John Dobberstein

No-Tillers-Interseed-Cereal-Rye-with-Fertilizer-Applicator.png

Ag Leaders Defend Conservation Funding as Farm Bill, Budget Cuts Loom

By John Dobberstein posted on June 4, 2025 | Posted in Agriculture Policy & Programs

Several high-ranking farm conservation officials recently implored U.S. Senators to minimize staff cuts and office closures, preserve technical assistance and fully fund conservation programs.

Pesticides Under Scrutiny in MAHA Report, Farming Industry Replies

By John Dobberstein posted on May 23, 2025 | Posted in Agriculture Policy & Programs, Crop Protection

The Department of Health and Human Services touted the 68-page report generated by a presidential commission as “exposing a range of contributing factors” in childhood chronic disease, including poor diet, accumulation of “environmental toxins,” inadequate physical activity, chronic stress and overmedicalization.”

USDA Secretary Unveils Policies to Support Family Farms

By John Dobberstein posted on May 19, 2025 | Posted in Agriculture Policy & Programs

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins unveiled several initiatives she says are designed to “Make Agriculture Great Again” by increasing access to credit, succession planning and land acquisition for small family farms.

Agricultural Trade

Improved U.S. Beef, Ethanol Exports Possible with U.K. Trade Deal

By John Dobberstein posted on May 8, 2025 | Posted in Agriculture Policy & Programs

USDA Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins says the agreement will, “lower tariffs, remove trade barriers, increase market access and strengthen cooperation on economic security.”

The Legacy of ‘Big Hugh’ & New Challenges for Saving the Soil

An evolution in thinking, precision technology and science has given us new ways to farm more sustainably and efficiently without punishing the soil. The enemy, of course, is apathy.

By John Dobberstein posted on May 1, 2025 | Posted in Precision Agriculture, Soil Health

An evolution in thinking, precision technology and science has given us new ways to farm more sustainably and efficiently without punishing the soil. The enemy, of course, is apathy.

Federal Climate Program That Bolstered No-Till, Reduced Tillage Cancelled, Re-named

By John Dobberstein posted on April 15, 2025 | Posted in Soil Health

The PCSC program will be evolved into the “Advancing Markets for Producers” initiative and existing grants will be reviewed on three “Farmer First” policy priorities, the USDA said Monday.

Reports: USDA Closing Washington D.C. Office, Laying Off Thousands

By John Dobberstein posted on April 10, 2025 | Posted in Soil Health

The news isn’t exactly a surprise to those who follow the agency, as USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins has previously said the massive agency would undergo some restructuring to reduce management layers and refocus efforts on serving farmers, ranchers, foresters and consumers.

Shining a Light on Better Corn, Soybean Management

Beck’s Practical Farm Research puts equipment, planting practices & crop protection products to the test at multiple sites

By John Dobberstein posted on April 7, 2025 | Posted in Strip-Till Farming 101, Cover Crops, Equipment, Nutrient Management, Seeding & Planting

Each year, Atlanta, Ind.-based Beck’s Hybrids puts out one of the most comprehensive books on ag research centered around the company’s Practical Farm Research (PFR) program.

USDA Funding

Farm Groups, Lawmakers Press USDA on Frozen Payments

By John Dobberstein posted on March 28, 2025 | Posted in Cover Crops, Equipment, Seeding & Planting

The bill – supported by more than 300 farming stakeholders across the U.S. — would also prohibit the USDA from cancelling agreements or contracts with farmers, or organizations providing assistance to farmers, “unless there has been a failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the agreement or contract.

Biologicals Front & Center at Commodity Classic

By John Dobberstein posted on March 25, 2025 | Posted in Crop Protection, Equipment, Nutrient Management

Only a handful of such products were on the show floor several years ago, but at the 2025 show in Denver there were dozens of firms — including offerings from major crop protection players.

Articles by John Dobberstein

Ag Leaders Defend Conservation Funding as Farm Bill, Budget Cuts Loom

Pesticides Under Scrutiny in MAHA Report, Farming Industry Replies

USDA Secretary Unveils Policies to Support Family Farms

Improved U.S. Beef, Ethanol Exports Possible with U.K. Trade Deal

The Legacy of ‘Big Hugh’ & New Challenges for Saving the Soil

Federal Climate Program That Bolstered No-Till, Reduced Tillage Cancelled, Re-named

Reports: USDA Closing Washington D.C. Office, Laying Off Thousands

Shining a Light on Better Corn, Soybean Management

Farm Groups, Lawmakers Press USDA on Frozen Payments

Biologicals Front & Center at Commodity Classic

Top Articles

Current Issue

Strip-Till Farmer

David Hula Shares Keys to High Strip-Till Yields

3 Strip-Till Tips, Observations & Insights

Covering All Bases with the National Strip-Tillage Conference

Must Read Free Eguides

Videos

The 2025 National Strip-Tillage Conference Preview Show

Environmental Tillage Systems, Inc

Kuhn Krause, Inc

Yetter Farm Equipment