Jerry Houselog, who farms with his wife, Krist, just west of the Minnesota border off Highway 34, has been strip-tilling his fields for years, following in the footsteps of other farm soil conservationists in the region.

Using tires that can operate at lower pressures is one of the most effective ways to minimize soil compaction, along with reducing total axle load and minimizing trips across the field.

The International Plant Nutrition Institute found that when other nutritional needs are met, plants use nitrogen more efficiently.

The phrase "change is constant" is an appropriate one to summarize the ever-evolving strip-till operation at Wallendal Supply in Grand Marsh, Wis.

This time of year, I look forward visiting a few farms to get a recap of harvest and also catch a glimpse of some fresh fall strips. Although there were still plenty of combines harvesting corn ahead of an expected early mid-November cold snap in western Wisconsin and central Minnesota, I had a chance to traverse the newly strip-tilled fields of Tom Muller.

Gypsum, which has roots in the past as a farm soil treatment, also may have a bright future, and not just as a booster of crops but also a protector of water.

Farming in Weston, Neb., in the eastern part of the state, Ron Kadavy is accustomed to dealing with high winds, low humidity and inconsistent rainfall on his 2,000-acre corn and soybean operation.