Looking to capitalize on the organic and nutrient benefits of both cover crops, Sanderson then strip-tilled and planted corn in between the winter peas and radishes, hoping the corn roots could reach both cover crops.

Several years ago the Rotenbergers committed to using a strip-till system for planting 30-inch corn and applying the bulk of their fertilizers in the strip, rather than knifing in nitrogen (N) and broadcasting and incorporating phosphorus (P) and potash in spring like most farmers in their area do.

Thanksgiving weekend gives us time to unplug for a couple days and reflect on everything we’re grateful for in our lives. Let’s get a head start — here are 5 things I’m grateful for in the world of strip-till.

One market the Feikema brothers have begun to rely on is local biofuels production. When starting to take the crop management reigns from his dad and uncle, Shawn remembers working hard to develop a relationship with a nearby ethanol plant.

Strip-tillers will still be able to reap the benefits of having a cover crop emerge early in the spring even if they do not see any visible growth in the fall. Nevertheless, a few management practices should be considered.

Robb Ewoldt shies away from being labeled as an innovator; he just prefers you call him a farmer. But Ewoldt is both. He has proven over the years that adapting new ideas, new practices and seeking out better ways to improve crop production while also protecting the environment can be profitable.