Redox Grows

Latest Episodes:

Patiently Bearing Fruit Aug 10, 2022

Show notes

Being patient is far from easy, but it can be essential in getting correct results, especially in agricultural research.

At our Redox Bio-Nutrients office in Burley, Idaho, about 20 acres are devoted to meticulous research to make sure our products are indeed an asset to growers.

The crops and materials used vary, although the common thread is we must be patient and precise in reviewing the benefits our product line has on food grown in America and worldwide.

Our current list of crops being grown include alfalfa, corn, tomatoes, honey crisp apples, two varieties of table grapes, and turf.

Crops often start in the greenhouse. Providing that they progress as needed (especially during hot summer months), they next go to pots outdoors. Larger grow-in boxes follow, with one-acre commercial plots the final step at our farm. Every step is carefully monitored and catalogued to help our understanding of how strong the plants are and the efficacy of our products.

Following our on-site trials, we collaborate with independent third parties with the goal of confirming our research on a larger, more commercial scale.

We utilize applied science in our work with a laser focus on the bottom line of growers. To do this, we employ the four Rs of nutrient stewardship: the right source of fertilizer or nutrients, the right rate, right time, and right place.

Understanding these elements help the ultimate goal of getting growers what they need to maximize efficiency and return on investment.

This research is possible through strong coordination, resilience, and teamwork.

“That’s Redox to me,” remarked Gifford Gillette, Redox Bio-Nutrients Head of Science. “There’s an energy because of that synergy. There’s talent all around us, and we’re able to help each other be at our best. Ultimately, the part I get satisfaction from is seeing the tests and the trials that we conduct to get to a program that is utilized, not only by one grower, but in many different geographic regions and is successful in many different circumstances. It’s a tremendous thing knowing that we are helping agriculture as a whole conserve natural resources while simultaneously improving the ability to satisfy global food demands. The scientific process is a key component to this end goal and it is a reason why farmers can readily get on board.”

True Sustainability Jul 27, 2022

Show notes

This year has already been a challenge for farmers – with soaring costs, erratic weather and many other hurdles to clear. Now more than ever, efficient use of resources is vital for growers seeking a good return on investment.

Maintaining healthy soil and being laser-focused on strong plants with proper nutrition are vital to strong yields come harvest time.
Fortunately, there are tools out there to achieve these results.
“One of the things I’m most excited about is the very real progress farmers can make improving their soil,” said John Kelly, co-founder and lead agronomist at Redox Bio-Nutrients. “Some of those improvements can be made immediately and have good returns on their investment.”
Redox has seen steady growth since its inception in the early 1990s, with products sold to farmers in more than 40 states and 32 countries.
American Agriculture is ever-changing, with greater emphasis over the years towards a healthy growing environment and sustainable future, while being conscious of a grower’s return on investment.
“We’ve seen an evolution since the beginning of our business, to going beyond just basic practices that have been in place for 40-60 years, to looking at innovative ways of growing crops,” Kelly said. “Not only from irrigation management – from widespread adoption of controlled irrigation systems - to focus on soil health and fertility inputs. Not only that, but adoption of high-tech practices that improve grower’s bottom lines.”
He said growers that are more efficient with their inputs are better positioned to persevere through years like this that are rife with uncertainty.
“Growers that are thriving in this difficult environment are those at pay close attention to not what they bring in, but what they keep,” Kelly said. “The return on investment, what inputs and what practices will accomplish that best are the ways to thrive in this environment. As we look for efficiencies, we’re looking to get the very best net income per acre possible.”
Like so many that are helping keep abundant, affordable food on dinner tables, Kelly said he’s passionate about keeping farmers farming for generations to come.
“I love what I do,” he said. “I feel very, very fortunate that I’m able to work, not only at Redox with very wonderful people, but the folks we associate within the industry. It’s great and I never get tired of that…. It’s wonderful when we’re able to improve a grower, and the distributor reps, improve their bottom line, while also making a positive impact on the environment.”

Protecting Almonds Jul 13, 2022

Show notes

California’s 1.6 million acres of almonds have reached a critical juncture in the growing season.

Hull split signals harvest is nearing. It’s also a time when this multi-billion dollar crop is susceptible to threats from Navel Orangeworm and fungal infection.

“It’s both a direct pest and an indirect pest,” remarked Dr. Joel Siegel, Research Entomologist with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service in Fresno County. He has spent many years studying Navel Orangeworm and working with growers to fight it.

Siegel said if damage occurs from this pest, it could impact almond export trade.

“People want a clean product,” he added. “They want a high-quality product, and this insect is one of their main enemies.”

There are ways growers can protect their valuable investment.

“What’s really worked well for our customers for many years is putting diKaP™ in our hull split sprays,” commented Jared Sannar, Western Regional Sales Manager for Redox Bio-Nutrients.

“That has been a really good return on investment. Our 2-3 pound application (per acre), depending on the goals and what you’re trying to accomplish there, has really worked well. You’re trying to drive potassium and phosphorus at late season, but you’re also looking to reduce abiotic stress and other stress factors that you have in the orchard this time of the year.”

Sannar added Rx Platinum and diKaP™ soil applied applications are also helpful to help finish the crop and build buds for the next year.

This year’s almond crop is forecast at 2.8 billion pounds, which is nearly identical to last year’s.

Vision & Leadership Jul 05, 2022

Show notes

Rising costs and instability in many key areas have caused big headaches for farmers this year. From record high fertilizer costs to supply chain issues, there seem to be challenges at every turn.
Navigating through uncertainty isn’t new in agriculture, although 2022 has taken that process to an entirely new level.
“Agriculture is facing some interesting times,” remarked Darin Moon, founder and owner of Redox Bio-Nutrients. “Coming out of the pandemic, then the entire energy sector in agriculture- fertilizer is part that energy sector- that has created a dynamic that agriculture hasn’t seen before. You add on top of that the desire for the world to become more sustainable, more planet friendly. All of those things have created a dynamic where there is incredible opportunity going forward, but the foundation is a little bit shaky because people aren’t quite sure.”
As a result, many growers are being cautious with their farming decisions – with greater scrutiny on cost, availability and options for growing their crops.
Redox Bio-Nutrients is focused in areas that can help agriculture thrive, even in difficult times. Through their products and technologies, they help growers build a strong foundation of the four pillars of Yield and Quality - Soil Health, Root Development, Abiotic Stress Defense, and Nutrient Efficiency.
From its inception nearly 30 years ago, Redox has grown to provide products in more than 40 states and 32 countries.
Moon said when growers work towards healthy, productive, sustainable fields and orchards, they are better positioned to get through challenges.
“That’s the DNA of this company,” he added. “Dealing with reduced input costs, dealing with all of these things. We have survived through incredibly turbulent economic times for 30 years and here we stand. I think now able to lead the agricultural economy going forward, because of our experience, our technology and, most importantly, because of our people and passion.”
Bio-nutrition is a growing area that has helped produce healthy farms that positively impact a grower’s return on investment.
“Bio-nutrition for us is the way Mother Nature does it,” Moon said. “If you think about how Mother Nature would do it if we didn’t add fertilizer to the soil, she would use the soil microbiology, the soil carbon base, to cycle nutrients for plant nutrition and uptake. What we’ve done is we’ve spent an inordinate amount of time and money studying those processes and then trying to figure out how to add to commodity fertilizer or create our own fertilizer blends that mimic what Mother Nature does.”
Despite the rocky start to the year, Moon said he’s optimistic that farmers will persevere and succeed.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected