Some farmers invest in their own sprayer, seeing opportunity for long-term advantages than can offset the upfront cost. Stillman Valley, Ill., strip-tiller Cade Bushnell took this approach on his 1,300-acre corn and soybean operation, purchasing a Hagie sprayer after crunching the numbers on the cost of custom application vs. his fertility program goals.
This summer, I’ve had several farmers contact me looking for local strip-till resources to provide some first-hand advice on equipment setups and fertilizer application strategies.
Returning from the 3rd Annual National Strip-Tillage Conference in Bloomington-Normal, Ill., last week, I’ve had some time to digest the group discussions and one-on-one conversations during the event.
One of the often-mentioned benefits of strip-till is its adaptability to different regions, climates and soil types. That’s not to say success is universal, but advantages tied to soil strength and fertilizer retention can offer enough incentive to at least experiment with a system.
Flexibility is a big benefit strip-tillers often point to when adopting the system, and timing berm-building to match field conditions is essential to creating an ideal seedbed.
Custom strip-tilling can offer an opportunity for experienced strip-tillers to generate additional income and broaden the network of sustainable farming practices.
Strip-tillers routinely evaluate and experiment with fertilizer application methods, which can include a decision to implement a dry or liquid program.
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to spend a few days visiting several strip-tillers in eastern Nebraska, in the aftermath of severe storms that pummeled the area. Driving along the county roads between Lincoln and Omaha, a common sight was washed out areas in farm fields.
The science behind sugar application is pretty simple, says Persia, Iowa, farmer Bill Darrington. For example, applying roughly 1 pound per acre during a pre-emergence herbicide application can alter the carbon-nitrogen ratio in corn residue and help it breakdown faster.
Spring planting is off to an encouraging start in many areas after a prolonged stretch of wet weather, especially in the Midwest. Last week, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey estimated that about 13% of the state’s corn had been planted.
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On this edition of Conservation Ag Update, brought to you by CultivAce, we honor the life and legacy of Bill Richards — the ‘Grandfather of No-Till’ — who passed away Tuesday at the age of 93.
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.