Data from the first-ever Cover Crop Benchmark Study finds many growers are new to cover crops and are starting with smaller plantings.

Overcoming inconsistent soil conditions and weather patterns, Illinois strip-tiller Cade Bushnell will share how a methodical approach to residue management, calculated nitrogen applications and cover crops contribute to consistently profitable strip-tilled corn-on-corn production at the 2020 National Strip-Tillage Conference.

In this episode of the Strip-Till Farmer podcast, we look at how strip-till practices and strategies have influenced California crop production, along with some of the adoption trends and growth opportunities on the West Coast.

The USDA Crop Progress report for the week ended May 3, 2020 showed planting progress for both corn and soybeans above progress for the same week last year, as well as above their respective five year averages.

In case you missed them, here are the items that have garnered the most interest from other farmers in the month of April.

University of Illinois researcher Scott Foxhoven will share new research on replicated trials comparing banded potassium and nitrogen to broadcast application, along with seeding population and yield response experiments at the 2020 National Strip-Tillage Conference.

The most recent USDA crop progress report showed corn planting progress increase significantly over the previous week. Planting progress reached 27% planted vs. 7% in the previous week, above the five year average of 20% and the 12% planted this time last year.

Waiting for parts is not what any farmer wants to do when they’re gearing up for spring planting. Presho, S.D., no-tiller Adam Ehlers, has encountered delays due to COVID-19.

For Canadian strip-tiller Mike Verdonck, weed pressure, erosion and a reliance on heavy herbicide and fertilizer applications are all symptoms of “sick” soil. The antidote? Reducing tillage, moving to a year-round, multi-species cover cropping system and putting a focus on rebuilding and maintaining soil health.