It's time to start assessing grain yield potential, and successful pollination is a critical aspect that farmers can evaluate.

“It takes a little time to measure everything out and make certain it’s precise,” Kenny Rathjen says. “But we learn from one year and change for the next. We’ve participated for several years and got first in the state several times.”

2024 Strip-Till Innovator Chris Perkins showcases the “cheat code” features of his Land Luvr strip-till bar, which he uses to apply dry and liquid fertilizer on the same pass.

2024 Strip-Till Innovator Chris Perkins gives us a look at his John Deere 1775 ExactEmerge planter, which is equipped with hydraulic downforce, AutoPath and 2-by-2-by-2 that allows for precise fertilizer placement. Fellow strip-tiller Harold Crawford asks Perkins questions about his setup and usage of sugars.

2024 Strip-Till Innovator Chris Perkins runs a Land Luvr strip-till bar equipped with a liquid tank and a dry box to apply dry and liquid fertilizer at the same time 7-8 inches below where the planter runs. In this video, Perkins discusses his nutrient management strategies with fellow strip-tiller Harold Crawford, who also works as territory manager for Montag.

2024 Strip-Till Innovator Chris Perkins shares some of his strip-till strategies with fellow strip-tiller Harold Crawford, who also works as a territory manager for Montag. Perkins and Crawford discuss the potential benefits and challenges of strip-tilled soybeans, high plant populations, the origin story of Perkins’ banded system, and more!

2024 Strip-Till Innovator Chris Perkins chats about the value of residue with fellow strip-tiller and Montag territory manager, Harold Crawford. Perkins explains why a good crop will grow you an even better crop the following year. “There’s a huge difference between 250-bushel corn residue and 300-bushel corn residue,” Perkins says.” He also explains why fungicides play a critical role in residue management.

As 2024 Strip-Till Innovator Chris Perkins visits with fellow strip-tiller Harold Crawford, who also works as a territory manager for Montag, a conversation about cover crops comes up. Crawford asks Perkins if he’s considered using cover crops on his Otwell, Ind., farm. Perkins isn’t currently using cover crops but explains why he hasn’t completely ruled out adding them to his arsenal in the future.