In this episode, host Sean speaks with Ed Baumgartner, founder of BASS Hybrids, to explore their unconventional approach to corn breeding. Ed discusses BASS Hybrids’ 20-year mission to reduce farmers’ reliance on synthetic inputs by developing corn hybrids with native tolerance to insects, drought, and stress without genetic modification.

Here's what we cover:

• Origins & Purpose: BASS Hybrids began in Puerto Rico under intense insect pressure. Their breeding program focuses on native insect tolerance, drought resilience, and reduced need for nitrogen inputs.

• Hot-Cold Stress Connection: Through tropical breeding, they discovered that ~70% of genes related to heat tolerance also confer cold tolerance—allowing successful adaptation of their tropical genetics to northern climates.

• Durability & Stay-Green Trait: Their hybrids tend to stay green longer, maturing naturally rather than dying and drying. This stay-green attribute is linked to better plant health and microbial interactions.

• Focus on Regenerative Agriculture:

  • BASS is intentionally breeding hybrids that thrive in low-input and biologically rich systems.

  • Their hybrids show strong responses to biologicals and microbial activity—contrasting with GMO varieties bred for high-input systems.

  • They've identified products that perform better in manured or cover-cropped systems, including those with reduced nitrogen.

• Biological Integration:

  • Root exudates, microbial interactions, and high BRIX levels (sugar content) are central to their approach.

  • Some hybrids display signs of nitrogen fixation or increased microbial activity at the root level, including brace roots contributing to nutrient acquisition.

• Durayield Line:

  • Their flagship product line emphasizes stress tolerance, wider leaves, enhanced rooting systems, and yield consistency under biological management systems.

  • The Durayield concept is continuously evolving based on breeding cycle improvements.

• Real-World Testing:

  • BASS is now present in 22 U.S. states and markets internationally, including Kazakhstan.

  • Collaborations allow year-round breeding and stress testing, including trials under regenerative and conventional systems.

For many of us in the Corn Belt, rice isn't a crop we've given much thought to. But in this episode, Sean Nettleton sits down with grower and consultant Chad Duckworth from Northeast Arkansas, along with RBM Seth Busby, for a full download on southern crop production. While they cover a range of crops grown in the South, Chad’s 25+ years of experience and deep expertise in rice—right at the cutting edge of rice-growing technology—make him a go-to source for all things rice production.

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In Part 2 of the From Seed to Harvest series, Jason and Jaren Schley pick up where they left off, right after the crucial establishment phase, where microbial partnerships and root development take center stage. Listen to that episode here.

Now, the corn plant enters the V4–V6 growth stage: a critical turning point where it begins to transition away from seed-derived energy and starts to rely fully on its own roots and nutrient uptake. So how do we support the plant through this weaning process?

Jason and Jaren break down what’s happening physiologically in the plant, and more importantly, how to guide it with the right agronomic strategies. From nutrient timing to biological support, this episode is full of actionable insights for ensuring a strong, independent crop as it pushes toward rapid vegetative growth.

In this timely and impromptu episode, Jaren Schley, Mason Claude, and Sean Nettleton dive into one of the hottest agronomic topics of the moment: Early Season Nitrogen. With a late, wet spring challenging many growers across the Midwest, there's no better time to rethink your nutrient strategy.

Drawing on real-time insights from Illinois, Iowa, and South Dakota, the trio shares what they’re seeing in the field and how growers can make smarter, more efficient nitrogen decisions leading into side-dress season. They tackle the questions they’ve been hearing directly from growers and aren’t afraid to challenge conventional thinking—especially when it comes to nitrogen testing.

If you're looking to maximize efficiency and make every unit of N count, this episode is a must-listen.

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In Episode 36 of Crop Cast, Sean Nettleton welcomes Dr. Connor Sible, Research Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, for a deep dive into high-yield corn and soybean production strategies. Dr. Sible shares his unique research focus—centered on maximizing yield through both input efficiency and improved management practices.

The episode highlights the synergy and occasional differences between university-led research and field-driven agronomy. Whether you're a grower, agronomist, or industry professional, this episode offers insight into the future of crop productivity and the importance of bridging academic research with real-world application.

Conor Sible: https://extension.illinois.edu/staff/connor-sible

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In this episode of Crop Cast, we’re joined by none other than Jason Mauck, the innovative and unconventional farmer from Gaston, Indiana—known across social media as "the farm weird guy." Jason has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of traditional agriculture with techniques like relay cropping wheat and soybeans, and experimenting with alley cropping in corn.

Sean Nettleton dives into Jason’s philosophy, where farming isn't just about high yields. Jason shares insights into his work with the Stock Cropper system, his unique grazing strategies, and how he manages what he proudly calls “the greenest golf course in Indiana.”

Whether you're curious about alternative cropping systems or just want to hear from someone shaking up the ag world, this episode is packed with thought-provoking ideas and practical takeaways. Tune in to learn why farming weird might just be the future.

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In this exciting episode, host Sean Nettleton sits down with BW Fusion’s very first CEO, Darren Dillenbeck. It’s your chance to get to know the man at the helm—his background, his passion for agriculture, and his bold vision for the future of BW Fusion.

Whether you're a grower, a BW Fusion dealer, or just curious about where ag innovation is headed, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Tune in and discover how Darren plans to lead BW Fusion in driving agriculture forward.

In-season sampling might be one of the most powerful tools to add to your crop management toolbox. In this episode, we break down the how, when, and why of in-season sampling and explain how it validates the biological side of your input strategy.

Because when you have the power of knowledge, you have the power to drive efficiency, make better decisions, and ultimately increase your profitability.

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