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When it comes to building a Max Yield System Plan , the earlier you start, the better off you are. Early planning gives you the time to gather critical data, build field-by-field strategies, and take advantage of market prices and input costs. Waiting until spring often means rushing decisions, and rushed decisions rarely deliver maximum return. That’s why the very first step of your Max Yield System Plan is creating your Crop Plan , a simple but essential foundation for everything else that follows. Step 1: Create Your Crop Plan Building your crop plan begins with a straightforward task: list every field on your farm . For each field, identify the current crop and the intended crop for the next season. Once you’ve outlined those basics, start adding in the details: Historical planting rates  – what seeding rates have you used in the past? APH and yield history  – what’s the proven production potential of this field? Anecdotal field notes  – where are the trouble spots, what pests or diseases have been issues, and how do you feel the field has been performing overall? This is the groundwork that will guide the rest of your Max Yield System decisions. Step 2: Think through the other parts of the plan With your crop plan in place, the next step is to start sketching out the other parts of your Max Yield System: Seed Plan This is where you begin shaping your hybrid portfolio. Look at your hybrids on a bushels per 1,000 plants basis  to compare performance fairly across populations. Identify your top performers, but also flag fields that may need something different. Now is also the time to research and consider new hybrids that could strengthen your lineup. Exact hybrid placement will come later, but early thinking sets the stage. Fertility Plan Start by reviewing your current fertility program. Is something missing? Are you leaving yield on the table? If you have previous soil sample results, now is the time to study them. Better yet, plan for this year’s soil sampling with a zone-based, geo-located approach . These results won’t just guide fertilizer and biological inputs, they’ll also influence which hybrids may best fit each soil type. Crop Protection Plan Crop protection is more than just spraying the same program across every acre. Think through your herbicide, insecticide, and fungicide strategies. Where might you be overspending? Which fields consistently have higher weed, insect, or disease pressure? Identifying these challenges now allows you to begin tailoring plans to each field, rather than applying blanket solutions that may not fit every acre. Why This Matters By starting your Max Yield System Plan early, you’re not just organizing information, you’re building a decision-making framework . Each piece of the plan builds on the others, and when you approach it field by field, you put yourself in the best position to maximize ROI and reduce stress when the season begins. What’s Next This is only the beginning. In the next few articles, we’ll dive deeper into each component; seed, fertility, and crop protection, to show how data and planning decisions come together long before the first application hits the field. Stay tuned as we unfold the Max Yield System, step by step.

These are the seed varieties we trust on our own acres, proven performers backed by local data. Chosen for their strong yields, standability, and consistency, these corn hybrids are selected to help you maximize every acre next season.

As harvest approaches, fall is the perfect time to check soil fertility. Sampling now gives you the data you need to make smart, cost-effective plans for next season. Why sample in the fall? Stable field conditions make pulling samples easier and more consistent. Results arrive with plenty of time to plan fertility programs before spring. You see the impact of this year’s crop and what nutrients remain. Fields are accessible, without any crops in the way all fields can be sampled at the same time.. Bottom line:  Fall soil sampling is a proactive, data-driven step toward higher yields and smarter input decisions. Need help? We can collect both shallow (0–6”) and deep (6–24”) samples for a nominal fee to give you a full fertility and nitrogen profile. Stay safe this harvest season! -Dwayne

Making Early Plans isn’t something you can do later, it’s something that takes time and information, and should be started now, while you have both. Waiting until after harvest to make your plans puts you behind the 8-ball because after harvest you’re going to be busy, eating turkey, opening gifts, and planning your next vacation with the family, and before you know it, you’ll be right back in the same position, shooting from the hip making multi-million dollar decisions without a plan to increase yield. Here are the top 10 reasons why early planning is essential: 1. Field-by-Field Management No two fields are the same. Soil types, fertility, and weed pressure all vary. Building field-by-field plans takes time, but it ensures the right hybrid, fertility program, and management decisions are matched to each acre. Which means…  you invest the right dollars in the right places and maximize your return on every field. 2. Informed Decisions Require Data Soil tests, tissue samples, yield maps, and scouting notes take time to gather and analyze. Early planning gives you the time to collect and interpret that data properly. Which means…  you’re making decisions based on facts and protecting your profit potential, not just guessing what’s needed next. 3. Input Cost Advantages Markets for seed, fertilizer, and crop protection shift throughout the year. Planning early allows you to lock in favorable pricing and secure supply before costs climb. Which means…  you keep more money in your pocket and avoid the stress of chasing products at the last minute. 4. Hybrid Portfolio Balance Like a mutual fund, your hybrid lineup needs balance: different maturities, stress tolerances, and yield drivers. Thinking through obstacles and opportunities, and reviewing hybrid performance data is required to create a balanced hybrid portfolio.    Which means…  you spread risk, capture upside across environments, and protect your farm’s bottom line. 5. Fertility Precision Soil sampling in the fall often uncovers hidden nutrients, like the 40–60 lbs of nitrogen we regularly find when taking 0- 24" samples. Early planning ensures you capture these savings. Which means…  you spend less on unneeded fertilizer and maximize ROI while protecting your soil. 6. Operational Efficiency Field by Field plans, operations scheduling, and application timing are easier to execute when the plan is already in place. Which means…  less stress in-season, smoother logistics for your team, and fewer sleepless nights. 7. Flexibility with Mother Nature Weather is unpredictable. Early planning gives you time to build contingency plans for drought, excess rain, or delayed planting. Which means…  you adapt quickly instead of reacting in panic, keeping yield potential on track. 8. Market Advantage and Risk Management Grain markets are volatile. Early planning allows you to secure contracts, manage price risk, and align your production with market opportunities. Which means…  you capture higher margins, protect yourself from downside swings, and position your operation to profit through changing markets. 9. Long-Term Legacy Building Early planning isn’t just about this crop. It’s about building soil health, balancing rotations, and investing in practices that make your farm sustainable. Which means…  you’re not just chasing yield, you’re building a legacy for the next generation. 10. Reduced Stress, Increased Confidence Perhaps most importantly, early planning takes the weight off your shoulders. Knowing your plan is in place gives you confidence heading into the season. Which means…  you can focus on execution, family, and growth instead of worrying about “what ifs.” Final Thought Yield isn’t built in-season, it’s captured through the decisions you make now. Early planning ensures you’re prepared, profitable, and positioned for success.  Which means…  Axis Seed – Red Barn is your best partner to help you create those early plans, maximize your yield, and reduce stress across your farm. When it comes to raising a crop, timing is everything. Too often, growers find themselves making decisions in the heat of the moment, when time is short, stress is high, and options are limited. Early planning changes that narrative. By starting now, you set your operation up for higher yields, stronger ROI, and a smoother more productive year. Grow Your Yield. Grow Your Legacy. Grow Strong with Axis Seed.

Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Harvest is just getting started, and I bet you're already thinking, I'll figure out next year after the combines are parked. I hear that every fall, and I get it, you're busy, you're tired, and the thought of diving into crop plans doesn't sound very exciting. Welcome back to the Easy Ag Podcast, where innovative farming meets practical solutions. I'm your host, Matt Long. Before we dive into today's topic, I just want to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who came out to our field day. It was great to see so many of you again this year and have conversations about what's working out in your fields. We had some excellent discussions about hybrid performance, fertility and biological strategies, and the results from our local testing. And what stood out to me most is how engaged everyone was in talking about next steps. How do we take this information and actually apply it on your farms? That's exactly what I want to build on today, because the truth is, all the great ideas and insights we shared at the field day only pay off if we turn them into action. And the way we do that is through early planning. So, in this episode, we're going to talk about how planning now, not in March, is the key to yield, profitability and less stress heading into next season. So let's start here . To be honest, nobody loves spreadsheets and soil maps. But think about football. On Friday night, the outcome of that game is usually decided before kickoff. It ' s won in practice. In preparation and in watching film. Farming's the same way. When you take the time to plan early, you're not just filling in a calendar. You're making field by field decisions that drive ROI. Every field has differences, soil type, fertility, weed pressure and irrigation capacity to name a few. And when you build a plan early, you're matching the right hybrid, the right fertility program and the right management strategy to every single acre. That's not busy work. That's how you make sure your dollars are working in the right places and not wasted where they won't pay off. And here's the next piece. Good plans need good data. And data takes time. Soil tests, tissue samples, yield maps, scouting notes. You don't have time in March to gather and analyze all the data. If you wait, you'll lose the chance to see what's really happening under the surface. We've pulled 24 inch soil samples in the fall and found 40 to 60 pounds of nitrogen already there. That's $20 to $30 an acre in savings just by knowing what's in the soil. But you only catch that if you plan ahead. When you gather data early, you're not guessing. You're not throwing darts blindfolded. You ' re making informed decisions that protect profitability and stretch your inputs further. Now let's talk money. Inputs don't get cheaper the longer you wait. Fertilizer markets move, seed availability tightens, crop protection products run short. Planning early lets you lock in supply and secure better pricing. And the earlier you plan, the more options you have. It's kind of like booking an airline ticket. Buy early and you get choices and fair prices. Wait until the day before and you're paying double to sit in the middle seat by the bathroom. Farming works the same way. Locking in inputs early keeps more dollars in your pocket and takes away the stress of scrambling at the last minute. But it's not just about price. Think of your hybrid portfolio like an investment portfolio. You wouldn't put your entire retirement into a single stock, right? Way too risky. Same with hybrids. You need balance between maturities, stress tolerances, and yield drivers. Some will shine in a drought year, others in a wet year. The balance spreads your risk and captures upside across environments. When you plan early, you're not just picking hybrids off the shelf. You 'r e building a portfolio that protects your bottom line no matter what conditions you face. And here's one benefit most farmers overlook. When the plan is in place ahead of time, everything just runs smoother. Application timing, equipment schedules, and labor all line up. Instead of scrambling to figure out what goes where in the middle of planting, you already know. Your team knows. And that means fewer sleepless nights, fewer last minute phone calls, and a whole lot less stress in season. And operating smoothly gives you something else. Flexibility. Because no matter how much we plan, Mother Nature is going to throw us curveballs. Drought, excess rain, late planting, you name it. But the difference is, if you planned ahead of time, you already have contingency options built in. You can adapt quickly instead of reacting in panic. That's how you keep yield potential on track even when the weather doesn't cooperate. And finally, let's zoom out a little and take a look at the big picture. This isn't just about seed and fertilizer. It's about you, your family, and your future. Early planning reduces stress. It lets you head into the season with confidence instead of constantly wondering what if. That's good for your farm. But it's also good for your sleep, your family, and your sanity. And beyond that, planning now builds a legacy. You're not just farming for 2026. You're building soil health, balancing rotations, and making your operation sustainable for the next generation. That's more than yield. That's a legacy. So here's my challenge for you. Don't wait. Don't kick the can down the road until after the holidays. Take a little time now while your mind is fresh and build your plan. Because yield isn't built in season. It's captured by the decisions you make today. And if you want higher yields, stronger ROI, and a smoother year, early planning is your ticket. Until next time, remember ag is easy. When you tune into the Easy 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 today we’re diving into one of the cornerstones of the Max Yield System: how to build your fertility and biological plan and why soil and tissue sampling is so important, especially with today's tight margins. But first a quick reminder, Join Us August 26th at our Annual Field Day. We will be sharing a lot of information on how the Max Yield System is performing and how you can take advantage of the benefits of becoming a Max Yield grower. The field day starts at 6:30pm at the St. Anthony’s Parish Hall in Leoti, we hope to see you there! Now let’s get into today's topic: Fertility and Biological planning basics! Without the right plan, you’re essentially throwing darts at a board while blindfolded. You have no idea what you’ve got, and no idea what you need to win the game. Let’s talk about how soil and tissue data give us the roadmap to build the right fertility and biological system for your farm. Every strong plan starts with data, and in our world that means soil testing. Whether you’re running a conventional lab test, an Agronomy 365 profile, or Earth Optics TruBio soil testing, the key is simple: you can’t manage what you don’t measure. Soil tests are the starting point. They identify what’s in the soil, what’s available, and where the risks lie. TruBio even takes it a step further – looking at microbial activity and biological indicators that impact how nutrients cycle. That’s a game changer because fertility isn’t just about pounds of N, P, and K – it’s about how your soil biology makes those nutrients available to the crop. But here’s one thing you need to remember: a soil test is a snapshot in time. The day that sample leaves your field, soil organisms are already working – converting minerals, breaking down organic matter, and shifting nutrient availability. Moisture and temperature accelerate or slow those processes. That means the numbers you see on a soil report can already be slightly different by the time the lab runs them. Does that make soil testing useless? Not at all. What it means is we use the data as a baseline – a benchmark – to make smart fertility and biological decisions, instead of guessing. Soil testing is step one, but tissue testing adds another layer of insight. Just like soil tests, tissue results are snapshots – they show us what the plant is actually taking in at that moment. And just like soil tests, results shift with growing conditions. A tissue pulled during drought stress, for example, is going to show deficiencies across the board, not because nutrients aren’t there, but because the plant physically can’t take them up from dry soil. On the other hand, tissue from a field with optimal growing conditions often points out the weak spots in our fertility and biological system – the nutrients we aren’t delivering in enough quantity or biology isn’t making available for the plant to hit its max yield potential. This is where the Max Yield System really shines. We don’t stop at collecting data – we use it to drive decisions. Consistently low tissue readings in, say, potassium or zinc? That tells us the soil is either deficient, or the biology isn’t cycling those nutrients fast enough. That’s when we adjust our fertility program or introduce the right biological tools to improve availability. Over time, these adjustments compound. By building season-to-season improvements, you’re not just feeding this year’s crop – you’re improving your soil’s ability to cycle nutrients and support higher yields in the future. Now here’s something growers sometimes overlook – the economics. Pulling a soil or tissue sample typically costs less than two dollars an acre. That’s pocket change compared to what you’re spending on fertilizer. And the return is huge. Many times when we pull 24-inch nitrogen samples, we’ll find 40 to 60 pounds of nitrogen already available in the soil. At today’s fertilizer prices, that’s worth twenty to thirty dollars an acre. So for a one- or two-dollar investment in testing, you can save ten, fifteen, even twenty times that amount in your nitrogen program alone. That’s before we even consider the long-term benefits of building a balanced fertility and biological system. So as you look at your farm’s fertility and biological plan, start with the data. Soil testing through conventional labs, Agronomy 365, or TruBio. Tissue testing at key growth stages. And remember, that investment of a couple of dollars an acre will pay back quickly when you make the right adjustments to your fertility plan, not to mention the extra yield you gain from getting the rest of the system right. At the end of the day, remember, creating Max Yield isn’t a game of blindfolded darts! Utilizing a systems approach to fertility and biological planning is the only long-term way to create Max Yield on your farm – it’s about knowing exactly what the crop needs, and delivering it. That’s the Max Yield System way. 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.

Why Local Matters Now More Than Ever In today’s world of agriculture, “local” isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the key to success . National yield trends, global averages, and broad-based recommendations might look impressive on paper, but they rarely deliver consistent results in your  fields. At Axis Seed – Red Barn, we’ve built our entire system on one principle: your farm is more local, more valuable, and more unique than any set of data from anywhere else . That’s why local matters now more than ever. Local Farm Data > National Averages Every acre you farm holds layers of information, from yield maps to soil tests and all your hard earned experiences, and none of it looks like the national average . That’s why the Max Yield System was built around your data, not someone else’s. We believe real success comes from dialing in your cropping plan with local testing, local ratings, and local results , not from copying what worked 300 miles away. Real Trials. Real Fields. Real Results. Our local trial program is central to our approach. Right here in our region, we’re evaluating hybrids and products not just on final yield, but on critical agronomic traits  like: Ear Flex  – how hybrids respond to population pH Tolerance  – especially important our area where high pH can limit yields Drought Tolerance  – because rain isn’t always guaranteed Yield Performance  – across multiple soil types and management strategies These trials aren’t one-offs. They’re part of an ongoing system to refine and improve hybrid selection so we can build balanced portfolios that reduce risk and maximize performance across your farm. Biologicals & Fertility: A Field-by-Field Strategy We’re also investing heavily in the future of fertility with a biological-first mindset . We’ve been testing biologicals and fertility and crop protection products, and we’re seeing success. But here’s the real breakthrough: we’re using advanced soil DNA testing  to dig deeper than ever before. This technology allows us to: Analyze microbial activity and disease and insect pressure Pinpoint nutrient availability and biological limitation Create custom biological and fertility recommendations on a field-by-field level It’s not a guessing game anymore, it’s a data-driven strategy tailored to your soil, your crop, your goals. It’s All Part of the Max Yield System When you bring it all together, local trials, advanced DNA soil testing, hybrid portfolios, and a customized biological and fertility plan, you get the Max Yield System . It’s not a product. It’s a process , built from the ground up to give you more yield with less stress. We’re not just helping you grow crops. We’re helping you grow a system that works for your farm, your future, and your legacy. Sneak Peek: August 26th Field Day 3 Things You Will Learn How the Max Yield System Helps You Grow More with Less Stress  Discover how planning early with local data, hybrid portfolios, and field-by-field strategies leads to higher yields and fewer in-season surprises. How Biological Fertility Systems Boost Soil Health and Profitability  See real trial data and field examples showing how biological products are improving nutrient efficiency, crop performance, and long-term soil function. Why a Systems Approach to Planning Is the Best Way to Grow Your Farm  Learn how integrating seed, fertility, biologicals, and protection into one custom plan creates consistency, reduces risk, and positions your operation for long-term success. And of course you’ll go home with a free hitch pin  and a head full of new ideas. 📅 Mark your calendar for August 26th  and come see what local data and a custom plan can do for your bottom line. Axis Seed – Red Barn Your Farm. Your Future. Our Focus.

As wheat planting season approaches, it’s more important than ever to control the spread of wheat curl mite—the insect that transmits a complex of mosaic viruses that are hitting Western Kansas wheat hard. The Problem:   Wheat curl mites carry multiple viruses, including: Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus (WSMV) Triticum Mosaic Virus (TriMV) High Plains Wheat Mosaic Virus (HPWMoV) Together, these form the mosaic virus complex  that causes yellowing, stunted growth, and significant yield loss—especially when infections occur early. Two Critical Steps to Protect Your Wheat: Volunteer Wheat Control   Volunteer wheat is the #1 host for both the mite and these viruses.  ➤ Kill all volunteer wheat 2–3 weeks before planting  to break the green bridge.  ➤ Glyphosate is still the go-to option, but timing is key. Control Grassy Weeds   Grasses like cheatgrass, foxtail, barnyard grass, and johnson grass also host mites.  ➤ Clean up weedy grasses , especially in corn residue.  ➤ Delay wheat planting  if necessary to allow 2–3 weeks after weed termination. Why It Matters: The earlier the infection, the greater the yield loss. Managing hosts and planting varieties with known resistance are your best defense. With all that is going on this time of year, please be safe. - Dwayne

August isn’t just the tail end of a crop season, it’s the beginning  of the next one. With crops in the field and a season’s worth of observations fresh in your mind, August gives you the perfect combination of hindsight and foresight. It’s the only time of year when you can look backward and  forward with clarity and that makes August the most powerful month for crop planning. Use the G.D.D. Framework to Evaluate This Season Before you move forward, take time to evaluate what happened in each field using the Good, Difficult, Different Method : Good  – What went right  this year that should stay in the plan? These are the wins worth repeating. Difficult  – What proved challenging that needs improvement? Think herbicide, fertility and hybrid portfolio strategies Different  – What just didn’t work and needs to be scrapped or completely rethought? This isn’t just a review, it's a strategic lens to refine your system and drive consistent gains year after year. Build Your Hybrid Portfolio: Think like a Mutual Fund Manager Now is the time to re-evaluate your hybrid portfolio and the smart move isn’t chasing this year’s top performer. No two years are the same , and data from a single season will always be skewed  due to weather patterns, disease pressure, and the 1000 uncontrollable variables we face each year. Instead, approach hybrid selection like a mutual fund manager: Use local - multi-year performance data Identify top performers over time , not just in one season Add new hybrids with strong potential, and retire the underperformers Avoid over-weighting any single hybrid so that one miss doesn’t drag down your farm average A well-balanced portfolio protects your ROI, limits your downside risk, and elevates your whole-farm yield performance . Plan Now to Reduce Stress Later We all say, “Once the combines stop rolling, we’ll get the plan together.”  But October turns into November, Thanksgiving turns into Christmas, and before you know it, it’s February and you're making fertilizer and herbicide decisions on the fly. August is the one window that gives you enough time and clarity to plan with purpose.  When you plan now, you have:  Access to objective data not skewed by this year's performance Access to any product that fits: shortages and availability aren’t a thing because no one else is planning or placing orders for next year More time to research and make decisions on new products and practices you want to use on your farm Less stress in the spring because all your decisions are made in advance and all you have to do is execute your plan The decisions you make in August determine whether you hit the ground running or spend the spring playing catch-up. At Axis Seed – Red Barn, we believe success is planned — not hoped for. Let’s start putting together your field-by-field plans today, using the Max Yield System to build consistency, protect your yield, and give you one less thing to worry about next year.

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 diving into one of the most important topics of the year, why August is the time to plan? It's easy to think the time for planning is post harvest when the combines are parked and the bins are full. But I'm here to tell you that's too late. In today's episode, we're going to walk through why August is prime time to make your plans for next season. And we're breaking it down using the five pillars of the Max Yield System. Crop planning, crop protection planning, soil sampling, fertility planning, and biological planning. So let's jump in.  Crop planning is the first thing you should be tackling in August. Why? Because you're standing in your fields, literally watching how your current plan is performing. And that means you can do a few things.  First, you can think critically about your field by field plan for next year. Second, you can evaluate hybrid performance, and third, you can start building your hybrid portfolio based on multi-year data, not just this season's top performers.  Here's the deal. Waiting on plot data from this year is out of date. That's like betting that next year's weather will be exactly the same, and we both know that never happens in agriculture. Instead, August is the time to introduce new hybrids that match your farm soil types and cropping system. Call the underperformers and diversify your hybrid lineup like a mutual fund, balancing risk and maximizing ROI. This is your window to plan with clarity, not pressure.  Hand in hand with crop planning is crop protection planning, and August is the perfect time to evaluate what slipped through the cracks. While you're walking your fields, ask yourself what weeds escaped the program? Where did disease show up late or earlier than expected? How much insect pressure did we see, and what traits will we need for next year? Too often we wait until winter to start rethinking herbicide, fungicide and insecticide plans, but by then, we have forgotten key field level insights. In August, those insights are still fresh. That lets you adjust trait packages, rebuild your herbicide and fungicide plans, and make sure your 2026 crop protection strategy starts with a real understanding of where 2025 broke down. These insights feed directly into your hybrid decisions, matching tolerance ratings, and placement with disease and pest pressure.  Now let's shift to the next phase, soil sampling. While August is for building your plans, October and November are the best time to execute your soil sampling. Why? Because you can sample every acre in October, November, regardless of the crop. Your soil sampling service providers are out of the chaos of helping you protect this year's crop, and you'll get more consistent results year over year. And most importantly, you're building a trend line with this year over year data of soil fertility that helps guide long term decisions. When you sample at the same time each year, you eliminate seasonal variability and get a clearer picture of how your system is working. And now with advanced soil sampling from Agronomy 365 and Earth Optics, we're going beyond the basics. We are looking at carbon biology, pests, and fertility from multiple angles while taking your planning to the next level with real data with crop plans and soil samples scheduled.  With crop plans built and soil samples scheduled, you can now focus on fertility planning. August is when you identify where your 2025 fertility strategy succeeded and well, where it fell short. Did your nitrogen plan hold up? Was potassium or sulfur limiting kernel depth? Did micros like zinc or Boron show up in tissue tests or with visible deficiencies? Using data from in season observations and soon to arrive soil tests, we can start adjusting rates, product timing, and placement. We're also layering in advanced testing through Agronomy 365, which provides fertility insights tied directly to microbial activity, soil respiration, and red zone nutrient availability. This means we're not just feeding crops or feeding cropping systems. The fifth and final pillar is biological planning, and this is where a lot of the most exciting innovation is happening. We're not talking about biological fertility anymore. Through Earth Optics and Agronomy 365, we're gaining insights on microbial activity and soil respiration, biological nutrient cycling, and even early indicators of disease and insect pressure based on soil testing. Biologicals are now part of both your fertility and crop protection strategy. Insect suppression, disease resistance, root enhancement, all field specific, all backed by data.  August is the time to review what products worked, what didn't, and where new biological approaches can strengthen your system in 2026. So let's zoom out for a second. Planning in August isn't just about being early, it's about being better. Your brain is still in season. You're not being pulled away by family and friends waiting to celebrate the holidays right after harvest. Your observations are fresh, you're literally looking at your crop on a daily basis. You have time to make proactive decisions because it's August, not April. And you're building a plan that actually fits your farm, not a generic recipe.  Each of the five pillars of the Max Yield System build on the others. Crop planning starts the foundation, crop protection planning addresses missed opportunities, soil sampling provides long term benchmarks, fertility planning optimizes input ROI, and biological planning introduces new levels of efficiency and sustainability.  So here's your takeaways for today. Don't wait for the combines to stop. Start planning in August because in August you have the ability to make plans that will reduce stress, improve yield, and create more predictable success. And don't forget, join us at our Field Day on August the 26th. We'll be talking about things like how the Max yield system helps you grow more with less stress, how biological fertility systems boost soil health and profitability, and why a system spaced approach is the best way to grow your farm.  Until next time, remember, ag is easy when you tune in to the EzAg podcast. That's all for today, I'm Matt Long. Grow your yield, grow your legacy, grow strong with Axis Seed.

Insect Pressure is mounting—and so are the yield stakes. As we look ahead to unlocking top-end corn yields in 2026, especially on continuous corn acres, growers must rethink their approach to Corn Rootworm (CRW) defense. The solution? An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy built on scouting, precision timing, advanced testing, and matching the right hybrids with the right field. Start Strong: Spray CRW Beetles at the Optimal Time One of the most effective early-season tactics in CRW management is timely adult beetle suppression. Spraying approximately 10 days after tassel  aligns with peak beetle activity, maximizing efficacy and helping break the CRW lifecycle before it begins again in your soils. Steward® Insecticide  has become a go-to for this strategy. It not only targets adult CRW beetles but also provides control of Earworm and Western Bean Cutworm  when timed correctly. By locking in protection at tassel, you’re not just defending this year’s crop—you’re also preventing egg-laying that leads to next year’s damage. New Hybrid Options Require Smart CRW Management In our 2024 Axis Seed Hybrid Evaluations , we saw impressive yield results from a new class of hybrids that do NOT contain CRW traits . These hybrids offer tremendous upside, but that yield potential will only be realized if beetle pressure is kept in check. That’s where your 2025 Max Yield System Plan becomes critical to launching your 2026 Max Yield System. Effective beetle control this season— right now —is your first line of defense for next year's continuous corn acres. Without it, next year’s planting could be compromised by larvae feeding on roots, especially on high-risk continuous corn acres. Using Soil DNA to Make Informed Decisions With the availability of Soil DNA testing  from Earth Optics, we can now pinpoint CRW pressure at the field level with unprecedented accuracy. This is a game-changer. By understanding which fields carry higher CRW pressure, we can intelligently pair those fields with CRW-traited hybrids . For fields with low to moderate pressure, we can pivot to the highest-yielding untraited genetics  and enhance protection using Meristem’s Revline Hopper Throttle with Guard X . This precision pairing allows you to: Capture top-end yield  where the opportunity is greatest Reserve CRW traits  for the acres that need them Avoid unnecessary trait stacking Your IPM Checklist for 2025 and Beyond Scout now  and monitor beetle activity closely Spray beetles 10 days after tassel  using Steward® for multi-insect control Pull Soil DNA samples  to assess CRW larval pressure by field Plan 2026 seed placement  using data: high-pressure fields get CRW-traited corn, low-pressure fields get the top-yielding untraited Axis Seed hybrids Apply Revline Hopper Throttle with Guard X  to amplify root protection on untraited acres Defending yield requires more than traits—it demands insight, timing, and a plan. Let’s work together to take an IPM approach to Corn Rootworm and build the foundation for your best yields yet. Reach out to your Axis Seed - Red Barn team to put this IPM approach into action on your farm, schedule soil sampling, or learn more about our new Axis Seed hybrids and Meristem Crop Performance.

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 diving into the midseason moves that matter most. From protecting pollination with fungicide and foliar nutrition, to fine-tuning irrigation during corn’s peak water use, now is the moment that defines your harvest—and solidifies your yield. We’ll also talk about why this is the perfect time to start planning for 2026 while the lessons of this season are still fresh. And stick around, because I’ve got a special invitation for you that’ll bring all of this to life. Let’s start there. Monday, August 26th , you’re invited to our biggest event of the year: “Get Hitched with Axis Seed – Red Barn”  right here in Leoti . It’s more than a field day—it’s your chance to: See how the Max Yield System works  and how using the Max Yield System on your farm will increase yield and reduce stress.. Discover how using data can increase your success with biological fertility and build healthier soils  while increasing ROI. Learn how a systems-based approach to cropping, fertility, and crop protection reduces stress and builds margin . And yes—you’ll take home a free hitch pin , because every successful farm needs a strong connection to Axis Seed - Red Barn. We will share real-world data you can take back to your farm—plus a great meal, good conversations, and the best display of corn in the area. So get hitched with us on August 26th—come for the free hitch pin, stay for the insights because Your Farm, and Your Future is Our Focus. Now let’s get to protecting the yield you built. Most of us are quickly approaching or just arriving at VT, and this is the most critical stretch for protecting your yield. This is when your crop is working hardest—pushing energy into pollination and kernel set. Your job now is to reduce stress and protect the investment you’ve made. Fungicide  is a top priority. If you’re seeing warm, wet, and humid conditions—fungal diseases like gray leaf spot, rust, and even southern rust are real threats. Spraying at VT to R1 protects your upper canopy, preserves photosynthetic power, and supports grain fill. Insecticide  is worth considering if you’re seeing beetle activity. Western bean cutworm and rootworm beetles love to clip silks—robbing pollination. If your scouting shows pressure, a tank mix makes a lot of sense. And don’t forget about foliar feeding . Micronutrients like boron and zinc can make a real difference at pollination—especially if tissue tests or field history point to shortages. Keep the plant healthy and humming during its highest energy demand. Water management is just as important right now. Match your irrigation to the crops' needs. Corn is at peak water use —anywhere from 0.5 to 0.75 inches per day , depending on heat and wind. If you fall behind now, the plant won’t recover. Kernel count and depth are on the line. Here’s the playbook: Water when there is room in the profile to minimize losses from runoff and evaporation. Focus on deep, infrequent soaks  that push moisture to the full root zone. Your goal is to keep the plant comfortable during pollination and through early grain fill. Think of it like stress-proofing your crop. And here’s where great farms separate from good ones— early planning . Build your 2026 Max Yield System Plan while this crop is still growing. The best 2026 plans starts now, not after harvest. You’ve got real-time data at your fingertips: Which hybrids are standing up to stress? Where did you have disease problems? What populations are over- or under-performing? How’s your fertility program really doing? Now’s the time to start building a better plan—while the season is fresh in your mind. With the Max Yield System , we go beyond genetics. We bring crop planning, fertility, and crop protection together into a whole-farm strategy that maximizes efficiency and yield potential: Field Specific cropping plans. Soil test-driven fertility plans. Seed treatments tailored to your field history and your goals. And data that fuels better decisions, season after season. Which means your 2026 plan Maximizes Yield while reducing stress for both you and your crop. Thanks for tuning into the EZ Ag Podcast. If you remember one thing from this episode, it’s this: midseason management matters . What you do today will shape your yield this fall. And the best way to keep improving is to start planning with the lessons you learned from this season while you’re still in it. Don’t forget, We’d love to see you August 26th , at our Field Day. Bring your questions. Bring a friend. Take home a hitch pin—and a whole new way of thinking about your farm, and your future. 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.