The Growers Mineral Podcast

Soil Health Starts with Calcium: A North Dakota Perspective ft. Keith Shutt

Growers Mineral

In this episode of the Growers Mineral Podcast, we sit down with Keith Shutt, a lime spreader and independent operator based in Minto, North Dakota, just south of the Canadian border. Keith shares how he built his business around applying sugar beet lime and why calcium is still one of the most misunderstood elements in modern agriculture—especially in high pH calcareous soils like those found in the Red River Valley.

We discuss:

  • How Keith got started in lime spreading
  • The science and strategy behind applying 10 tons per acre
  • Why soil tests can be misleading in calcareous regions
  • How calcium affects soil structure, oxygen levels, and crop health
  • The role of Growers Mineral Solutions in improving nutrient uptake and yield
  • Real-world results from ND farms using lime and low-input systems

Whether you're a farmer, agronomist, or just curious about improving soil health, this conversation offers valuable insight into how balancing calcium can transform both your soil and your bottom line.

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