Episode 161: Increasing Corn Yields with Fewer Inputs with Jake Ewing

Jake Ewing farms 1,300 acres of corn in Western Illinois, a relatively small operation compared to neighboring farms. Jake’s farm has been shaped by the need to compete in a region dominated by large-scale commodity crop production, forcing him to rethink traditional approaches to corn farming, and developing a focus on innovative, cost-effective practices. 

Jake’s journey toward regenerative agriculture began with the purchase of a high-clearance sprayer, initially intended for conventional applications. This led to experiments with foliar fertilizers and reductions in herbicides and fungicides. His focus on soil health and plant nutrition has boosted yields to 275-285 bushels per acre, surpassing county averages while lowering costs.

In this episode, John and Jake discuss:

• Reducing nitrogen applications to 160 pounds per acre, with only 100 pounds soil-applied, using foliar urea for efficiency.

• Foliar applications of manganese, copper, and cobalt to improve plant health and delay senescence, increasing yields.

• How foliar sprays in the evening with larger droplets enhance nutrient absorption by keeping solutions liquid longer.

• Eliminating insecticides and cutting fungicide use to a half-rate single pass, aiming for total elimination.

• How adequate manganese, copper, and zinc levels in sap tests reduce disease pressure, minimizing fungicide needs.

About John Kempf John Kempf is the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA). A top expert in biological and regenerative farming, John founded AEA in 2006 to help fellow farmers by providing the education, tools, and strategies that will have a global effect on the food supply and those who grow it.

Through intense study and the knowledge gleaned from many industry leaders, John is building a comprehensive systems-based approach to plant nutrition – a system solidly based on the sciences of plant physiology, mineral nutrition, and soil microbiology.

Support For This Show & Helping You Grow Since 2006, AEA has been on a mission to help growers become more resilient, efficient, and profitable with regenerative agriculture. 

AEA works directly with growers to apply its unique line of liquid mineral crop nutrition products and biological inoculants. Informed by cutting-edge plant and soil data-gathering techniques, AEA’s science-based programs empower farm operations to meet the crop quality markers that matter the most.

AEA has created real and lasting change on millions of acres with its products and data-driven services by working hand-in-hand with growers to produce healthier soil, stronger crops, and higher profits.

Beyond working on the ground with growers, AEA leads in regenerative agriculture media and education, producing and distributing the popular and highly-regarded Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, inspiring webinars, and other educational content that serve as go-to resources for growers worldwide.

Learn more about AEA’s regenerative programs and products: https://www.advancingecoag.com