165: Keys to Running a Business First Family Farm with Jolene Brown

What if one simple change could help you grow more and spend less? In this episode, we talk with a farmer who started from scratch and has moved from a dry program to a liquid system. He shares what worked on his farm and how it helped him boost yields and manage costs. If you’re wondering whether if making the change is worth it, this episode will give you clear answers. You’ll learn: Why liquid fertilizer made such a big impact; What makes low-salt, high-quality products matter; and How to control costs in a tight market. There really is A Better Way to Farm and the right plan can make all the difference..

Are your soybean yields stuck at the same number every year? You don’t have to settle for that! In today’s episode, we’ll dig into simple but powerful ways to grow more bushels. We’re sharing 9 Questions Every Farmer Should Be Asking to Increase Soybean Yields. If you’re ready to take your farm to the next level, this episode is for you. You’ll learn: Why timing matters How soil health affects yield; andMistakes that could be costing you bushelsEvery farmer can unlock higher yields, you just need the right plan.

Did you know that something as simple as sugar can help your crops? In this episode we talk about how sugar is a powerful tool for farmers. It’s not just for sweet tea sugar can feed good microbes in the soil, help break down old plant residue, and even improve the health of crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat. Rod shares how sugar used to be hard to work with, but now there are easy options that mix well and don’t clog equipment. And best of all? Farmers are seeing better yields and higher profits by using it.

What if simply changing when you apply potassium could lead to higher yields and profitability? In this episode, digging into K applications. With rising costs and market uncertainty, now’s the time to make sure everything we do pencils out. You’ll learn: Why potassium levels in your soil can change a lot;Tips to help your crops grow better; andWhat to know about potassium sulfate. Doing the right thing always pays off and we’re here to help you make good choices to have the best season possible.

Are You Planting for Profit—or Just Following the Calendar?  In this episode of the A Better Way to Farm Podcast, we’re covering 7 tips to improve profitability this season because when you plant with intention, you plant for profit. We’re sharing 7 real and actionable strategies you can use right now to improve planting outcomes and set yourself up for a better harvest.What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The S.E.E.D. method and how to use it in your fields;Practical tips to improve stand counts and yields; andPractical tips to improve stand counts and yields. It’s never wrong to do the right thing—and we’re here to help you make this season profitable.

What would you do if your family farm had to shut down? In this episode, we talk with Jason, a Michigan farmer. His family had been farming for over 100 years. But everything changed when they learned the soil was full of PFAS—harmful chemicals from using treated human waste as fertilizer. Jason shares how this happened, how it’s affected his family, and what he’s doing to keep going.What You’ll Learn: The hidden risks of using human waste as fertilizer;What farmers need to consider before applying; andHow hemp and biochar could help clean up PFAS This is a tough story, but one every farmer should hear. Please share this episode with someone in Ag. The more we know, the better we can protect our farms, our food, and our future. Thanks for listening and helping us spread the word.

Are your soybeans stuck at a plateau? What if you could break past that and grow even more? Today Rod’s shares 3 easy, proven tips to help you get better soybean yields and boost your farm’s profits. Here’s What You’ll Learn: How to set the right plant population and nutrition for maximum growth;How testing for SCN can make a big difference; andWhy adding chelated manganese to your glyphosate applications helps. Don’t miss these simple, helpful tips to increase yields! If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and leave us a review – we really appreciate your support!

Spring planting season is just around the corner—are you ready to hit the ground running? In this episode, we’re covering strategies that can help you avoid the stress and confusion that often happens. We’ll break down how clear role definitions, cross-training, and daily check-ins can keep your team in sync and ensure a smooth, productive season. Plus, we’ll discuss one simple but powerful change that can make a major impact on your planting efficiency. In this episode, you'll learn: Why daily check-ins are critical for staying ahead of changing conditions;How to leverage technology and data to boost productivity, and;A game-changing approach to streamline your planting efforts. When it comes to running a farm, efficiency isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working smarter. These small adjustments can make a big difference in your bottom line. If you found this episode helpful, share it with a friend and leave us a review! Appreciate your support.

Are you getting the most out of your spray applications? In this episode, we’re talking about how adjuvants can help your herbicides work better, improve soil health, and save you money. Whether you own a sprayer or hire someone to apply, these tips will help you make better decisions for your farm. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Should You Own a Sprayer? – How it can save money and give you more control.How to Read Herbicide Labels & Adjust pH – Avoid mistakes and get better results.What Are Non-Ionic Surfactants? – How they help plants absorb spray more effectively.Why Soil Health & Root Growth Matter – How they affect nutrient uptake and crop success. These simple changes can make a big difference in your farm’s success!

With planting season around the corner, let’s talk about why you need a seed treatment with adenosine monophosphate. Nearly all corn seed in the U.S. comes pre-treated, but not all treatments are created equal. Understanding what’s in them can be the difference between a strong start and a costly struggle. In this episode, we’re covering: A patented seed treatment proven to boost emergenceHow adenosine monophosphate (AMP) fuels plant energyWhy plant stand consistency drives higher yields Seed treatments protect and maximize your investment, ensuring strong emergence and healthier crops. If you’re ready to easily increase profits this episode is for you!