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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.

Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Welcome back to the EZ Ag Podcast , where innovative farming meets practical solutions. I’m your host Matt Long and today we’re digging into what we’re learning from this year’s in-field trials and hybrid evaluations, the kind of local data that drives decisions and builds your Max Yield System. Let's set the stage with what we learned last year. Last year’s evaluations gave us some excellent data. We were able to get strong readings on drought tolerance, pH tolerance, and ear-flex across a wide range of environments. Those insights helped us sharpen this year’s testing even more, pushing the limits on how hybrids handle stress, and how they perform across different populations and management. Fast forward to this season: five of the six plots we’ll harvest are complete, and the pH trial — which we don’t harvest for yield is fully rated. And the early results? Outstanding. Our dryland plots have averaged in the 130-bushel range in our lowest rainfall zones, and up into the 180s where we caught more moisture. Several hybrids even broke the 200-bushel mark. We still have one irrigated and flex trial to harvest, but our initial irrigated results are very strong! Now, that kind of yield is always exciting. But it also raises an important question: What do you learn from a plot when the conditions are that good? Our Trials are More Than Yield - We Evaluate Hybrids Here at Axis Seed – Red Barn, we look far beyond yield. Yield tells the end of the story but the why  and how  come from what we see between planting and harvest. That’s why our team spends so much time in the plots. Every week, we’re rating each hybrid on more than twenty characteristics things like: Plant and ear height Root and stalk strength Disease susceptibility Tillering and multi-earing Kernel rows and kernel length And performance at multiple populations in dryland, limited, and fully irrigated environments In our high-pH evaluations we’re working in soils around 8.3 to 8.4 pH we rate for plant color, chlorosis, and overall vitality, then compare ear size and fill to the same hybrids grown in more neutral pH soils. That helps us see exactly how much yield loss a hybrid might have under high-pH stress. Doing this level of scouting and rating lets us identify the hybrids that can handle our region's unique soils, and weed out the ones that can’t before  they ever end up on your farm. So what are we learning in our plots and evaluations this year? There's a lot of promising new products and proven performers that are having an exceptional year.  Let’s walk through a few highlights from this year’s data. 55K52 RIB  — a 105-day SmartStax hybrid has become a solid choice for dryland acres, both wheat stubble and continuous crop. It rates excellent  on drought tolerance, very good  on ear flex, and below average  on pH tolerance,  so it needs to be managed for the right acres. This season, we found its ear-flex potential is even stronger than expected, showing big yield upside across our dryland plots, and it’s been performing on fields throughout the area.  63F60 RIB  — at 113-day with SmartStax Pro  has proven to be one of our most versatile hybrids. We originally advanced it for irrigated continuous crop acres, but it’s also thriving in tough dryland conditions. With excellent  drought tolerance, excellent  pH tolerance, and excellent  ear-flex, this hybrid fits just about anywhere on your farm. 62K69  — our most-planted hybrid continues to impress us in the field. It’s a stable performer in nearly all environments up to 240 bushels per acre. Think of it as your go-to for dryland and limited irrigation, where you need both drought tolerance and ear-flex to take advantage of every inch of rain. It’s been putting up strong numbers again this year consistently producing 10 to 12 bushels per thousand plants in fields across the area. Other Top Performers and Up-and-Comers to keep your eye on. 45F31  continues to shine on the late-planted acre. With drought and pH tolerance and consistent yields in that 10-to-12-bushel-per-thousand-plants range, it’s a solid dryland performer for variable soils, and when mother nature doesn’t cooperate with your planting plans, it’s a great fall back product when your planting later than you’d like. On the fully irrigated and silage side, 62C60  is a monster, bringing the PowerCore Enlist technology for above-ground protection and a yield punch that truly stands out. If you have a fully irrigated field for grain or silage you need to have this hybrid on your farm. Another one to watch is 64H70 RIB , a new Trecepta hybrid. It’s got excellent plant height for silage, excellent grain yield, and very good pH tolerance making it a strong contender on the silage and high-yield irrigated acres. Then there’s 48Q38  — formerly known as EXP 25002 this product will be a new limited release product in our dryland market next year. At 98 days RM, it’s blowing away the competition with above-average drought tolerance, excellent pH tolerance, and exceptional ear-flex thanks to its tillering and multiple-ear potential. We’re also watching EXP 25009 , a 112-day hybrid that’s showing big potential on both irrigated and dryland acres. It’s got very good drought and pH tolerance and some impressive ear size — 16 to 18 around and 40 to 45 long to produce excellent yields, this hybrid has SmartStax Pro trait for added protection. Expect to see this one advance toward your farm by 2027. And last but not least, 60N61  — a test product for 2024-2025 that’s absolutely turning heads. It shows extreme ear-flex, tillering, and multi-ear capability. Last year, it topped our flex trial at 10,000 population with yields of 20 bushels per thousand plants. And this year, it didn’t disappoint pulling off a yield of 287.5 bushels per acre on limited irrigation at just 24,000 plants and 250 GPM of water. That’s efficiency and performance rolled into one. Why All This Testing and the Field Results Matter These results are more than just exciting yield numbers; they're the foundation for smarter hybrid placement, better stress management, and more consistent profitability year after year. Because at the end of the day, our goal isn’t just to find hybrids that win plots . It’s to identify hybrids that help you win fields . The kind of data we’re generating; from drought scores to pH tolerance to flex potential, helps ensure that every hybrid we bring forward is a true fit for the acres here in western Kansas.  Thanks for tuning in to the EZ Ag Podcast . Remember, building your Max Yield System starts with local data, local testing, and the right partner on your farm. At Axis Seed – Red Barn, we don’t just test to find winners, we test to help you  win. If you’re ready to identify the right hybrids for your soils and create a plan that maximizes every acre, reach out and let’s build your Max Yield System together. Thanks for joining us today for this episode of the EZ Ag Podcast, Until next time, remember, ag is Easy when you tune into the EZ Ag Podcast. That’s all for today, I’m Matt Long,  Grow Your Yield, Grow Your Legacy, Grow Strong with Axis Seed.

Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Welcome back to the EZ Ag Podcast , where innovative farming meets practical solutions. I’m your host Matt Long, and when it comes to yield, there’s no silver bullet—but there is  a smarter way to select seed. At Axis Seed – Red Barn , every hybrid we recommend has already passed the toughest test there is: the environment right here in western Kansas. Through our local testing network , we evaluate dozens of hybrids each season, measuring how they handle drought, high-pH soils, low populations with ear flex, and yield consistency. Because we’re locally owned and independent , we’re not tied to one genetic or trait company. That independence lets us source from multiple industry leaders and find what truly performs the only place that matters to you - on your farm. Today, I want to break down what we test for  and more importantly, what it means  for your farm, your yields, and your bottom line. Let’s start with drought tolerance. We all know western Kansas weather can turn on a dime and in some cases, long periods of hot weather without rain can make or break a crop. In our plots, we evaluate hybrids under full irrigation, limited irrigation and dryland stress, looking for how well they maintain ear flex, and kernel fill, and ultimately how much yield standability they have when conditions get tough. This means  when you plant a hybrid that’s proven to hold yield under stress, you’re not just protecting your acres, you’re protecting your ROI. You can make irrigation and fertility decisions with confidence, knowing your hybrid can handle what Mother Nature throws at it. That’s the foundation of a Max Yield System : control the variables you can, and be ready for the ones you can’t. Next up is pH tolerance, one of the most underrated yield limiters in our area. High pH soils, often 7.8 to 8.3, can tie up nutrients and stunt growth. Our local testing program identifies hybrids that stay green, healthy, and active in those tougher soils. You’ll see less yellowing, stronger root systems, and better nutrient uptake when conditions aren’t ideal. Because of Axis Seed’s independent model , we can pull from multiple breeding programs, identifying the genetic backgrounds that can handle the variability to create more consistency. This means you have  fewer surprises across your farm, less variability in yield maps, and a more predictable return per acre, no matter what part of the field you’re in. Pivoting just a little from how we test for stress tolerance, now let’s talk about how we test for ear flex and plant architecture to place each hybrid on the right field on your farm.  Every field is different, and everyone's Max Yield System is uniquely developed for their farm. Some growers push high populations with aggressive fertility, while others depend on ear flex to make the most of limited moisture. That’s why we test for ear flex and plant architecture . We want to know how a hybrid reacts when it’s crowded, how it responds to stress, and how it captures sunlight and nutrients. An ear-flex hybrid can reward you in a good year when rains come just right. A more fixed-ear hybrid might excel under controlled irrigation or intensive fertility programs. We also look at plant height, leaf angle, and root strength—all factors that impact standability and disease tolerance. Which means:  you can match the right hybrid to each field on your farm. Placing higher performing hybrids at higher populations where fertility supports it, and flexible hybrids where conditions fluctuate. That adaptability leads directly to higher efficiency, more consistent yields, and a smoother harvest across your farm. Finally, we test for one thing every grower values most: yield consistency . In our plots, that means rating hybrids across soil types, planting dates, and weather patterns. We’re not chasing the one-year wonder; we’re looking for repeat winners, the hybrids that keep performing when conditions aren’t perfect. Because we pull from a diverse lineup of genetics and traits , we can build a portfolio that spreads risk and boosts reliability. Which means  when one hybrid encounters a stress that holds it back, another in your portfolio keeps the average up. That’s how we deliver yield stability  across your farm year after year, no matter what the season brings. When we combine these traits; drought tolerance, pH tolerance, ear flex, and yield consistency, we’re not just talking about numbers in a plot book. We’re building predictability  into your farm plan. The earlier you start identifying these hybrids and pairing them with your field data, fertility plan, and management goals, the better your results. That’s what the Max Yield System  is all about, using local data and proven hybrids to remove guesswork and turn information into yield. At Axis Seed – Red Barn, we don’t just test to find winners, we test to help you  win. If you’re ready to identify the right hybrids for your soils and create a plan that maximizes every acre, reach out and let’s build your Max Yield System together. Thanks for joining us today for this episode of the EZ Ag Podcast, Until next time, remember, ag is Easy when you tune into the EZ Ag Podcast. That’s all for today, I’m Matt Long,  Grow Your Yield, Grow Your Legacy, Grow Strong with Axis Seed.

Right Hybrid. Right Field. Right Partner. When it comes to building your Max Yield System Plan , hybrid placement is where potential turns into performance. The right hybrid in the right field isn’t just a saying, it’s the decision that ties together your fertility, biological, and crop protection plans  for maximum ROI. Now is the time to finalize your hybrid placement and portfolio for 2026  — and that starts with the right partner at your side. Why Axis Seed is the Right Partner for Building Your Hybrid Portfolio At Axis Seed – Red Barn , we believe your farm deserves a local seed partner who understands its soils, its weather, and the obstacles to creating Maximum Yield. As a locally owned Independent Regional Company (IRC) , we operate differently than national brands: Locally Owned & Operated:  Decisions are made here, by people who live and farm in the same environment you do. Independent Framework:  Every Axis Seed IRC operates independently, developing local testing programs and recommending hybrids based on local performance , not national marketing priorities. Multiple Genetic & Trait Sources:  Because Axis Seed is independent from any single genetic or trait provider, we can source and select the best-performing genetics from multiple industry leaders . That freedom means your hybrid lineup is built for your farm, not confined to one brand’s catalog. At Axis Seed – Red Barn , our testing program focuses on hybrid characteristics that make the most impact on yield consistency across western Kansas: Ear Flex  for variable populations and dryland stability. Drought Tolerance  for performance under stress. pH Tolerance  for challenging, high-pH soils. Through weekly field ratings and final yield analysis, we’re identifying the hybrids that consistently deliver performance and predicting early which products have the greatest potential to excel in your  fields. That’s how we help you build a hybrid portfolio that fits your farm. Hybrid Placement: Right Hybrid, Right Field Action Steps: Rank by Bu/1000 Plants:  Use your local and historical hybrid performance data to rank hybrids by efficiency, not just yield. Match to Soils & Management: Drought-tolerant hybrids → lighter, variable soils. High-response hybrids → your best fertility and irrigation ground. Disease-tolerant hybrids → fields with consistent residue or stress. Diversify Maturity:  Spread maturities across your acres to manage risk and smooth out harvest. Trial and Verify:  Dedicate acres for side-by-sides or strip trials to evaluate new options with local data. Why It Matters:  Hybrid placement is where yield potential is either capped or unleashed . The best fertility or fungicide plan won’t overcome the wrong hybrid in the wrong field. Top producers don’t leave it to chance, they plan hybrid by hybrid, field by field. Hybrid Portfolio: Managing Risk and Reward Think of your hybrid lineup like an investment portfolio, balancing stability, aggressiveness, and adaptability. Action Steps: Core Performers (60–70% of acres):  Proven hybrids with multi-year data and local consistency. High-Response Hybrids (20–30% of acres):  Products that excel when you push management, fertility, or irrigation. New or Experimental Hybrids (5–10% of acres):  Always be testing. New genetics bring opportunity, and data from your farm builds confidence in new hybrids, allowing you to expand acres with less risk in the future. Balance Trait Platforms:  Maintain diversity to manage resistance... Pulling It All Together Your Hybrid Portfolio Plan  is the foundation that supports every other part of your Max Yield System, fertility, biologicals, and crop protection. And when that plan is built with Axis Seed – Red Barn , you’re not just planting a bag of seed. You’re planting a system built on local data, independent genetics, and a commitment to help you Grow Your Yield. Grow Your Legacy. Grow Strong with Axis Seed.

Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple What if the key to lowering stress next season isn’t working harder — but planning smarter? On this episode of the EZ Ag Podcast, we’re tackling the why  — why Axis Seed, why the Max Yield System, and why early planning is changing the game for growers.  Welcome back to the EZ Ag Podcast, where innovative farming meets practical solutions. I’m your host, Matt Long. Today we’re going to dive into the Why behind the products and programs we use to help growers like yourselves grow more with less stress. But before we get started, a quick highlight and invitation for you to get started working with us. Now thru October 29th we are offering: free soil sampling and fertility consultations  for every field enrolled in the Max Yield System with a commitment to Axis Seed. 🌾 Why Axis Seed Let’s start with the why  behind Axis Seed. Axis Seed – Red Barn is a locally owned, independent regional company . That means we’re not tied to a single national breeding program or limited to one line of products. Instead, we have access to genetic and trait platforms from multiple backgrounds  — giving us the ability to test, evaluate, and select the best-performing hybrids and varieties for our  geography, our  soils, and our  climate. A lot of the “national” advancements you hear about in seed aren’t always optimal for western Kansas conditions. Our local testing program helps us find the ones that are  — products that handle drought stress, and variable soils, and that consistently deliver results where it counts — in your field. When you plant Axis Seed, you’re not just buying a bag of seed. You’re buying into a system that helps you increase yield, improve ROI, and grow your legacy . And because we’re locally owned, the profits from your seed purchase stay local  — employing people in the same communities where you live, supporting local events and organizations that matter to you, and contributing to the overall economy and strength of our region. At Axis Seed – Red Barn, we’re committed to helping you achieve your goals  — and that starts with seed that’s selected for you,   by people who live where you farm. 🌱 Why the Max Yield System Now let’s talk about the why  behind the Max Yield System . Maximizing yield is difficult — especially when you don’t have a system in place to gather, analyze, and act on the information  that drives better decisions. That’s exactly why we created the Max Yield System: to help you take control of your data and use it to make informed, profitable decisions on every acre. When you create a Field x Field Max Yield System plan , you’re improving the overall efficiency of your farm by identifying yield-limiting factors — things like fertility imbalance, pH issues, compaction, or hybrid misplacement — and taking proactive  control of those outcomes. The Max Yield System is different from traditional crop scouting. Scouting is reactive — it tells you what’s already happened.  The Max Yield System is proactive  — it helps you predict and prevent yield loss before  it occurs. That means you’re not chasing problems mid-season. You’re preventing them from the start. When you make plans for each individual field through the Max Yield System, you’re building a roadmap to higher yield and ROI , field by field — and that’s what leads to achieving more of your long-term goals on the farm. 🌤️ Why Early Planning Matters Finally, let’s talk about early planning  — the first and most important step in the Max Yield System. If you don’t start early, you don’t have time to gather the data, analyze it, and create the plan that sets you up for success. Early planning allows you to be proactive , which is what reduces stress and uncertainty going into the next growing season. When you plan early, you’re creating a systems-based approach  to crop management — one that minimizes blanket applications and focuses on field-by-field strategies  designed to overcome the specific yield-limiting factors of each field. Early planning reduces stress because: You always know what’s coming next. You have flexibility built into the plan — if conditions change, you can adjust. And you have confidence that your decisions are backed by data, not just guesswork. Planning early means you’re increasing yield and ROI by making proactive, data-backed decisions — so you never have to wonder if your crop needs “something else” to reach its potential. 🌽 October Launch: Free Soil Sampling & Fertility Consultations And to help you take that first step, we’re launching a special offer this October . Every field enrolled in the Max Yield System  with a commitment to Axis Seed will receive:  ✅ Free soil sampling   ✅ Free fertility consultations This is your opportunity to build the foundation for your 2026 crop season the right way — with data, precision, and a plan designed to maximize yield and minimize stress. If you’re ready to take control of your farm’s future, reach out to us at Axis Seed – Red Barn today and let’s start building your Max Yield System plan together. Thanks for joining us today for this episode of the EZ Ag Podcast, Until next time, remember, ag is Easy when you tune into the EZ Ag Podcast. That’s all for today, I’m Matt Long,  Grow Your Yield, Grow Your Legacy, Grow Strong with Axis Seed.

Aye, Mateys! Last year around this time, a few of us started noticing tiny black bugs in the cornfields — and even felt their surprisingly painful bites. At first, they seemed like nothing more than a nuisance. But after some quick detective work (thanks to Matt and Jenny’s kids, Baylee, Kennedy, Weston, and Ryan), we discovered the truth: these were pirate bugs . Also known as Orius insidiosus , pirate bugs are small, only about 1/16 inch long, but they’re among the most beneficial natural enemies in agriculture. Why Pirate Bugs Matter These little predators pack a punch when it comes to pest control. They feed on: thrips, aphids, mites, whiteflies, and insect eggs. Because they overwinter locally in leaf litter and bark, pirate bugs are ready to get to work early in the season often before other beneficial insects show up. This gives them a strong advantage in protecting crops from yield-robbing pests. A Note on Human Interaction Yes, pirate bugs can (and will) bite when food is scarce. The sting is sharp for such a small insect, but rest assured, they do not transmit disease. Think of it as just a small price to pay for their big contribution to natural pest control. The Bottom Line Pirate bugs may be tiny, but their impact is mighty. By feeding on some of the most damaging crop pests, they’re helping protect yields and reduce the need for extra chemical control. Next time you spot one, or feel a little bite, remember: these “pirates” are on your side. Wishing you a safe and prosperous fall harvest! - Dwayne

The data is in—now it’s time to make the decisions that build yield. In this Stalk Talk, we show how to dial in your hybrid placement, fertility, and crop protection plans on a field-by-field basis to maximize ROI and reduce stress in 2026. In our last Stalk Talk, we discussed the importance of starting early  with your Max Yield System Plan by gathering data, building field-by-field crop plans, and setting the foundation for 2026. Now it’s time to move from strategy to actionable, field-specific decisions . This is where the plan gets dialed in and where the real yield and ROI are built. Hybrid Placement: Right Hybrid, Right Field Action Steps: Rank Hybrids by Bu/1000 Plants:  Use your historical hybrid performance data to identify the most efficient hybrids in your lineup. Match Hybrids to Soils:  Place drought-tolerant hybrids on lighter soils, high-response hybrids on your best ground, and disease-tolerant hybrids in fields with consistent disease pressure. Diversify Maturity:  Spread relative maturities across your acres to manage risk and spread out harvest. Trial New Options:  Identify a few fields where you can test new hybrids in strips or side-by-sides. This gives you confidence to adjust your portfolio moving forward. Hybrid placement is where yield potential is either capped or unleashed, this is the decision that ties together crop protection and fertility plans for maximum ROI. Making a field by field plan for hybrid placement is the number one way to maximize yield during the planning process. Matching the right hybrid to the right field isn’t just cliche, it’s what top producers do to make sure they produce Max Yield on every acre of their farm, and now's the time to create the hybrid by field plan to create Max Yield on every acre of your farm for 2026. Biological & Fertility: Match Inputs to Soil Potential Action Steps: Zone-Based Sampling:  Break fields into zones by soil type, slope, or historical yield. Pull soil samples by zone instead of whole-field averages to uncover hidden variability. Fertility Balance Check:  Compare soil test results against yield goals. Where are you short on N, P, K, S, or micros? Where are you oversupplying? Balance for efficiency. Biological Integration:  Decide which fields may benefit from stress-reducing biologicals (e.g., drought mitigation, improved nutrient availability). Prioritize fields with tighter soils or past stress issues. Fertilizer Application Plan:  Map out your application timing: pre-plant, in-furrow, sidedress, or foliar, and match those timings to crop demand curves. This ensures fertility dollars are placed where they return the most, while biologicals enhance efficiency and reduce risk. Build out the fertility and biological plan on a field by field basis to maximize return on your investment and minimize the stress you have in season wondering if you are providing the crop with everything it needs for Max Yield. Crop Protection: Targeted, Not Blanket Action Steps: Map Weed Pressure:  List the fields where resistant weeds are an issue (e.g., pigweed, kochia) and identify rotation strategies or new modes of action needed on a field by field basis.. Disease History Review:  Use past yield maps and scouting notes to identify fields that consistently show bacterial leaf streak, gray leaf spot, rust, or other disease pressure. Flag those for proactive fungicide timing. Insect Hotspots:  Identify fields historically impacted by rootworm, cutworm, or other pests. Decide now whether those fields require specific seed traits or in-season insecticide applications. Timing & ROI Check:  Review last year’s spray logs, were applications too early, too late, or unnecessary? Adjust plans accordingly so every pass is optimized next year. By tailoring your crop protection plan to each specific field, you minimize overspending while maximizing yield response. Dial in those plans on a field by field basis and set up your crop protection strategy now. By doing this you will reduce the stress of making last minute decisions and Maximize Yield in every field. Why This Step Matters Dialing in decisions transforms your Max Yield System Plan from a strategy on paper to a real, field-specific roadmap.  With hybrid placement, fertility, and crop protection all matched to each field’s unique challenges and potential, you reduce stress and maximize ROI long before the planter hits the field. What’s Next In the next editions of Stalk Talk, we’ll dive deeper into each plan and show how data and field experience shape every decision. Stay tuned as we continue building the plan that builds yield.

Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple What if the products you choose today could shape not just next year’s crop, but the entire future of your farm? In this episode, we’re looking at the innovations that will drive yield and profitability in 2026 and beyond because Your Farm and Your Future are Our Focus. Welcome back to the EZ Ag Podcast, where innovative farming meets practical solutions. I’m your host, Matt Long. Today we’re going to highlight a few of our top product lines, share what we’re seeing in the field, and look ahead at where farming is headed. At Axis Seed – Red Barn, everything we do is built on one foundation: Your Farm, and Your Future.  The Max Yield System and the products we offer are designed to deliver both innovation and practicality, so let’s dive into the tools that will drive your farm’s yield and profitability in 2026 and beyond. Let’s start with the backbone of every operation: seed. Our transition to Axis Seed three years ago has been a complete game changer in how we bring products to market. As an Independent Regional Company, we have the freedom to test, evaluate, and select only the top-performing hybrids that meet the unique needs of farms in our region. That independence is powerful, it allows us to focus on what matters most: you farm and your future. Our local testing program is one of the keys to that success. We don’t just run basic plots. We put hybrids through real-world conditions, trials on ear flex across populations from 10,000 to 32,500, pH tolerance testing on high-alkaline soils, and multi-county dryland trials for drought tolerance. These aren’t just numbers; they’re insights that help us match the right hybrids to the right acres. And that’s something only an Independent Regional Company can truly deliver. Now, let’s talk nitrogen. Specifically, Pivot Bio’s ProveN G3 the third generation of their on-seed technology for corn. ProveN G3, or simply ‘G3,’ builds on the success of earlier versions by introducing two new microbial strains and three modes of action. It doesn’t just replace up to 40 pounds of nitrogen per acre through fixation. It also boosts growth by increasing root mass, biomass, and chlorophyll, while amplifying plant health with more available nitrogen, iron, and manganese. Starting in 2026, it will be available exclusively as an on-seed product making handling and delivery even more efficient for your farm. And last for today, let’s dig into soil health, fertility, and stress management with BW Fusion. This company leads the way in biofertility and stress mitigation, and there are three products in particular that deserve your attention: BioBoost, RelaxRx, and AmiNo. Let’s start with BioBoost . More than just a planter box treatment, BioBoost combines a seed lubricant, biologicals, and micronutrients into one product that sets the stage for success the moment the seed hits the soil. It promotes microbial activity, early vigor, and uniform emergence giving your crop a strong, consistent start. But as we all know, a strong start is only part of the equation. Out here in Western Kansas, stress is a constant factor. That’s where RelaxRx  comes in. This product is designed to help your crop push through abiotic stresses like heat, drought, and tough growing conditions. It fits seamlessly into your herbicide pass or can be applied on its own when the weather turns against you. RelaxRx delivers essential amino acids that keep plants resilient, maintain nutrient uptake, and minimize yield loss so your crop can keep moving forward, even when Mother Nature throws a curveball. And then there’s AmiNo , which builds on that resilience by optimizing nutrient movement within the plant. It’s the number one foliar nitrogen product on the market for a reason. By supplying free amino acids, AmiNo reduces the energy your crop needs to transport sugars, nutrients, and growth hormones. That means faster movement, stronger growth, and more efficient use of the nitrogen you already have. The result is not just healthier plants, but higher yields and better ROI. Together, BioBoost, RelaxRx, and AmiNo form a powerful trio—helping your crop start strong, stay resilient, and finish with the yield potential you’re aiming for. So, whether it’s the independence and precision of Axis Seed, the innovation of Pivot Bio’s ProveN G3, or the soil and stress solutions from BW Fusion, the future of your farm is clearly already within reach. 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.