“When you approach the rootworm as just a problem that has to be solved, you’re not taking into account the animal’s biology,” Ann Marie Journey says. “You’re hitting it just at certain points or with certain methods or controls, and you’re not allowing yourself in effect to have a conversation to gain insight back from the rootworms about what it is that makes them successful in any given place."

With research advances suggesting that early planting can maximize crop yield potential and therefore return on crop input investments, farmers are often dealing with planting into cold conditions.

Jeff Herrold’s nutrient application marathon begins in the spring with his 12-row Dawn Pluribus V strip-till machine with a one-bin Salford tank attached. He makes strips 4-5 inches deep, applying a mix of 50 pounds of potash, 50 pounds of urea, 50 pounds of Mosaic MicroEssentials MES10 and 20 pounds of pelletized lime.

USDA-ARS Hall of Famer Jerry Hatfield joins technology editor Noah Newman for a preview of his 2025 National Strip-Tillage Conference Keynote Presentation, “Exploring Strip-Till’s Critical Role in the Quest for Healthier Soils.”

Using pre-emergence herbicides is a great way to stay ahead of weeds in corn and soybean production, but there is more to it than simply picking the right herbicide or spraying at correct time. How well these herbicides perform is dependent on your soil and how you farm.

Gary Zimmer, internationally known as the “Father of Biological Agriculture, is on the program this year for the first time as a presenter. Last year, he was an attendee. Gary shares his biggest eye-openers from the conference, including how it captures the fun side of farming.

The 2025 average custom strip-till rate is $21.65 per acre, up slightly from $21 in 2024. The range given, based on 13 responses to the 2025 survey, is $14 to $30 per acre.