Banding nutrients can be likened to filling the fuel tank in your pickup truck, says Chris Perkins. If you insert the nozzle into the filler neck you can be confident the fuel will successfully transfer to the tank and be available to power the truck. On the other hand, if you stand back 10 feet from the truck and spray the fuel, you may get 2 gallons into the tank, but lose a lot more and make quite a mess in the process.

At the 2023 National Strip-Tillage Conference, The Otwell, Ind., strip-tiller dives deep into the significant benefits he uncovered while expanding his banded fertilizer system across more than 10,000 acres. Perkins, a highest rated speaker from the National StripTillage Conference, debunks common nutrient management myths with game-changing data from numerous fertility trials. He explains why successful nutrient management for corn production should be viewed as a season-long, relay race. “Failing to consider the yield-building nutrient needs of the crop over the last half of the growing race will cost you money,” Perkins says.

The 10th anniversary National Strip-Tillage Conference will be held at the Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Center from August 2-4. A focused 3-day program covers myriad topics for profitable results in strip-till farming, including equipment set-ups, cover crops, intercropping, economic analyses, soil testing/analysis, fertilizing methods and more.

Unique from other ag conferences is the mix of general sessions, classrooms, farmer-to farmer roundtables and face time with suppliers — all designed for maximum networking and the practical transfer of experience and knowledge. The 2023 program lineup includes:

• 6 General Sessions — covering an abundance of proven strip-tilling ideas and strategies. The 10th Anniversary Lecture will feature Tony Vyn, one of strip-till's foremost authorities and experts who has studied the practice from its earliest days. Joining him on stage are renowned leaders such as Marion Calmer, a Lessiter Ag Media 4-time ‘Presenter of the Year,’ and Jason Webster, the manager of Precision Planting’s Precision Technology Institute Research Farm, along with many more industry experts.
• 13 Farmer-to-Farmer Roundtables — informal, moderated peer-to-peer discussions on specific strip-till topics. Attendees should come with 5 questions to get answered in this proven format for sharing what works and doesn't.
• 11 Classrooms — in-depth presentation-style sessions convey practical, actionable ideas from experienced strip-tillers on the most pressing needs.
• Exclusive Pre-Conference Workshop — Just a short drive from the host hotel, attendees can experience hands-on learning at Precision Planting’s renowned 400-plus acre research farm. Rotate through 3 guided programs (PTI Farm Agronomy Tour, Strip-Till Equipment Sandbox, Soil Nutrient Management & Precision Application) that immerse you into the latest in strip-till technology and research from Precision Planting’s 150-plus agronomic plots. Participate in in-field equipment demos, review plot trial results, and see the leading edge of agronomy first-hand. Pay just $149 for this dynamic workshop limited to 150 attendees only!

Following the conclusion of the pre-conference bonus workshop at PTI Farm on Aug. 2 will be the official National Strip-Tillage Conference Welcome Reception & Supper. The evening reception at PTI Farm is open to all registered attendees. No additional fee is required, but an attendee badge is required.

A $45 Early Bird registration discount is available through May 31. Register today for just $389 and receive $30 in additional savings with each farm or family member you sign up. For more information and to register for the conference, visit the conference website. 

Title sponsors making the learning and networking opportunities possible for strip-tillers include: Ag Leader, Agrisolutions Corp., Dawn Equipment, Environmental Tillage Systems, Kuhn Krause, Martin Industries, Montag Mfg., Laforge, Nutrien, Ostara, Schlagel Mfg., Unverferth Mfg., Vulcan Equipment, and Yetter Farm Equipment. All companies will exhibit during the 3-day educational event.