Interest and use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in agriculture continues to increase, but questions remain about whether the technology is a practical tool or simply a toy? Having researched and experimented with application of UAVs in conservation tillage systems, John Nowatzki, agricultural machine systems specialist at North Dakota State University, is an authority on the use of unmanned aerial imaging and sensing technology. Nowatzki will share his experience and advice on current use of UAVs in strip-till, along with a look at future applications and opportunities with the technology.

For the last 10 years, Woodville, Ont., strip-tiller Dustin Mulock has been building and refining a combination no-till/strip-till system. Integrating different pieces of equipment, fertility methods and cover crops put him on a productive path to bio strip-till. This approach complements his twin-row, strip-till setup for corn and soybeans and has helped increase yields by 25%, while also naturally building nutrient levels in his mostly sandy loam soil. Mulock will detail the development and results of his bio strip-till system, to include fertilizer application equipment modifications and experimentation with more than a dozen different cover crop species.

Developing a strip-till system isn’t an easy process. Just ask Brian Watkins, who took nearly 15 years to confidently transition from no-tilled corn to strip-till on his 7,000-acre operation near Kenton, Ohio. Throughout the transition, experimentation has been a mainstay of his strip-till system to include incorporation of crop sensing technology, equipment setup modifications and intensive fertilizer management practices. Watkins will share his experience and payback utilizing remote sensing tools to improve fertilizer application methods, along with the addition of an air seeder cart for dry fertilizer application in strip-till.

Strip-tiller Adam Nechanicky takes pride in getting the most production from his family’s corn and soybean operation near Buckingham, Iowa. Strip-tilling corn for nearly 10 years, he has meticulously modified their farm equipment setups to match production and fertility goals, including improved emergence and plant health in traditionally lower-producing fields. Nechanicky will share his approach to adapting farm machinery to suit your strip-till operation, optimize efficiency and meet production goals.

Lance Petersen has only been strip-tilling for 5 years, but has already seen his system weather the best and worst climate and field conditions imaginable. Farming in Rush City, Minn., adaptability is critical to the success of strip-tilling in wet, sandy loam soils. Petersen’s philosophy of having a “backup plan” to supplement his strip-till system includes equipment innovations, an evolving nitrogen management program and cover crop experimentation. Petersen will discuss how he’s overcome climate and soil challenges with strip-till, along with future goals to improve yields and soil structure.

Building the perfect berm doesn’t happen overnight. Practice makes perfect when setting your fields up for success with good seed-to-soil contact and residue management. For more than 15 years, crop and equipment consultant Kevin Kimberley has worked with strip-tillers to set up their rigs by picking the right row unit setup and troubleshooting problems that arise from an imperfect strip.

Farming shallow, red clay soils prone to compaction and runoff, southwest Missouri farmer Gary Wolf is especially conscious of preserving nutrients and water in his soil to grow a quality crop. In 2007, Wolf purchased his first strip-till rig to help retain moisture and limit runoff in corn.

Lowpoint, Ill., farmer Todd Mooberry understands that every field is different and one size doesn’t fit all with strip-till. Mooberry began strip-tilling corn in 2001 on his 1,800-acre operation and seeking ways to better adapt the practice to the variable soil types and slopes on his farm. He designed several products to improve strip-till efficiency, including a strip-freshener attachment to run through soybean stubble in spring as an alternative to no-till. Mooberry will offer some tips and equipment strategies to help minimize erosion concerns on rolling ground, better time fertilizer application and utilize cover crops in strip-till.

When it comes to capitalizing on a well-made strip, the right planter setup can turn a good corn crop into a great one. Knowing the right tools and attachments to include on your planter row unit can improve emergence and increase yield.