A move to strip-tilling corn with a homemade unit was an efficient path to consistent yields for Illinois farmer Charlie Durdan.

Avon, Ohio strip-tiller Larry Krystowski shares his approach to successfully strip-tilling corn in twin rows and how it's allowed him to push corn planting populations to 45,000 seeds per acre, while maintaining yields near 200 bushels per acre.

Once they commit to the investment, strip-tillers often find that managing planting populations on the go can cut seed costs and maximize yield potential.

As corn planting gets off to a slow start in many areas one concern is whether we should think about switching hybrids. In general, the answer is no, not until later in May.

Corn planting progress has been slow to date due to wet soil conditions and cool soil temperatures.

The 2014 corn planting season is certainly off to a slow start in Indiana and elsewhere across the Midwest, primarily due to delayed drying and warming of soils. The April 21 USDA-NASS crop report estimated that 1% of Indiana's corn crop had been planted as of April 20, compared to the 5-year average planting progress of 14%.

Historically farmers considered crop rotation a valuable part of their farm management. Crop rotations can be complicated or straightforward. In any given situation there are many factors that each farmer will need to weigh and consider as they find the right crop rotation for them. There are a few guidelines that can help producers with their planning.

This time of year, most farmers could use an extra set of hands to ensure field operations are completed in the finite window opened by Mother Nature. Stillman Valley, Ill., strip-tiller Cade Bushnell is no different.

Corn planting will soon begin in earnest, but Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) On-Farm Network replicated strip trials show high seeding rates aren't always better.