No-till

Minnesota Grower Turns to Covers to Battle Erosion

July 26, 2021 | Posted in Seeding Practices

Source: Winona Post

The emergence of no-till and cover crop farming practices on farms like Sheldon Luehmann’s near Altura might mean that farmers might soon be able to turn their plowshares into something else entirely. Although young, Luehmann already is confident enough to begin experimenting with unconventional techniques. Read more in this article from the Winona Post (Winona, Minnesota).

Cover Crop Standpoint

‘Getting Paid’ to Help Offset Climate Change

The carbon market system is a Wild West right now, says no-tiller Trey Hill. But carbon-smart farming and balancing carbon-to-nitrogen ratios in your fields starts with cover crops.

By Trey Hill posted on July 26, 2021 | Posted in Soil Health

I think folks who are into the cover crop movement and no-till are really starting to think about sustainability a little differently.

Buffering the Soil with Long-Term Covers

Jeff Olson is protecting the soil and improving water infiltration with a mixed bag of application methods and plenty of patience.

By Libby Wawzenek posted on July 23, 2021 | Posted in Soil Health

Jeff Olson isn’t afraid to step outside his comfort zone. A 5th-generation corn and soybean farmer in Winfield, Iowa, Olson attributes part of his willingness to take risks and try new things to his years of experience.

Healthier Soils Promoted by Carbon Markets

July 12, 2021 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Ohio's Country Journal

Farmers are decreasing their tillage intensity and are now considering ways to capture soil carbon for payment which may require they move to towards regenerative practices like no-till and cover crops. Tillage breaks up soil aggregates and loses carbon dioxide to the atmosphere within 5-10 minutes; while long-term no-till with cover crops starts the slow process of recovering lost carbon. Read more in this article from Ohio's Country Journal.

[Video] Farmers Share Why They Grow Covers

July 7, 2021 | Posted in Soil Health

In this video from Iowa Learning Farms, hear from growers about why they have chosen to use cover crops. Covers can be used in conjunction with no-till to combat soil erosion, reverse soil degradation, and more.

Solution for Soil Erosion

June 25, 2021 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Lancaster Farming

The images coming out of the Upper Midwest and High Plains region of the U.S. this spring are reminiscent of the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Relentless wind coupled with dry conditions have led to severe soil erosion, and the situation was made worse in areas lacking cover crops. Read more in this article from Lancaster Farming.

Producer Survey Shows Using No-Till 5+ Years Yields Higher Profits

June 14, 2021 | Posted in Economics

Source: Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan

A survey of producers in central and eastern South Dakota showed a majority of those who have used no-tillage and reduced tillage practices for five years or more have seen increases in profitability through decreased production costs and increases in cash crop yields. Read more in this article from the Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan.

Options Abound for No-Tilling Cover Crops

May 14, 2021 | Posted in Seeding Practices

Source: Crescent News

Farmers have several planting options, depending on whether they are conventional tillage farmers or planting no-till with cover crops. What options farmers choose and their success may depend upon soil and moisture planting conditions. Read more in this article from the Crescent News (Defiance, OH).

National No-Tillage Conference Summer Intensive

Investing in an Organic No-Till Evolution to Increase Profitability

Indiana no-tiller Rick Clark shares how a commitment to “getting uncomfortable” and a transition to organic practices at the National No-Tillage Conference Summer Intensive, June 23-24.

May 11, 2021

No-tilling and organic practices were once thought to be incompatible. But improvements in technology and the re-emergence of cover crops means some growers, like Rick Clark, are taking advantage of price premiums available on the rapidly growing organic market.

No-Till, Cover Crop Residue Serve Beneficial Functions

April 30, 2021 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Lancaster Farming

Whether from cover crops, manure or plant fodder, residues add fertility and organic matter, and help no-till soils develop improved soil structure, increasing infiltration and moisture conservation. Read more in this article from Lancaster Farming.