The NextGen Podcast

What if corn could help fertilize itself?  In Episode One of the NextGen Fertilizers × Pivot Bio podcast series, we dive into the origin story of Pivot Bio — from breakthrough microbial science to real-world nitrogen replacement in the field. We unpack the skepticism, the research behind gene-edited microbes, and what growers are seeing when biological nitrogen becomes part of the fertility program.  If you're curious about improving nitrogen efficiency and reducing synthetic reliance, this episode lays the groundwork.  Listen now — and see more information at nextgenfertilizers.com.

After the breakthrough science behind Pivot Bio’s nitrogen-fixing microbes, what came next?  

In Episode Two of the NextGen Fertilizers × Pivot Bio podcast series, we explore how the technology has evolved since the first commercial product launched in 2018.   We discuss how these microbes work alongside crop roots, how application methods have expanded, and what growers are learning as biological nitrogen becomes a bigger part of modern fertility programs.  

Listen now — and learn more at nextgenfertilizers.com.

For decades, farmers in the High Plains were told there was enough water for generations. Today, that story is changing.  

In the first episode of the NextGen Fertilizers Podcast, Paul sits down with Rod Lenz, President of the Republican River Water Conservation District, to talk about the future of water in the Republican River Basin. 

They break down interstate water battles, why thousands of acres are being retired, and what farmers can do to keep agriculture alive in communities that depend on irrigation.  It’s a real conversation about water, agriculture, and what it will take to farm smarter in the years ahead.

Paul sits down with a commercial agronomist whose path into agronomy started at K-State and eventually led him to Pivot Bio — but not before plenty of skepticism.  

This episode dives into what changed his mind after seeing biological nitrogen perform firsthand in on-farm trials across western Kansas. They talk through where Pivot Bio products fit, where they can fall short, and why agronomics, timing, placement, and other limiting nutrients all matter when evaluating performance.  

From corn to wheat, this is a practical conversation about how growers can think through biological nitrogen in the real world — with honesty about both the wins and the challenges.

In this episode, we break down the fundamentals of soil testing and how to actually use those numbers to make smarter, more profitable decisions on the farm. 

From proper sampling techniques to understanding pH, CEC, base saturation, and organic matter, we walk through what matters most—and what often gets overlooked.  We also dig into consistency in testing, differences in extraction methods, and how your soil’s natural biology contributes to nutrient availability. The goal? Help you stop guessing and start building a fertility program based on real data and ROI.  

Whether you’re pulling your own samples or working with an agronomist, this episode will help you better understand what your soil is telling you—and how to use it to your advantage.