“We have markers, and we used them while we were having signal trouble," says John Holles of Springfield, Minn. "Row shutoffs didn’t work, but we didn’t have them 20 years ago either.”

Where soybean planting has been delayed (or in double-crop soybean systems), producers should consider a few key management practices. Planting soybeans in the right soil conditions is essential for establishing an adequate soybean canopy and improving the chances of increasing the yield potential.

John Hanson switched to strip-till a few years ago to save money on fuel and labor costs and increase the moisture-holding capacity of the soils on his 1,600-acre farm in central Iowa.

Regardless of whether anhydrous was applied in the fall or spring, and regardless of amount applied, ammonia burn may occur due to the dry conditions.

Canadian company Clean Seed Ag Technologies showcases the new Smart Seeder Max, a no-till one pass precision planter. The blades allow for the cutting action of a coulter, fracturing the soil just enough to allow for seeding and fertilizer placement. The Smart Seeder Max boasts a unique variable rate delivery system, which applies precise rates for up to five different products, independently at each opener over the span of the entire no-till drill.

Texas and Louisiana led the way among corn and soybean plantings, respectively.