Doing more with less is nothing new for North American growers. But the tools and practices that allow us to do it are always evolving. And Brent Rogers from Double R Farms in Hoxie, Kansas lives on the cutting edge of putting those tools and practices through their paces. Whether it's advanced nutrient management, soil testing, tissue sampling, autonomous pivot units, no-till, cover crops or even drones, Brent has tried it all on his family's farm. He's also developed a deep working relationship with his Nutrien Ag Solutions crop consultants, and our staff agree that his operation is the source of the best on-farm research in the Northern High Plains. That's why Nutrien Ag Solutions named him as part of its class of Sustainable Success Champions. So in this episode, we learn more about the insights Brent has uncovered, the lessons he's learned, and why he believes that it's mission-critical to stay on the cutting edge of sustainable ag practices.

A years-long drought, followed by an entire year's rainfall in a week. With these conditions, succeeding as a farmer in North Texas takes more than just luck. It takes a solid plan, an openness to new ideas, a reliable pool of data and an expert team. John and Amilia Cato have all these and more. Managing more than 10,000 acres just south of the Red River, they have had to adapt to get ahead. And by introducing no-till, soil testing and data analytics, they've transformed a generations-old operation into a modern example of using conservation practices to thrive in an uncertain climate. That's why Nutrien Ag Solutions named them as part of its class of Sustainable Success Champions. So in this episode, we join John and Amilia Cato in the field during their harvest to hear about how they're overcoming challenges, what's working, and how conservation practices are helping them improve their margins.

When we talk about sustainability, very often we’re talking about how a grower’s actions or practices can help the environment. But it works both ways! Sustainable improvements to the environment can help the grower out in the field as well. When we invest in promoting soil health through practices like cover crops, we're laying the groundwork for better yields, lower input costs and even potential new revenue streams. So in this episode, we're looking back at two of the best conversations we've had about cover crops and soil health. Dr. Chuck Rice, a distinguished professor of soil microbiology at Kansas State University, has a great framework for growers that he calls the “Holy Trinity of Soil Health.” And for growers who don’t feel like they know enough about cover cropping to make an informed decision, we're also speaking with Patrick Reed, the Vice President of Sales at La Crosse Seed.

Sustainability buzzwords won't move the needle... and they sure aren't helping anyone. Growers need to be front and center in any conversation about the future of agriculture. Because, without growers, agriculture has no future. So in this episode, we're looking back at three conversations that really cut through the noise and surfaced some actionable sustainable agriculture insights. We'll talk with Curt Blades, the Senior Vice President of Industry Sectors and Product Leadership at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, about finding purpose in the industry's pivot toward sustainability. From Florida, we'll explore how one of North America's most diverse and challenging croplands is making huge strides in nutrient management with David Royal, the Florida Nutrient Stewardship Project Manager at the Nature Conservancy. And we'll learn how to support variable rate nutrient application through careful soil sampling and data collection from Brian Arnall, precision nutrient management extension specialist at Oklahoma State University.

Managing insects, weeds and disease on crops is an ever-evolving battle. Spray too late, and you'll have lost your crop. Spray too soon, you'll have wasted a lot of money and time. Spray too much, and you'll be increasing pest resistance and causing other problems. And none of those options is sustainable OR practical. So in this episode, we're learning about one of agriculture's oldest practices—field scouting—from one of Nutrien Ag Solutions' newest crop consultants, Megan Guy. From our office in Dansville, New York, she'll explain how she builds trust with growers, how they determine thresholds for application, and how these practices have evolved to be more sustainable. Plus, we'll be joined by Deirdre Hickey, instructor of plant science at the State University of New York Cobleskill, to discuss how to get more young people like Megan interested in agriculture careers.

Agriculture can mean a lot of different things in the Northeast U.S. From row crops to specialties, from broccoli to potatoes, from dairy to turf production, every ag operation has unique needs. And every operation is looking for a competitive edge to boost production and create new revenue streams. So in this episode, we're visiting the New York Farm Show in Syracuse to pop in on Nutrien Ag Solutions Northeast Division Manager Steve Harrison. He's going to tell us how his team is tackling the unique mix of agriculture, terrain and climate in the Northeast, and helping growers optimize their sustainability footprints while improving their margins. Plus, we'll explore how sustainability partnerships with downstream food processors are creating new revenue streams for growers in this part of the world.

Sustainable agriculture in the Corn Belt means something different from sustainable agriculture in the American South. And sustainable agriculture in California is its own kind of animal. But one of the best things about making the FARMSMART Podcast is that we go to all those places and more, sharing field-level insights that make it possible to improve your sustainability footprint and your margins. So in this episode, we’re checking in with experts from Iowa, North Carolina and California to see what we can learn from one another about nutrient management, cover crops and water management.  Our guests are: Dr. Matt Helmers, Director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center at Iowa State University Clara Millsaps, Nutrien Ag Solutions divisional agronomist in the South Region Chris White, Executive Director of the San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors Water Authority in California Plus, we'll get reintroduced to our new podcast co-host, Nutrien Ag Solutions Director of Digital Sustainability Ryan Adams.

Good sustainable ag practices and carefully-collected data won’t make it rain more. But they will help you make the most out of every drop. And in Northwest Texas, they know a thing or two about making due with limited rainfall. So on this episode, we’re talking to Precision Ag Lead Ky Houchin from the Nutrien Ag Solutions South Plains Division about how growers in the Lubbock area are tracking their water use and inputs to maximize their yields in a climate with less than 20 inches of rain a year. We'll also discuss how data-driven decisions can enhance crop yields and sustainability, the hurdles that some growers encounter in adopting new practices, and the critical role of water quality and nutrient management in achieving sustainable outcomes.

Christine Bielski's ability to leverage data and science with integrity and transparency is a big part of the reason why she has been named "Trusted Adviser of the Year" by Field to Market. And it's also a big part of the reason why the Northern High Plains Division, where she works as Nutrien Ag Solutions' research and sustainability manager, has seen 10x enrollment in certain sustainability programs over the last three years. We chatted with Christine three years ago in episode 18 of this podcast about what we could learn from Nutrien Ag Solutions' carbon pilot. And given the massive growth since then, and her award from Field to Market, we figured it was about time we caught up with her again. So in this episode, Christine joins us to talk about the abundant challenges growers face in the Northern High Plains, how they're leveraging sustainable agriculture practices to improve their yields, and what she expects to see over the next couple years. Plus, she shares some hard-earned insights about what works and what doesn't in one of North America's most challenging agricultural geographies.

Artificial intelligence has been a hot topic in the business world over the last year. Some of it has been really interesting, and some has been just hype. But in the field of sustainable agriculture, where we already work with massive volumes of data, there are some A.I. applications that could provide real value to growers. So in this episode, we meet Dr. Nathan Boyd, the Associate Director of the University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. He's helping develop Florida's state-funded Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence, and with a background in agriculture and weed control, knows that new technology has to create a clear value for growers if it's going to succeed. We'll discuss how A.I. is different from other new technologies in agriculture, how it could be used to create value, and why it could be a game-changer for sustainability.

Center pivot irrigation is so prevalent in Southern Idaho, you can see it from space. With only 12 inches of annual rainfall, Justin Place says his 1,250-acre operation is heavily reliant on pumping water from the Upper Snake River aquifer to grow wheat, barley, alfalfa and mustard. But, faced with a mandate to cut water use by 15 percent, he's spent the last decade incorporating no-till and minimal-till into his practices; and that has allowed him not only to exceed those water management goals, but also improve his soil health. So in this episode, we spent some time learning more about Justin's operation, as well as his involvement as President of the Idaho Grain Producers Association. We'll discuss how sustainability means different things to different folks in the Rockies, how commodity groups can help growers incorporate new sustainability practices, what practices are working in the arid valley along the Upper Snake River, and what new technologies are helping him thrive in a challenging climate. Visit agrible.com to sign up for Nutrien Ag Solutions' free digital toolkit, and info.nutrienagsolutions.com/SNO to learn more about Sustainable Nitrogen Outcomes.

When the U.S. Congress missed a key deadline to extend or renew the Farm Bill last month, it was not without precedent. But it is concerning, nonetheless, for growers who count on this massive piece of agriculture policy to lay the groundwork for everything from crop insurance to food stamps to sustainable ag incentives. So in this episode of the FARMSMART Podcast, we're talking to Renee Munasifi, Senior Director of Global Government & Industry Affairs at Nutrien, about what the Farm Bill's expiration means for growers. She'll explain how Congress could still act before the end of the year, and what could happen if they don't, as well as the importance of growers reaching out to their elected representatives now to get them to take action. We'll also explore what different election outcomes might mean for sustainable ag policy, and how Nutrien's public affairs team is working to give growers the tools they need to provide sustainable food, fiber and fuel for the world.

It's that time of year when growers are trying to plan for next year, while also trying to bring in this year's crop. And we know that it can be easy to fall into the trap of rushing through that process without exploring some of the new products, practices or incentive programs that are available to help you improve your sustainability footprint and your bottom line. So in this episode, we're looking back at some of the most valuable insights from the past year of the podcast to make sure you're considering all the latest advances in your cropping plan for 2025. We'll hear from Ron Calhoun, Senior Marketing Manager, Plant Nutrition for Loveland Products, about how to leverage enhanced efficiency fertilizers and other offerings from the Loveland Products line. Danny Carmony Jr., Nutrien Ag Solutions Division Manager for Central Indiana, will discuss practices that are helping growers qualify for a new incentive program in the Midwest. And we'll explore new features in the Agrible platform with Nutrien Ag Solutions Director of Digital Sustainability Ryan Adams. Visit agrible.com to sign up for Nutrien Ag Solutions' free digital toolkit, and info.nutrienagsolutions.com/SNO to learn more about Sustainable Nitrogen Outcomes.

When you have an impressive industry footprint, you've got a big opportunity to make sustainable change. And as the world leader in oil seed processing, Bunge sets the standard in the world of agriculture. So we're excited to announce that our sustainability initiative with Nutrien Ag Solutions and Bunge, which we just launched a year ago, is expanding from two sites in the American Midwest to five. This program creates incentives to help growers reduce tillage, implement cover crops, diversify their crop rotation, and manage nutrients. And, in its first year, it's met with a lot of success. So in this episode, we catch up with Justin McAllister, Bunge’s Regenerative Agriculture Lead, to discuss how the program is growing and succeeding, what we've learned in its first year, and how it’s helping growers improve their sustainability footprints AND their bottom lines. Visit agrible.com to sign up for Nutrien Ag Solutions' free digital toolkit, and info.nutrienagsolutions.com/SNO to learn more about Sustainable Nitrogen Outcomes.

Pest control has always been at the top of a farmer's mind throughout the growing season. But new biocontrol technologies are opening up innovative ways to leverage pests' natural enemies to the grower's advantage and boost crop yields while improving sustainability footprints and operating margins. Nutrien Ag Solutions just announced its acquisition of Suncor Energy’s AgroScience assets, which consists of several patented and patent pending technologies in the area of biocontrol. This new biocontrol technology is expected to introduce chlorin-based photosensitizer to the global market as a biocontrol solution for integrated pest management. And so in this episode, we're talking to Nutrien Ag Solutions President of Global Retail Jeff Tarsi about this and other ways Nutrien continues to push the sustainability envelope. Plus, we'll look back at the last three years in Nutrien Ag Solutions' sustainability journey and the massive progress that has been made.

Hunting and farming are two beloved traditions steeped in generations of rural American culture. And a new partnership between Nutrien Ag Solutions and Ducks Unlimited/USA Rice looks to secure the future of both traditions for generations to come. So in this episode, Sally and Dusty are off to visit Ducks Unlimited world headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee for a chat with Agriculture Support Director Scott Manley. U.S. growers produce rice on about 3 million acres each year, and we'll discuss how the new partnership helps support sustainable agriculture for rice growers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Texas and California. With new practices and products for irrigation, sustainability and nutrient management, these farmers can not only provide food and habitat for our cherished migratory waterfowl populations, but also improve the sustainability footprint of rice production while increasing profitability. We'll also discuss USA Rice and Ducks Unlimited's Climate Smart grant program for historically underserved growers. You can learn more by visiting usarice.com/sustainability.

Farm data drives your ability to leverage sustainability insights. And farm equipment drives your ability to collect data. So it's fortunate, then, that the agriculture equipment manufacturing industry is embracing the challenge, pioneering new technologies and advocating for policies that support sustainable ag in North America and around the world. In this episode, we'll meet an important leader of this conversation, Curt Blades, the Senior Vice President of Industry Sectors and Product Leadership at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. AEM represents more than 1,000 companies in North America that build and support agriculture, construction, forestry, mining and utility equipment. And since he joined the association leadership team eight years ago, Curt says there has been a shift in the way that the industry talks about sustainability. In this episode, we'll discuss why that shift has happened, what it means and how it benefits growers. Plus, we'll talk about how AEM is helping growers tell their sustainability story and advocating for policies that will support sustainable ag for years to come.

The global spotlight on agriculture has never been brighter than it is today. Farmers have spent decades producing food, fuel and fiber for the world, all while serving as stewards for the land and the next generation. But increased global attention to the ongoing climate crisis means that every agricultural practice is under the microscope. And if growers aren't telling their sustainability story, they risk being left out of key discussions that will shape the future of agriculture policy. So in this episode, we're talking with Tim Faveri, the Vice President of Sustainability and Stakeholder Relations at Nutrien. His team works across the organization to integrate sustainability strategy and advance environmental stewardship with partners across the globe. We'll talk about how they are helping growers shape common sense policy, how fostering partnerships with external stakeholders are an important facet of the strategy, and what they've learned in the last several years of helping farmers share their sustainability story.

Let's start with the good news about the North American climate outlook for the 2024 growing season: drought conditions are significantly better than they were last year. However, maybe it's force-of-habit, but growers seem to have more anxiety than usual about weather in the coming growing season, according to Nutrien Ag Solutions science fellow and principal atmospheric scientist Eric Snodgrass. And among the growers he talks to across the continent, he says everyone has something they're hoping for that could make or break their year. So in this episode, we'll dive in to the climatological outlook for every region in North America and try to tell you what kind of help... or hinderance... you can expect from Mother Nature. We'll discuss what the unusually warm winter means for planting operations across the continent, and see how long-term trade winds trends will impact weather patterns. Then, Eric will explain why he expects to see an active severe weather season this Spring, followed by Summer weather that might seem reminiscent of 2016 for some growers.

Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium. Every grower knows that these three nutrients are at the heart of every successful cropping plan. But in 2024, the tools to manage those nutrients are so much more potent and complex than they used to be. And cutting back on fertilizer inputs—discerningly and purposefully—can be a powerful opportunity to reduce costs and improve an operation's sustainability footprint. So in this episode, we're talking to Ron Calhoun—Senior Marketing Manager of Plant Nutrition from Loveland Products at Nutrien Ag Solutions—to find out how growers can leverage tools like enhanced efficiency fertilizers. He'll tell us why there's no one-size-fits-all answer. But how, by bringing the best science and technology to bear, Nutrien Ag Solutions makes it possible for growers to improve their profitability and benefit the planet.