John Dobberstein

‘Soil Livestock’ Open the Tap to Increasing No-Till Production

Healthier microbial communities are key for no-tillers to utilize large pools of untapped nutrients underground and increase production without hiking input costs.

By John Dobberstein posted on November 18, 2017 | Posted in Soil Health

Nutrient-based yield theories have served agriculture for more than 150 years, but the problem, some soil scientists say, is those models were created without any concept of soil biology.

[Podcast] Managing Annual Ryegrass in No-Till — It’s All About the Details

In this episode of the No-Till Farmer podcast, brought to you by Topcon Agriculture, we are joined by no-till consultant with Ag Conservation Solutions, Dan Towery, who discusses some of the benefits of annual ryegrass as a carbon provider and nitrogen scavenger in no-tilled soils, and the optimum seeding window for its use in the U.S.

By John Dobberstein posted on November 9, 2017 | Posted in Soil Health

In this episode of the No-Till Farmer podcast, brought to you by Topcon Agriculture, we are joined by no-till consultant with Ag Conservation Solutions, Dan Towery, who discusses some of the benefits of annual ryegrass as a carbon provider and nitrogen scavenger in no-tilled soils, and the optimum seeding window for its use in the U.S.

Raising Cover Crop Seed May Alleviate Supply Headaches

No-tillers could lower costs and diversify income by raising cover crop seed, but knowing state and federal seed laws is important if it becomes a business.

By John Dobberstein posted on September 16, 2017 | Posted in Seeding Practices, Soil Health

No-tillers could lower costs and diversify income by raising cover crop seed, but knowing state and federal seed laws is important if it becomes a business.

Tips for Better Management of Cereal Rye in Corn, Soybeans

Termination timing, planting depth, seed-to-soil contact and armyworm control are important considerations in making rye the most useful tool for no-till systems.

By John Dobberstein posted on September 16, 2017 | Posted in Seeding Practices

Termination timing, planting depth, seed-to-soil contact and armyworm control are important considerations in making rye the most useful tool for no-till systems.

From the Desk of John Dobberstein

What Cover Crops Can Do for Your Grain Sorghum

By John Dobberstein posted on September 13, 2017 | Posted in Soil Health

Studies about cover crops from many of the semi-arid Great Plains have been cautionary or conditional, owing to potential concerns about soil moisture or nutrient use from covers seeded ahead of cash crops.

From the Desk of John Dobberstein

Putting No-Till Faith to the Test

With all the bad press of late about farming systems failing, it's nice to see stories about growers seeking out no-till and regenerative farming practices as the solution.

By John Dobberstein posted on August 23, 2017 | Posted in Soil Health

With all the bad press of late about farming systems failing, it's nice to see stories about growers seeking out no-till and regenerative farming practices as the solution.

Demystifying Cover Crops Part 2

Seed Labs a Critical Link in Ensuring Cover Crop Quality

No-tillers can be better informed about their seed purchases by requesting and reading the testing lab’s ‘report of analysis’ and learning more about testing rules.

By John Dobberstein posted on August 19, 2017 | Posted in Soil Health

No-tillers can be better informed about their seed purchases by requesting and reading the testing lab’s ‘report of analysis’ and learning more about testing rules.

Viable Option for Seeding Covers on Smaller No-Till Operations

Using inexpensive ground-drive and hydraulic equipment with dry fertilizer boxes, Jeremy Henry seeds a variety of cover crops during harvest to boost no-till success.

By John Dobberstein posted on August 19, 2017 | Posted in Economics, Seeding Practices

Using inexpensive ground-drive and hydraulic equipment with dry fertilizer boxes, Jeremy Henry seeds a variety of cover crops during harvest to boost no-till success.

Cultivating a No-Till ‘State of Mind’

Measured fertilizer applications, copious amounts of residue and dogged determination have all helped Leon Sowers improve the diversity and viability of his Kansas operation.

By John Dobberstein posted on August 19, 2017 | Posted in Seeding Practices

Measured fertilizer applications, copious amounts of residue and dogged determination have all helped Leon Sowers improve the diversity and viability of his Kansas operation.