FCLG: Farmers Sharing Calls

The biggest story for many growers in 2023 was drought. On this episode, we talk about drought coping strategies and review the vital role that nitrogen conversion has in the health of our soils and crops. 
6:30 What can you do to relieve stress on plants during a bad drought? 
8:20 What biological processes occur in plants every day and how to support plants with their daily needs.
12:25 A grower from Montana shares the importance of carbon, sugars, and trace minerals during drought.
14:33 Keegan from Minnesota discusses his experience with carbon and sugars throughout the Midwest. 
17:25 Using CarbonWorks Renew to boost the effectiveness of chicken litter; why is chicken litter so high in ammonia? 
20:50 Different strategies for applying Renew to chicken litter. 
23:45 Can you use a product like Renew on piglet manure?
25:00 Agronomy that works with nature (not against it) is best for our crops.
26:30 Strategies for sugar applications.
27:35 Choose sugar products with different types of sugar to support the entire soil biology. 
31:00 Treating urea with CarbonWorks CetaiN, benefits and strategies.
41:10 Future of anhydrous ammonia and government regulation. CetaiN and other alternatives.
45:00 Canadian research on CarbonWorks CetaiN.
50:00 Planning for a dry growing season.
56:00 Using carbon products and biologicals on orchard (permanent) crops.
1:08:55 The role of nitrogen and antioxidants as "stress relievers".
1:10:37 The pitfalls of nitrate carryover during dry years. Management strategies utilizing carbon.
1:15:10 The importance of product diversity in feeding the soil microbiology.
1:17:55 The correlation between high nitrate levels and excessive nematode populations; managing nematodes.
1:24:45 Wrap up.

What is FCLG: Farmers Sharing Calls?

As farmers, we often choose our agronomy strategies alone, with only sales pitches to guide us. We worry for our farm’s future because our success depends on salespeople who may place their interests ahead of ours. The Fellowship of Christ Like Growers is working to change this with our Farmers Sharing Calls. Our podcasts are an opportunity to bless each other with shared knowledge without sales pitches and the pressure to buy something. We center our discussions around soil health, not a particular crop or region. My own 18-year journey in agriculture has taught me the importance of soil stewardship. And other farmers have inspired much of what I’ve learned. I’m George Sims, and I hope you’ll join us.