John Dobberstein

From the Desk of John Dobberstein

No-Tilling, Cover Crops Not Window Dressing — They’re the Solution

By John Dobberstein posted on September 13, 2018 | Posted in Soil Health

I came across an article this week that seems to mirror the challenges we’re having today with implementing conservation practices in the semi-arid Great Plains, and the concern I’ve had that our agricultural leaders are not on the same page about this.

No-Tillers Stay Flexible to Get the Most from Cereal Rye

A new cover crop seeding rig, an ATV sprayer and a lot of patience helped this Ohio family improve tough soils and stabilize yields with no-till and cereal rye.

By John Dobberstein posted on August 14, 2018 | Posted in Seeding Practices

When Nathan Wilson first considered no-tilling corn and soybeans he was worried it might not work well. He had seen some poor stands and weed control problems on other farms and field days. But it turned out Nathan just needed to set foot on the right farm to see the possibilities.

[Podcast] Tips and Strategies for Getting More Success with Aerially Seeded Cover Crops

In this episode of the No-Till Farmer podcast, brought to you by Calmer Corn Heads, we welcome Damon Reabe, aerial cover crop applicator and co-owner of Dairyland Aviation from Waupun, Wis., to explain the necessary steps to ensure a successful cover crop stand, including the best timing of application and what soils have the greatest success rate.

By John Dobberstein posted on July 26, 2018 | Posted in Soil Health

In this episode of the No-Till Farmer podcast, brought to you by Calmer Corn Heads, we welcome Damon Reabe, aerial cover crop applicator and co-owner of Dairyland Aviation from Waupun, Wis., to explain the necessary steps to ensure a successful cover crop stand, including the best timing of application and what soils have the greatest success rate.

Embracing the No-Till ‘Greenhouse’ Effect

From interseeding to relay cropping to ‘engineering by inventory,’ Loran Steinlage is building a profitable, divergent no-till operation

By John Dobberstein posted on July 24, 2018 | Posted in Grazing, Seeding Practices

Several years ago, a trip with friends to look at greenhouses led Loran Steinlage to a Mennonite farm. It was there that he started looking at his farming practices a little differently.

Feeding Off No-Till, Cover Crop Profitability

Tiffany Cattle Co. separates itself from the herd with a focus on grazing cover crops to improve soil health economically.

By John Dobberstein posted on July 23, 2018 | Posted in Seeding Practices, Soil Health

When Shawn and Shane Tiffany took over the former Black Diamond feed yard in 2007 it wasn’t in terrible shape, mostly because of manure applications that kept organic matter in the soil. But after going to a cover crop field day 8 years ago, the brothers didn’t want to just settle.

Transitioning to No-Till, Cover Crops in the ‘Dust Bowl’

Nick Vos is pushing to overcome moisture challenges on his farm in southwestern Kansas by no-tilling and using covers to recycle available nutrients and keep his sandy soils protected.

By John Dobberstein posted on June 9, 2018 | Posted in Seeding Practices

After starting out with strip-till in 2014, Vos has gone to 100% no-till on the vast majority of acres and says he’s addressed erosion and nutrient issues and seeing some relief in irrigation costs.

5 Tips from the Field for No-Tilling ‘Green’ Successfully

Weather patterns, planter setups and termination timing can create challenges planting into living cover crops, but Matthew Griggs says it’s still possible with some attention to detail.

By John Dobberstein posted on June 9, 2018 | Posted in Seeding Practices

Humboldt, Tenn., no-tiller Matthew Griggs shared some other real-world insights about no-tilling cash crops green on his operation. Griggs no-tills cotton, cereal grains, corn and soybeans on 1,600 rolling acres in western Tennessee.

Getting More Dollars Per Acre With No-Till, Covers and Livestock

David Wessel’s recipe for no-till success lets him wring out profits from poorer ground and lean on covers and healthier soil to raise corn, soybeans and wheat more economically.

By John Dobberstein posted on May 12, 2018 | Posted in Soil Health

David Wessel isn’t afraid to make the most out of every no-till acre, whether it’s rich, black gumbo, timber or sandy soils, or anything in between.

Tips for Getting Cover Crops to Pay Off from the Starting Gate

Kansas no-tiller John Stigge believes cover crops can deliver in year one if growers utilize the ‘power of 3’ that includes legumes, brassicas and grasses.

By John Dobberstein posted on May 12, 2018 | Posted in Soil Health

One thing that discourages some no-tillers from adopting cover crops is a concern they won’t bring an immediate payoff.

[Podcast] Strategies for Getting Off the Starting Block with Cover Crops: Part 2

In the second part of this two-part podcast, brought to you by Montag Mfg., cover crop educator and Pennsylvania no-tiller Steve Groff concludes by sharing important insights for no-tillers who are grazing cover crops on their operation, as well tips for successfully planning and purchasing cover crop seed, and questions no-tillers should ask when identifying suitable seed suppliers.

By John Dobberstein posted on April 26, 2018 | Posted in Grazing, Seeding Practices

In the second part of this two-part podcast, brought to you by Montag Mfg., cover crop educator and Pennsylvania no-tiller Steve Groff concludes by sharing important insights for no-tillers who are grazing cover crops on their operation, as well tips for successfully planning and purchasing cover crop seed, and questions no-tillers should ask when identifying suitable seed suppliers.