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THE FARMSMART PODCAST: EPISODE 64

Posted June 23, 2025 | By: Nutrien Ag Solutions

Improve Your Footprint with Industry-Leading Agriculture Insights

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.

The latest episode of the FARMSMART Podcast, presented by Nutrien Ag Solutions®, looks back on conversations that cut through the noise, exploring how technology and collaboration are revolutionizing sustainable agriculture.

 

 

Change is Possible Through Collaboration

Our hosts, Dr. Sally Flis, Director of Sustainable Ag Programs and Ryan Adams, Director of Sustainable Ag Systems, revisited a conversation with Curt Blades, the Senior Vice President of Industry Sectors and Product Leadership at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. Curt noted that over the past eight years, there has been a significant pivot in how people are speaking about sustainable ag – from defensiveness to collaboration, with a growing emphasis on working with environmental groups.

 

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The 4Rs™

This episode of the podcast highlighted the  4Rs of Nutrient Stewardship: the right source, the right rate, the right time and the right place. These principles guide growers in effectively managing their inputs, reducing runoff and ensuring that nutrients are used efficiently.

David Royal, Florida Nutrient Stewardship Project Manager at the Nature Conservancy, discusses the state’s diverse crop production paired with its unique ecological challenges. Through adaptive nutrient management, he shared success stories of growers achieving up to a 30% reduction in fertilizer while still maintaining crop health and productivity. He highlighted the importance of the teamwork needed between farmers, agronomists and conservationists to implement conservation practices effectively.

 

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Significant Benefits to Leveraging Data

As discussed with Dr. Brian Arnall, precision nutrient management extension specialist at Oklahoma State University, the adoption of variable rate technologies and data-driven practices are at the forefront of this agricultural evolution. Dr. Arnall emphasizes the importance of variable rate application strategies, leveraging technologies that collect extensive data about soil health and crop needs so growers can optimize their nutrient usage. This careful management can lead to significant reductions in fertilizer input without compromising yield.

Data is shaping the future of sustainable farming with precision agriculture technologies providing actionable insights that significantly improve decision-making. With advancements in artificial intelligence and satellite data, farmers can manage their inputs better than ever before, treating specific areas of a field based on real-time conditions.

The potential for increased yield along with reduced environmental impact is substantial with a clear pathway for growers to enhance their operations economically and sustainably.

 

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To hear more from our industry experts and explore how Nutrien Ag Solutions is driving progress, listen to the full episode of the FARMSMART Podcast.

 


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