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Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Welcome back to anot her episode of the EZAg Podcast, where innovative farming meets practical solutions. I'm your host, Matt Long, and today we're going to be joined by Jackson Lewis again and going to be answering more of your questions about the Max Yield system. Specifically, we're going to talk today about the fertility plan. And so, Jackson, give you the chance to start off with a couple questions that growers have been having around the fertility plan of the Max Yield system. Okay. So, I guess how does fertility planning fit into the Max Yield system instead of being its whole own separate thing? Yeah. I mean, I think you know, what growers are used to doing in the past is they, you know, they work with their seed provider or their seed consultant or crop consultant to select the hybrid that they're going to plant on their farm, and then they work with their co-op or nutrient or other fertilizer dealer to decide what they're going to do from a fertility basis. And so really what we're trying to do with the Max Yield system is bring in all the pieces—crop plan, seed plan, fertilizer plan, or fertility plan, and crop protection plan—into one so that they understand how those pieces can work together to create the highest yield. And so bringing that fertility plan in, you know, how does that look different than what they're doing in the past? We're not only looking at yield goal and soil test data or historical fertility amounts. We're looking at also what that overall farm goal is from a bushel per thousand standpoint as well as what that field-by-field goal is on that bushels per thousand and yield to make those decisions. So, okay. Why is it important to kind of match that fertility plan with a yield goal instead of just one big program? Yeah, I mean, so what a lot of guys do is kind of blanket application of their fertilizer inputs. Say on dryland, they might be using 60 to 100 pounds of N, and they're going to use that across every field on their operation. And when we look at it on a field-by-field basis, one, we're going to take into account the soil test data that we have from that field to understand how much free fertility they have available to this crop. And then we're also going to take into account the actual productive capacity of this field in the past. So, if you remember back when we started the crop plan, we look at the bushels per thousand yield goal on a field-by-field basis, and we set that based on looking at the historical yield and population of the field. And so, if we know historically this field's made 90 bushel and it's 15,000 population, that's a six bushel per thousand, we're going to try to drive that to seven or eight. Then we're going to use that information in the fertility plan. Knowing where that base is and knowing where the baseline soil test values are kind of gives us the start. And then we build off of that in our recommendations, you know, to our bushels per thousand yield goal of if we're trying to get to seven or eight, we're going to have to do something different than what we've been doing that's getting us to six. Okay. So, what is the timing of your fertility application? How does that impact the yield? Yeah, I mean, I think timing of fertility application is a little bit of a tricky thing. And so, in my opinion, where we always start with the grower is, you know, understanding where they're at and where we might be able to fit other applications in. And so, what I like to do, especially on dry land, and I do it on irrigated, too, with a fair number of guys and in fields is start with a good base of fertility application up front or in the early season and then use an opportunity, you know, at that VT R1 stage, you know, when we're starting to tassel and silk and create the grain. We try to use that stage to do what I call the top off or blow the top off, you know. So, if we're a little bit short, we have an opportunity in there to top it off or if we've had really good growing conditions through the year, we have the opportunity to maybe add something to blow the top off of that yield. And so, that's kind of my basic fertility application is figure out how to fit it in to the operations you already have on the field and then reserve something for later. And the good thing about reserving something for later is if the crop isn't there, you don't have to spend that money, you know. So, if we're having a drought or a disaster or we had a hail storm and the crop's not going to be there, we don't have to spend that money. But if it is there, then let's go ahead and continue to invest in that crop to get that highest yield. Okay, I guess that kind of plays into this next one, but kind of what are you doing to monitor those fields during the growing season and what can kind of change in what you're recommending for fertility? Yeah, I mean, there's a couple different things you can do to monitor. The only thing I really use tissue sampling for is really information to help me inform what I can do differently next year. Because typically once you see a deficiency on a tissue sample, like the impact is already being seen. And so if we're doing tissue sampling, we're going to use those tissue sample results to inform how we should go out upfront and do a better job on this nutrient or that to make sure we don't have that deficiency next year. So in season, the things we're doing to help inform whether we continue to invest in a crop or not is really just in-field scouting. You know, the drive-by approach is okay, but getting out in the field and actually, you know, seeing, you know, how consistent our stand is, rating our bushels per thousand potential in the early season and understanding, you know, that we have the opportunity to excel or not, is always part of it. And then just watching Mother Nature unfold. So, like I said, if it's going to be hot and dry and we're going to have a potential crop failure, you know, we're probably going to pull back on that later season investment into those crops versus if we've had mild weather with a lot of rainfall, you know, we probably have the potential to invest and see a major return on that investment. Okay. Then throughout the growing season, what does Red Barn do to kind of evaluate field conditions and maybe try to pick out some limiting yield factors? Yeah, I mean, like I said, one of the things we like to do early season is kind of go out there and based on population and plant uniformity, we can estimate the bushels per thousand that we expect to get out of that crop if Mother Nature and the rest of our plans follow through. And so we can kind of go out there and do that early season evaluation, and then we often follow up. I mean, it's not a regular weekly scouting like a crop consulting service would be. You know, but sometimes bi-weekly or every three to four weeks. We try to be in a lot of our growers' fields. We try to support them any way that they request as well in that crop scouting, but just trying to be in the field and understand, you know, whether that crop has the potential or not, and then consult with those growers as the season's going along, you know what our thoughts are versus what their thoughts are and whether whether we should should keep going or not. So, what are some of the biggest threats throughout the growing season that you see and what are you kind of doing to try and protect the crop from that? Yeah, I mean, the biggest threats start when the planter pulls into the field. If we don't do a good enough job at planting, you know, then we have this variable we have this crop that's growing at variable stages. And when you have a crop that's growing at variable stages, the weaklings or the runts out there in the field are obviously causing stress on others by emitting stress hormones and those other plants pick that up and then they become under stress. And so that risk starts when the planter enters the field. If we do a good job at planting, the majority of the risk is weather after that. And so we're just kind of evaluating that weather risk, if we did a good job at planting and and trying to make that decision and help the growers make that decision. Okay. How does the fertility plan and the Max Yield system help growers be more proactive instead of reactive when making their decisions? Yeah, I mean I think the big thing there is it identifies the points in the system where you need to be reactive. You know, so like what we've been talking about right here a lot, these later season fertility applications, those are something we need to we're proactively planning for, but we're reactively deciding whether to do it or not. And so the proactive portion again, you know, just like the other parts of the Max Yield system, you know, lining out all the work we have to do and kind of the timeline that we want to get that work done in and what we need from a supply standpoint, whether it's fertilizer, chemical, or seed equipment, manpower. Kind of getting all that set up is the proactive part. And then the reactive part is, you know, just evaluating those conditions and making that decision in season of do we keep going or do we pull back? Okay. So then when everything kind of lines up, when the Max Yield system and the fertility plan and the in-season management all come together good, what results do you see in the field? Yeah, I mean I think the result that we're going for is the highest yield, obviously, but also the highest ROI. And so when everything aligns, yeah, we're hitting on all cylinders in yield and ROI and that's what, you know, that's what really makes our growers' operations work. Okay. Then in the next episode we're talking about harvest evaluation. Why is it important to kind of look back and think about that instead of just moving on to the next thing next season? Yeah, I mean yield is a number and it's and it's part of the harvest evaluation, but there's a lot of other things that we can evaluate in that field to determine, you know, whether we were successful or not at kind of some of the goals we set out to do. And so, you know, I think obviously other things that you can see in the combine that you can't see after it it's over. If you had lodging and disease pressure and stuff like that, you can typically see that at harvest or just before harvest. You know, and then you can you can always evaluate the effectiveness of the planter pass, and harvest is one of the best times to evaluate that because you're literally going across every row of the field. And so one of us jumping in the combine with our grower and just making observations as we go through the field about intactness, about ear height, about overall plant health and things like that, makes a difference and it informs some of the decisions that we might just need to tweak for the next crop year. Once the combines run through the field and you have the yield numbers, all you've got is the number. This one made 90 and this one made 120. What was the difference? Without those observations, all you know is the 30 bushel difference. No, that kind of wraps up my questions for fertility plan, anyway, so thank you. I appreciate it. 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.

As wheat breaks dormancy and begins spring growth, we are entering one of the most important management windows of the entire season. From green-up through flag leaf, many of the components that ultimately determine yield and grain quality are being set. A wheat crop can either coast through this period , hoping conditions stay favorable, or it can compete for maximum yield and grain quality  through intentional management. At this stage the plant is determining how many tillers survive, how many kernels will eventually form, and how efficiently nutrients will be moved into the grain. Supporting the crop now helps maintain yield potential while also improving the chances of producing higher test weight and stronger protein levels. One of the most commonly overlooked nutrients in wheat production is sulfur . Sulfur works closely with nitrogen in plant metabolism and is critical for building amino acids and proteins within the grain. When sulfur levels are limited, wheat can struggle to fully utilize applied nitrogen, often resulting in lower protein levels even when fertility appears adequate. Including 12-0-0-26 in your top-dress nitrogen blend  is an effective way to provide readily available sulfur during the crop’s rapid spring growth period. This helps improve nitrogen efficiency while supporting the plant processes that contribute to grain protein development. Another opportunity to support wheat performance comes later at the flag leaf fungicide timing . Protecting the flag leaf is important because it contributes a large portion of the carbohydrates that ultimately fill the grain. Pairing fungicide applications with products such as BW Fusion AmiNo™  can help support plant metabolism during this critical period. Amino acids play a role in stress recovery and protein development, helping the plant maintain energy and nutrient movement during grain fill. High yield and high quality wheat is rarely the result of a single decision. It comes from stacking several small advantages throughout the season. In the Max Yield System , we focus on making timely decisions that protect yield potential while also improving grain quality. Managing sulfur availability early and supporting plant health during flag leaf are two simple steps that can help your wheat crop compete for both yield and protein this season.

Every year the same question comes up: “Do I really need to spray fungicide if I don’t see much disease yet?” The honest answer is this: fungicides protect yield, they don’t rescue it. University trials across the wheat belt have consistently shown 5–10% yield protection  when fungicides are applied at the correct timing. Kansas State multi-year data has averaged 7–8% gains  under moderate disease pressure. What does that mean in real terms? On a 50-bushel wheat crop , protecting just 3–4 bushels  equals roughly $18–$24 per acre at $6 wheat , often covering product and application. The key difference comes down to timing: Preventative:  Protect the flag leaf and upper canopy before disease steals yield.  Reactive:  Trying to slow disease after yield potential has already been lost. Once leaf area is gone, you don’t get it back. And once grain fill is compromised, the yield ceiling drops. That doesn’t mean fungicides pay every year. But when conditions favor stripe rust, leaf rust, or head scab , waiting until you “really see it” often means you’re already behind. At the end of the day, you’re not spraying for what you see today. You’re protecting the bushels you haven’t harvested yet. Quick Break-Even Check Total Cost (Product + Application)  = $____ / acre Divide by Wheat Price Example: $24 cost ÷ $6 wheat = 4 bushels to break even If protecting the crop saves 4 bushels or more , the spray pays. Small percentage gains may not sound like much,  until you convert them into bushels or dollars. -Dwayne

Each February, National FFA Week gives many of us a chance to reflect on our agricultural roots and our dedication to the ideals many of us learned in high school. Back then, the FFA Creed was something to memorize. Over time, it became something to live. The opening line has always stayed with me: “I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds.” Farming has a way of teaching you what that truly means. Built on Those Who Came Before Us As with many of your farms, our farm and business are built on the hard work and dedication of those who came before us. Many times the decisions we make and the care we put into our crops come from the lessons of stewardship and legacy we learned growing up around the farm. I was lucky enough to learn some of these lessons from my Grandpa Simon and from a friend and mentor Joe Zellner Jr. who I worked for during high school. They believed in hard work, stewardship, and doing things right. They didn’t talk about legacy, they lived it. Those lessons still guide how we approach every season on the farm and at Axis Seed today. Turning Belief into a System Belief alone does not grow crops. Belief must lead to action. That mindset is what led to the development of our Max Yield System at Axis Seed. The Max Yield System is built around intentional farming. It is not about chasing one big year, it is about building consistent performance through planning, discipline, and continuous improvement. Every Crop Plan, Seed Plan, Fertility and Biological strategy, and Crop Protection decision works together to create repeatable success over time. Legacy farming is not accidental. It is built through intentional decisions season after season. At Axis Seed, we believe the future of agriculture is shaped by farmers who plan early, learn from every year, and commit to improving their land, their crops, and their operations. Farming With the Next Generation in Mind When you begin thinking in terms of legacy, your perspective changes. It becomes less about this season and more about the long game. Are we improving our soil?  Are we stewarding our water?  Are we making smarter, more intentional decisions?  Are we building something worth passing on? The future of agriculture will not be shaped by chance. It will be shaped by farmers who believe enough to act, plan enough to improve, and care enough to build something lasting. Legacy Is Built One Season at a Time We cannot control the weather, but we can control our preparation, our mindset, and our commitment to improvement.  Small decisions compound.  Intentional plans create direction.  Discipline builds consistency.  And over time, those things create legacy. As we recognize National FFA Week, it is worth asking: What are we building?  What will our farms stand for?  What legacy are we leaving behind? Because the future of agriculture is not just something we believe in. It is something we build. 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. We’re digging into what the crop plan looks like within the Max Yield System. We’ve been getting a lot of questions from growers about the Max Yield System and the different parts of it, so we’re doing a series where we break out each piece over time. That includes the crop plan, seed plan, fertility plan, and the herbicide or crop protection plan. Last week, we started with an overall general overview of the Max Yield System. Today, we’re taking a closer look at each of the plans within the system, the information that goes into creating them, and how we make those decisions with the grower when we’re working through their Max Yield System plan. Jackson, what kind of questions do you have today on the crop plan? What Is a Crop Plan and What Goes Into It? Jackson Lewis: The first question is, what is a crop plan and what do you use to build one? What goes into that? Matt Long: Like we talked about in the last episode, the crop plan really starts with what fields we’re working on. When we look at specific fields, we ask the same questions about every field. One of the first things is what the current crop or residue is on that field and what crop we’re going to next. These are basic things a farmer thinks through all the time, but they’re especially important when we get to the seed plan. We need to know if this is continuous crop dryland, wheat stubble, or summer fallow. The next thing is historical yield. In some cases, we use AP yield. In other cases, we use yield from the last few years. It depends on how often that crop has been grown on the field. If corn is grown every year, we can use recent data. If it’s grown every three or four years, we need a longer period to get enough data. We need yield because the next step is establishing bushels per thousand. We look at what population is typically planted, divide yield by population, and that tells us how many bushels per thousand are being produced. That helps us set a goal. If a field is producing 6.3 bushels per thousand today, we want to make at least a 30 percent increase over the next three to five years. That’s how we move from a 95-bushel average toward 120. Other things we look at are known obstacles. Is it terraced? Does it have high pH? Is there something already known to cause issues? That information helps inform the seed plan and fertility plan later on. What Other Historical Data Is Used? Jackson Lewis: Looking at it field by field, what other historical data do you use in the crop plan? Matt Long: One thing is whether this is a field you’ve farmed for a long time or one that’s new. If it’s always been a problem field, that’s important to know upfront. It might take longer to figure out what needs to change. Historical soil test data is good information to have, but every field in the Max Yield System gets soil tested. Another important piece is knowing if there are specific weed, disease, or insect problems that show up year after year. Everything the producer knows about that field, we need to know. The crop plan becomes a diagnostic tool that tells us what’s going on in the field, what the current bushels per thousand are, and what the three- to five-year goal should be. Why Bushels per Thousand Matters Jackson Lewis: Why is bushels per thousand so important, and how do you use it to set yield goals? Matt Long: Hybrids have much more capacity to create yield than what we’re usually harvesting. Bushels per thousand tells us how much capacity we have without increasing population. When you increase population, you increase seed cost and fertility demand. If we know where you are today on bushels per thousand, we know how much yield we can build through management. Then we ask what we can improve from a field operation or management standpoint to increase that number. Setting Goals for Lower-Yielding Fields Jackson Lewis: What does it look like to set a crop goal on a field that historically has lower yields? Matt Long: A 6.3 bushels-per-thousand number is about a 95-bushel dryland corn average in our area. If a field is below that, say five bushels per thousand at 15,000 population, that’s a 75-bushel yield. The first thing we look at is emergence and stand uniformity. That’s the biggest factor affecting bushels per thousand. If emergence isn’t even, we ask why. Are we planting in poor conditions? Are we planting shallow? Is the planter running too fast and bouncing? Typically, low bushels per thousand sends us straight to the planter pass. The next thing is soil fertility. We’re seeing more fields with calcium base saturation well below optimal. Some fields that should perform well don’t, and soil testing helps explain why. The first two places we look are the planter and fertility. Crop protection and hybrid selection matter too, but you can’t evaluate those without knowing everything else about the field. Planning for High-Yielding Fields Jackson Lewis: How does the crop plan differ for a high-yielding field? Matt Long: With a lower-yielding field, we’re fixing what’s going wrong and usually choosing defensive hybrids. With a high-yielding field already producing 120 bushels and eight bushels per thousand, the goal is to push it further. That might be a more aggressive hybrid, a late-season fertility application, or a stress mitigation product added to a herbicide pass. Sometimes it’s simply improving planter performance. Some fields are high producers because of their soil, and management improvements can still add yield. Building the Hybrid Portfolio Jackson Lewis: Once the crop plan is in place, how do you build the right hybrid portfolio? Matt Long: First, we determine the portfolio across the entire farm. We look at bushels per thousand and obstacles like high pH or continuous corn. Then we ask if that portfolio can move the farm average up by at least one bushel per thousand. If the farm average is 5.5, we want to reach 6.5. Once the portfolio is set, we match hybrids to fields based on obstacles and performance goals. Why Use a Hybrid Portfolio? Jackson Lewis: Why not just plant one hybrid across the whole farm? Matt Long: A portfolio is about diversifying risk. If you planted one hybrid on one day, you’re exposed to weather risk. Planting multiple hybrids across multiple dates spreads that risk. Even the same hybrid planted ten days apart has a different risk profile. Using several hybrids and planting over time reduces the chance of widespread failure. Balancing Risk and Reward Jackson Lewis: How do you balance risk and reward with hybrids? Matt Long: Most growers don’t want to manage too many hybrids. Three to five is usually enough. Planting the same hybrid on different dates helps spread risk, as does using different hybrids within the portfolio. Why Build a Crop Plan at All? Jackson Lewis: What’s the biggest advantage of building a crop plan with the Max Yield System compared to what growers are doing now? Matt Long: The Max Yield System looks at everything from pre-plant through harvest. It helps growers make decisions early, when there’s time to gather information. When decisions are made early, stress is reduced. That allows growers to focus on execution in the field. Four of the top five factors for producing a top crop happen on planting day. Removing decision stress helps get those done right. How the Crop Plan Leads Into Fertility Planning Jackson Lewis: How does the crop plan help build the fertility plan? Matt Long: Bushels per thousand feeds directly into fertility planning, along with soil testing. Many growers don’t soil test enough. It’s like driving without a gas gauge. Without testing, nutrients are often over-applied, which throws other nutrients out of balance. What we often find is there are already nutrients available in the soil that don’t need to be paid for again. By soil testing, we can rebalance nutrients, reduce unnecessary applications, and improve efficiency, which helps increase bushels per thousand. Thanks again, Jackson, for standing in for the growers and asking their questions. We’re looking forward to unloading the next piece of the Max Yield System, which is fertility planning. 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.

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..