and I have known each other for six or seven years. We kind of got into this biological space together, with Pivot Bio back in 2019 or 2020, time frame. And so, give him a little bit of an opportunity to share, you know what got you into this space? Where are you now? Where'd you come from, and what are your overall thoughts on the biological space in agriculture? Yeah, so so glad to be with you guys. It's such an exciting time in agriculture and a changing time in agriculture that we've got to embrace the reality of trying to grow a crop with less synthetic fertilizer. And I think for me, this goes all the way back to when I was a little kid, curious about asking my grandfather and my father when we were in the tractor, kind of how things work and why things work. And it wasn't until an adult that I really saw that we had wild inefficiencies in how we farmed and how we were chemically dependent on fertilizer to grow our crop. And by doing so, we really made our crop lazy and didn't have to have our soils work for us because we've spoonfed it our synthetic fertilizer. And that recognizing that got us to the point of saying, "Hey, I think there's a better way to farm. I think there's a new way to do things that gives us some inside perspective on lessening our dependence on synthetic fertilizer." And I think the whole key, you hit it on the top. I mean, we've done this, you and I for six, seven years, and the reality is, can we do more with less, but not sacrifice anything from a yield standpoint? And that part is pretty exciting. Yeah. So, we've talked a lot about that the last couple of days, you know, products that we can use to, you know, replace synthetic fertilizer, the processes in the soil that make that a reality, and how growers can use that on their farm. And so give us a couple points, you know, of takeaways from the last two days of meeting with these growers, things you think guys should be thinking about and different things that you guys brought into here to share with them that could help a broader audience than what we had here the last two days. Yeah, it comes down to maximizing our efficiency. Every dollar that we spend on fertility, we've got to understand how and why. And so the message that we've been trying to visit with folks about over the last couple of days, which I think really resonates, is that time equals tie-up. When we put fertilizer out, and it's in our fields for any amount of time, it's either tied up or there's a degradation. We never have as much on day two as we did on day one. And I think recognizing that and bringing that full circle to become more efficient with the dollars that we're spending has been our overall message, that we have an opportunity to recognize that when we put fertilizer out there, and we don't have a growing crop, how do we get it into a usable form? And recognizing that time and tie up equals lost dollars and being efficient with every dollar in our commodity market today has got to be our number one goal. And when we put fertilizer out and it yes, it's out there, but it's not available to that crop when that crop needs it. That's the efficiency factor that we're trying to get better and better at. And so as we've visited with everybody over the last few days, I think it's been extremely impactful as we talk about that fertilizer budget and then repurposing that fertilizer budget that gives people some perspective of making sure that we're making the right decisions to get fertilizer into that plant or that nutrient availability into that plant. And it does come down to nutrient cycling and how we begin to take nutrients and have that soil work for us in concert with that plant, and that they work together, and building carbon structure in that soil builds an overall happy, healthy plant. Okay. So then the last thing I'd like to ask you about today, you know, a lot of growers right now, they've wrapped up harvest, they're looking through the data out of their combines and stuff like that. They're meeting with the retailers, pulling soil samples, you know, just starting that planning of their fertilizer plans for next year. And so, what's your number one go-to, in 2026 as these guys are putting their plans together. It's really analyzing what the pain points are, where we are the least efficient with our fertilizer dollars. So we've been talking all for the last couple days around products that can provide better efficiency. So in timing and application. So if we think about our input costs, one of the biggest messages that we've heard today or over the last couple of days is we have such high input costs and how do we make sure to reallocate those dollars to be used in a better way. And so we've been spending a lot of time talking about products like a biocast max which allows growers to timely get a return on that investment of what they're trying to do from a fertilizer spend while taking maybe a portion of their fertilizer budget out. You know, a product like that that can equivalate to a 15 35 15 fertilizer spend. If you think of that in the molecular structure of what you have to go out and use in order to get that starts to be a big number with a $50 bill almost in some cases and how do we repurpose that to be more efficient and we can use that products like a biocast max that gets folks the nutrient release and the uptake that they need when they need it. Now all of a sudden we've we we've become dollars ahead from an ROI standpoint. Very good. Yeah, I think you know, Biocast Max being one of the big products that we're going to focus on in 2026, that's a great point. The cost of phosphorus has just been skyrocketing over the last year, and so a lot of growers are really anxious about, you know, what that ton of 10340 or what that ton of 1152 is costing them for next year's crop. So, Biocast Max, excellent opportunity to replace that phosphorous product with a biological that can release that soil phosphorus that's tied up there and uh and reduce the cost, the overall cost, increase the ROI um to the grower. So, I think that's a great point. Anything else you'd like to add? Well, and I think that the other component that I think is extremely beneficial, and you and I have talked about this many times over the years, is that in your in in our world here in West Central Kansas, the reality that crop when it comes out of the ground is stressed almost every day of its life. And while it's stressed, it produces less sugar, which produces less carbon in the soil, which produces a limited crop. And so we've been trying to come at this from an angle of stress and stress mitigation, which also helps metabolize that fertilizer piece, which helps metabolize that herbicide that we're having to put out there. Even stress doesn't always have to be tied back to um to herbicide, but it could be heat, it could be drought, it could be um significant weather event. And I think that stress component becomes the other aspect that allows us to get over the hump as it relates to making sure that that plant continues to produce all the sugars that it is intended to or was designed to do and back into the soil building that structure allows that plant to reach its full potential. I think those two messages from a fertilizer spin and a stress mitigation really become focal points for what we're trying to do and how we're trying to grow a crop out here. Yeah. And would you agree you know on that fertilizer spin piece some of how we can mitigate stress in our crop is actually to use less synthetic fertilizer from this nitrate buildup standpoint. Talk a little bit about the stress that that causes to the crop. Yeah, I think ultimately you're spot on. When we look at fertilizer and stress, we talk about efficiency as that crop progresses and nitrates continue to build into that crop. It hinders our ability to produce sugars and maintain that we put all of our energy and effort into creating grain and starch in that plant. So, taking less fertilizer out of our synthetic fertilizer, building up carbon structure, mitigates nitrates that build up in that plant, allowing for the flow of nutrients up and down within that plant to stress less, but also to maximize its production points. I think ultimately finds us in a wildly different cost of production than what it would be if we just allowed mother nature to take care of it as we've done in most instances u to date. Yeah. And so, what we're talking about there on the stress less piece, Biocast Max being really a soil, nutrient release product. Mainly that we're looking at there from a stressless standpoint. We're looking at Relax RX which has some amino acids and micronutrients in there to help that crop metabolize those herbicides and overcome those stresses. As well as AmiNo which would be similar to a foliar or nitrogen product. But amino acids also provide some micronutrients in that product to get the amino acid synthesis into the protein faster, and kind of help that plant keep moving that water and nutrients up and down it, whereas the nitrate, you know, might be plugging up that system. Is that, yeah, it restricts the flow of nutrients, and the more we can suppress that, the better off we are. And it holds the plant alive longer to do exactly what it was intended to do all along. And when we can pack more energy into those kernels, then we win every day. Yeah. And I think I think that's a great, great point there. Our goal is to win every day. And one of the ways that we can win with this system is by kind of taking a different view on the fertility that we're using for our crop, increasing the amount of biological activity in our soil. Increasing the carbon in our soil and in our system to produce a better crop. And so that's kind of the innovative farming that's a practical solution for us here at Axis Seed - Red Barn. 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.

Hello everyone. Most farmers and applicators do their best to follow the rules. The saying “the label is the law” is something we all know, and it isn’t just a slogan—the pesticide label is legally enforceable. But labels aren’t set in stone. Seasons change, rules change, and sometimes the label printed on the jug isn’t the newest one anymore. So what happens if a person tries to do everything right, only to later find out the label they followed was outdated? The Responsibility Lies With the Applicator. Under federal and state law, the applicator is responsible for following the current label. Even if: The jug came with an older label Nobody mentioned a change Or the retailer didn’t know either The applicator is still expected to use the most up-to-date instructions. Why Jug Labels Aren’t Always Current Chemical manufacturers are allowed to sell product that still has older labels on it. A label change could have come through after those containers were already printed and shipped. That means the printed label doesn’t always tell the whole story anymore, making it harder for you to stay compliant. How to Protect Yourself Here are good habits that go a long way: Check CDMS, Agrian, or the manufacturer’s website before using a product. Print or save a PDF of the label for your spray records. Write down the label revision date in your spray log. Double-check 24(c) local-use labels, because those can change year-to-year. If you can show you were making a genuine effort to follow the most current rules, most inspectors will work with you rather than issue fines. Could You Still Get in Trouble? Technically, yes. If an inspection shows the product was used in a way that doesn’t match the current label, you could be found out of compliance. But there’s a big difference between a simple mistake and intentional misuse. If your record keeping shows: You checked for current labels You documented what you used You made a good effort to follow the rules Then most of the time it’s treated as an education opportunity—not a punishment. Bottom Line The applicator carries the responsibility—but also the control. By getting in the habit of checking labels before spraying and keeping good records, you protect yourself, your farm, and your right to keep using these chemistries in the future. Staying informed is part of being a good steward, and good stewardship is something farmers take pride in. Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. -Dwayne

When it comes to yield, success is rarely about one silver bullet. It’s about stacking advantages, starting with the seed itself. At Axis Seed, we believe one of the most overlooked yield drivers happens long before the planter ever rolls: seed quality, testing standards, and local selection . Quality Assurance That Shows Up at Harvest One of the biggest advantages of partnering with Axis Seed is our commitment to higher seed quality standards , particularly when it comes to cold germination testing. The seed industry does not  require a standardized cold germ test. That means many hybrids are sold with minimal insight into how they’ll perform under real-world planting conditions, cold soils, variable moisture, and uneven spring weather. At Axis Seed, all of our corn seed is tested at SoDak Labs  using their saturated cold germ method , one of the most rigorous evaluations available. As independent owners, we receive the actual test results for every hybrid and every lot , not summaries or averages. Because of our internal minimum standards, we routinely receive seed with 90%+ cold germ scores . That matters because higher cold germ scores translate directly into: Stronger early vigor More uniform emergence Better stand establishment More ears per acre at harvest Uniform emergence isn’t just a visual win, it’s a yield win. When plants emerge together, they compete evenly, set ears more consistently, and convert sunlight into grain more efficiently across the entire field. The Right Hybrid, and the Right Lot, for Every Farm Those high cold germ scores also give us flexibility. Instead of treating all seed the same, we can match the right lot to each farm , based on planting date, soil conditions, and risk tolerance. Early planting into cooler soils? We place the strongest cold germ lots there. Waiting for warmer conditions? We can match accordingly. That level of precision simply isn’t possible without direct access to detailed testing data. Local Testing Beats National Averages As an Independent Regional Company , Axis Seed isn’t tied to a single genetic supplier. We source genetics from across the industry, giving us a larger genetic footprint  to evaluate. But the real advantage is where and how we test. Our hybrids are tested right here in our geography , under the same soils, weather patterns, and stress conditions our customers face every year. That allows us to identify hybrids that perform consistently , not just ones that look good across a massive national footprint. National brands often select hybrids that perform “pretty good” everywhere. We focus on hybrids that perform exceptionally well here . Balancing Offense and Defense for Consistent Yield When we evaluate hybrids, we’re not just chasing top-end yield. We’re looking for the right balance of offensive and defensive traits  that deliver returns across a wide range of conditions. We specifically select for: Ear flex , allowing lower populations to reduce risk while still capturing upside when conditions are favorable pH tolerance , ensuring strong performance in both high-yielding ground and tougher soils Drought tolerance , because every growing season brings some level of heat or moisture stress This balanced approach pushes yield higher not just in the best fields, but across the entire farm. The Axis Seed Advantage At Axis Seed, independence isn’t a marketing line, it’s a working advantage. Higher testing standards, local selection, detailed lot data, and intentional hybrid placement all stack together to drive stronger stands, more ears per acre, and more consistent yield. Because when you grow Axis Seed, you are growing seed designed for your geography and backed by real data, you don’t just grow crops. You.. Grow Your Yield, Grow Your Legacy, and Grow Strong with Axis Seed..

Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Welcome to the EZ Ag podcast where innovative farming meets practical solutions. I'm your host, Matt Long and today we want to kick off the new year by introducing a new team member to the Axis Seed Red Barn team here in Leoti, Kansas. So, Jackson Lewis grew up here in the area; his grandparents and uncle farm here in Wichita County. Lived over in, grew up mostly over in Scott County. Tell us a little bit about yourself, background and kind of your, what you're excited about coming to work here at Red Barn. Yeah, my name is Jackson Lewis. Went to school in Scott City graduated from there went to college in Hesston, and then in Newman again. Came back and ran a sprayer for a little bit, and then just starting here at Red Barn. And I'm very excited to learn more about the products and kind of what goes into making those products and how that comes about, and then being able to get out there and learn from, learn from you, and and see this side of this side ag, instead of the farming side. Yeah, that's good. So, we're excited to have Jackson on board. He's going to be kind of fitting into many different roles here at Red Barn Enterprises. Part of that's going to be sales, working direct with some growers. Some of it's going to be operations, you know, from a delivery standpoint from a crop planning standpoint and stuff like that, as we, as we go through the year. Right now, he's about ten days in to the job. So, we've kind of thrown the book at him from a soil testing standpoint and fertility recommendations, really teaching him a lot about that process. Kind of give us your feedback after ten days of kind of getting the, getting the cold water dumped on you after the football game here. Yeah, I, I got into the Excel spreadsheets and learning what formulas go into that and kind of the numbers that that you're looking at to give out those recommendations. And then being able to go out in the field this week where it's been nice, and pulling the samples myself and kind of seeing the difference in the soils, and and how we can how we can use our recommendations to help the farmer. Yeah, that's great. I'm I'm particularly excited about having Jackson on board. Excited about his his willingness to learn new things, and and kind of get out there and expand his knowledge of agriculture. Just this last ten days has been great having him here because it's taken some pressure off of me on some projects that needed to get done but I had other things to do as well. And so we're kind of getting over that hump as we kind of get here to the end of the year and introduce him to customers and stuff starting at the beginning of the year. I'm excited to have an extra set of hands. It's also given us the opportunity to start double-checking a lot more of the work that we're sending out here at Red Barn. And so, Jenny and I, we've always been very particular about you know, the image that we have, and how the work looks when it goes out to the customers. But every once in a while, there's something that slips through the cracks, and it's good to have an extra set of eyes, an extra set of hands on those projects. So, we're excited to have Jackson with us there. And I think that's all unless you have something else today, Jackson. Nope. I'm excited to get rolling this year. All right, that's great. So, thanks for joining us on this first episode of the EZ Ag podcast in 2026. 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.

The 2025 season gave us a clear look at which hybrids excel under stress and which ones bring consistent top-end performance across Western Kansas. Below are the stand-out products and key insights from this year’s local testing program.  ~Matt Long NEW! Axis 64H70 PowerCore Enlist 24-32K populations Strong fully irrigated and silage yields Excellent ear flex with 18/20 x 40/45 ears Average pH tolerance Axis 63F60 SmartStax Pro w/ RNAi Dryland to Fully Irrigated Population: 14-30k Very Good Drought Tolerance Excellent Ear Flex & pH Tolerance Axis 62K69 PowerCore Enlist Dryland to Fully Irrigated Population: 14-30k Excellent Drought Tolerance Very Good Ear Flex Axis 62C60 PowerCore Enlist Fully Irrigated Population: 26-32k Excellent Ear Flex High Yield Contender NEW! Axis 60N61 PowerCore Enlist Limited Irrigation Population: 16-26k Multi-Ear Hybrid Excellent pH tolerance Axis 56Y62 PowerCore Enlist Dryland to Limited Irrigation Population 14-26k Very Good Drought & pH Tolerance Very Good Ear Flex Axis EXP63X63 PowerCore Enlist 14-32K populations Versatile Hybrid Dryland to Fully Irrigated Very Good Drought and pH tolerance Nice Flex Ear 16/18 x 40/45 Limited Release Axis 62H62 PowerCore Enlist 18-28K populations Strong Ear-Flex for Moderate Irrigated Populations Good pH tolerance Solid agronomics with quick drydown If you are interested in learning more about any of our dryland hybrids reach out to Matt at 620-872-4842 .

This season delivered the perfect conditions to put our lineup to the test, pushing top-end dryland yield potential while capturing valuable drought and pH performance in our plots. The 2025 season gave us a clear look at which hybrids excel under stress and which ones bring consistent top-end performance across Western Kansas. Below are the stand-out products and key insights from this year’s local testing program.  ~Matt Long Axis 63F60 SmartStax Pro w/ RNAi  Dryland to Fully Irrigated  Population: 14-30k  Very Good Drought Tolerance  Excellent Ear Flex & pH Tolerance Axis 62K69 PowerCore Enlist  Dryland to Fully Irrigated  Population: 14-30k  Excellent Drought Tolerance  Very Good Ear Flex Axis 56Y62 PowerCore Enlist  Dryland to Limited Irrigation  Population 14-26k  Very Good Drought & pH Tolerance  Very Good Ear Flex Axis 55K52 SmartStax Dryland to Limited Irrigation  Populations 14-30k  Excellent Drought Tolerance  Very Good Ear Flex and Dry Down Limited Release! Axis 54X62 PowerCore Enlist Very Good drought tolerance Excellent Ear Flex with Girthy Ears Very Good pH tolerance Limited Release! Axis 48Q38 Previously EXP25002 Agrisure Above Traits Excellent Ear Flex Excellent pH tolerance Multi-Ear Hybrid Axis 45F31 Viptera  Excellent Dryland Product  Population: 14-18k  Excellent Drought Tolerance & Grain Quality  Very Good Ear Flex & pH Tolerance If you are interested in learning more about any of our dryland hybrids reach out to Matt at 620-872-4842 .

Atrazine (Group 5 herbicide) has long been a reliable tool for post-harvest weed control in corn and grain sorghum stubble. However, new label and regulatory changes mean that fall use is no longer permitted in many situations . What’s Changed 24(c) Label Non-Renewal:  Kansas and several other states did not renew  the special 24(c) labels that allowed fall applications on corn or sorghum stubble. Rotation Restrictions:  Current labels only allow atrazine use in wheat-fallow-wheat , wheat-corn-fallow , or wheat-sorghum-fallow  systems. EPA Mitigation Requirements:  Proposed federal label updates include lower annual rates, limits on applications to saturated soils, and added runoff restrictions. What It Means If you’ve applied atrazine post-harvest on corn or sorghum stubble in past years, that practice may now be off-label . Check each product label carefully before using atrazine outside of approved wheat rotations. Alternatives & Best Practices Consider residual herbicides from other groups; sulfentrazone, flumioxazin, pyroxasulfone, or S-metolachlor. Watch for carryover  or rotation restrictions. Apply under good soil and weather conditions, and document label compliance. Combine herbicides with cover crops  or other integrated weed management practices. Annual Use Limits Total atrazine use must not exceed 2.5 lb active ingredient per acre per year  (or 1.5 lb  in some management zones). Always verify state-specific limits and buffer requirements. Bottom line:  Atrazine remains valuable, but fall applications on corn and sorghum stubble are now limited. Check labels, plan ahead, and stay compliant for a strong weed-control program. Wishing you a happy holiday season! - Dwayne

Soil Sampling Your - Soil’s Gas Gauge When it comes to planning fertility and biological programs for next year’s crop, the most important step is knowing what’s already in your soil. Soil sampling is the gas gauge for your soil’s nutrient tank; without it, you’re guessing how far you can go before you run out of fuel or overflow the tank. Start with the Basics - Conventional Testing At its simplest, soil testing provides the foundation for understanding your soil’s nutrient efficiency and shortcomings. Midwest Labs provides one of the most widely used and dependable conventional soil testing platforms available today. A 0–6” sample  gives an instant snapshot of the nutrients immediately available to the next crop, both macro (N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg) and micro nutrients (Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu, B), along with base saturation levels  that show balance and nutrient competition. Adding a 6–24” nitrate sample  gives insight into what’s available deeper in the soil profile, helping you optimize your nitrogen investment . Especially with fertilizer prices still elevated, placing fertility dollars in the right zone and form makes a big difference in ROI. Key takeaway:  Don’t just sample for compliance. Sample for confidence, to understand what’s available now, what’s missing, and where your next dollar in fertility will deliver the most return. Dig Deeper Advanced Biological and Nutrient Analysis Conventional tests show what’s there  in the soil. Advanced testing helps reveal what’s actually working for you . Running your 0–6” and 6–24” samples through Agronomy 365 or Next Level Ag Labs  adds depth to your fertility picture by breaking results into three distinct nutrient pools : Plant Available  – nutrients immediately accessible to the crop. Extractable  – nutrients that can be released through microbial and root interaction. Total  – the entire nutrient reserve within the soil system. These tests also measure biological health indicators , like Water Extractable Organic Carbon (WEOC)  and Water Extractable Organic Nitrogen (WEON)  the food sources that fuel soil microbes. This matters because 60–80% of the nutrients your crop takes up each year are processed by microbes . By understanding both the chemical and biological sides of soil fertility, you can create a plan that balances nutrient application  with microbial stimulation ,  improving efficiency, reducing waste, and enhancing yield stability. Pro Tip:  A high WEOC reading means you’ve got a thriving food source for microbes. A low one means it’s time to look at carbon-based biologicals or residue management strategies to feed the system. Next Frontier Soil DNA and Microbial Mapping The newest frontier in soil analysis comes through Soil DNA testing  like TruBio by Earth Optics . This technology uses genetic sequencing to identify the actual microbial species in your soil and the roles they play in nutrient cycling, disease suppression, and overall soil function. TruBio  not only identifies beneficial microbes and their strengths but also highlights gaps in your native microbiome , helping you pinpoint fields where adding specific biologicals can make the biggest impact on nutrient release and root health. Even more powerful, TruBio can identify soil-borne pathogens and pest risks , including threats like Corn Rootworm  or Pythium . With this information, you can make proactive management decisions; from hybrid and trait selection to biological or insecticide applications before damage ever happens. Which Means:  You’re not just reacting to problems you’re preventing  them by building a biological plan that works with your soil’s living system. Bringing It All Together Ultimately, fertility and biological planning is about using data to drive smarter decisions . Without soil testing, you’re relying on gut instinct, driving your fertility program with no gas gauge. The problem is, the soil has an almost limitless ability to hold nutrients, but oversupplying one nutrient often locks up others , reducing efficiency and profitability. When you know what’s in the tank, you can: Target fertility to match yield potential and soil capability. Apply biologicals where they make the biggest impact. Avoid costly overlaps and nutrient tie-ups. Build a more resilient and responsive soil system. This is what the Max Yield System  is all about, growing Maximum Yield, not more products, but smarter placement , better timing , and using the data beneath your boots  to build yield and reduce stress in 2026 and beyond. Grow Your Yield. Grow Your Legacy. Grow Strong with Axis Seed.