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Libby Wawzenek

Contributing Writer

Articles

ARTICLES

7 Tips for Continuous Success with Strip-Tilled Corn-on-Corn

From proper planter setup to split nitrogen applications, Illinois strip-tiller Cade Bushnell shares his experience making more than a decade of continuous strip-tilled corn work.

By Libby Wawzenek posted on November 27, 2023 | Posted in Strip-Till Farming 101, Seeding & Planting, Nutrient Management

Strip-tilling continuous corn may sound daunting to many farmers, but Stillman Valley, Ill., strip-tiller Cade Bushnell believes it’s worth the investment of time, energy and strategic planning needed to make it economically worthwhile.

Buffering the Soil with Long-Term Cover Cropping

Corn Belt strip-tiller protects soil and improves water infiltration with mixed bag of application methods and plenty of patience

By Libby Wawzenek posted on July 17, 2023 | Posted in Cover Crops, Soil Health

Jeff Olson isn’t afraid to step outside his comfort zone. A 5th-generation corn and soybean farmer in Winfield, Iowa, Olson attributes part of his willingness to take risks and try new things to his years of experience.

Cover Crops Pay By Boosting Yields & Fighting Glyphosate-Resistant Weeds

By Libby Wawzenek posted on February 21, 2023 | Posted in Cover Crops, Crop Protection

Data showing increased yield potential & ability to suppress weeds should outweigh concerns about economic barriers, says agronomist Jim Stute.

Manure Injection Supports Nitrogen Retention

Direct application to cover crop root systems provides important nutrients for growth.

By Libby Wawzenek posted on January 5, 2023 | Posted in Cover Crops

With nitrogen (N) prices on the rise, farmers are investigating alternative ways to ensure their crops get the nutrients they need. One solution is applying manure to cover crops.

Cover Crops

Long-Term Covers on Strip-Till, No-Till and Ridge-till

Jeff Olson is protecting the soil and improving water infiltration with a mixed bag of application methods and plenty of patience.

By Libby Wawzenek posted on November 4, 2022 | Posted in Cover Crops

The “Grandfather” of Strip-Till Talks Transition and Technique

After more than 30 years of strip-till evolution, Hudson, Ill., farmer Rich Follmer reflects on building his first strip-till toolbar, why he started building berms in the fall and the future of the practice.

By Libby Wawzenek posted on September 14, 2022 | Posted in Strip-Till Farming 101, Nutrient Management, Soil Health

Strip-Till Conversation

Strip-Till Nutrient Placement Requires Flexibility, Diligence

Strip-tillers from three farms talk about what works and what’s a challenge in a roundtable with Strip-Till Farmer editors.

By Libby Wawzenek posted on July 15, 2021 | Posted in Nutrient Management

Recently, Strip-Till Farmer editors caught up with four strip-tillers in a roundtable talk sponsored by AgroLiquid. The farmers chatted about everything from benefits they’ve seen from various nutrient management strategies, as well as challenges they’re facing and changes they’d like to make in the future.

Strip-Till Conversation

Making the Organic Transition: Consider Rotation & Cover Crop Options

Two strip-tillers talk through the rationale and rewards of adding organic acres to a diverse farm operation.

By Libby Wawzenek posted on July 10, 2020 | Posted in Cover Crops, Soil Health

Organic farming operations are gaining traction as growers explore the economic opportunity in making the transition. Strip-tiller and no-tiller Loran Steinlage, owner of FLOLO Farms in West Union, Iowa, recently sat down with Angela Knuth, who manages Knuth Farms in Mead, Neb.

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Did Strip-Till Solve My Nutrient Stratification Problems?

Independent on-farm researcher Marion Calmer checks in from Alpha, Ill., with a preview of his 2024 National Strip-Tillage Conference presentation, “Did Strip-Till Solve My Nutrient Stratification Problems?” Over the last 5 years, Calmer has been examining fertility levels vertically in his soil profile. This inch-by-inch examination uncovered a serious nutrient stratification problem on his farm that was costing him up to $135,000 annually. The No-Till Legend switched back to strip-till in 2023 for the first time since 1995 in an effort to solve his nutrient stratification problems.

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Montag Mfg

Montag products have proven results with patented precision metering application for significant savings of nutrients and cover crop seed, and for achieving best conservation practices.

Environmental Tillage System, Inc

Environmental Tillage Systems is a leading manufacturer of strip-till and nutrient-management equipment which enhances soil productivity and farm profitability.

Kuhn Krause, Inc

Kuhn Krause's focus, above all, is to continue to produce quality products to serve producers better; to strive to respond to their needs with new tools and new technology to meet their growing challenges. Agronomic practices are constantly changing, and at a faster pace now than ever.