Brian Dougherty says growers combatting compaction in their fields should realize they have bigger problems than merely compressed soil, and compaction is a symptom of poor soil function.
Jerry Houselog, who farms with his wife, Krist, just west of the Minnesota border off Highway 34, has been strip-tilling his fields for years, following in the footsteps of other farm soil conservationists in the region.
Using tires that can operate at lower pressures is one of the most effective ways to minimize soil compaction, along with reducing total axle load and minimizing trips across the field.
To make the most of their sandy topsoil and diverse cropping system, Wisconsin strip-tillers Eric and Megan Wallendal rely on targeted fertilizer applications and soil preservation.
This time of year, I look forward visiting a few farms to get a recap of harvest and also catch a glimpse of some fresh fall strips. Although there were still plenty of combines harvesting corn ahead of an expected early mid-November cold snap in western Wisconsin and central Minnesota, I had a chance to traverse the newly strip-tilled fields of Tom Muller.
Gypsum, which has roots in the past as a farm soil treatment, also may have a bright future, and not just as a booster of crops but also a protector of water.
Moving to deep placement of nutrients and incorporating organic fertilizers helped Nebraska strip-tiller Ron Kadavy improve corn yields by 20 bushels an acre.
Farming in Weston, Neb., in the eastern part of the state, Ron Kadavy is accustomed to dealing with high winds, low humidity and inconsistent rainfall on his 2,000-acre corn and soybean operation.
Switching to 30-inch corn, and experimentation with cover crops and strip-tilled soybeans, is showing a promising payback for Indiana strip-tiller Jason Wykoff.
With the majority of their acres dedicated to seed corn, a crop that requires intense management, strip-tiller Jason Wykoff and his wife, Gretchan, can’t afford to waste time and money on unnecessary field passes.
Strip-Till Farmer delivers a mix of features on strip-till farmers, strip-till management topics and trending practices in strip-till. This FREE quarterly print newsletter is available to qualified subscribers in the U.S. and Canada.
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.
Environmental Tillage Systems is a leading manufacturer of strip-till and nutrient-management equipment which enhances soil productivity and farm profitability.
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.
For over 90 years, Yetter Farm Equipment has designed and manufactured innovative and effective solutions for the agriculture industry. Today, we are proud to be recognized worldwide as an industry leader in designing row cleaners, strip till tools, planter attachments, precision fertilizer placement attachments, rotary hoes, toolbars, and harvest attachments.