While “pushing the limits” of early planting dates, Iowa crop consultant and farmer David Savage proved 25 years ago that no-tilling soybeans extremely early might just be crazy enough to work. Like maybe the day before Thanksgiving or Christmas?
1st year of research shows that between 7-14 days after soybean emergence, rye increases weed suppression by 5.3% per day but hurts yield by about ½ bushel per day
74% of the farmers who responded to the 2024 Cover Crops Operational Practices Survey say cover crops provide at least some level of weed suppression in their fields.
Organic soybean production relies on a significant amount of tillage. When done well, yields can rival conventional production. Read more in this article from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs.
Thirty-four years ago, a challenging harvest led Brian Hora, 57, to no-till farming. “It was an extremely wet fall. Heavy snow fell before we could get everything out. So, we had to finish up harvest in the spring,” explains the sixth-generation Iowa farmer. Read more in this article from the Aberdeen News.
The National No-Tillage Conference returns January 7-10, 2025!Build and refine your no-till system with dozens of new ideas and connections at the 33rd Annual National No-Tillage Conference in Louisville, Ky. Jan. 7-10, 2025. Experience an energizing 4-day agenda featuring inspiring general session speakers, expert-led No-Till Classrooms and collaborative No-Till Roundtables. Plus, Certified Crop Adviser credits will be offered.
Last week we had boots on the ground at the Big Soil Health Event in Cedar Falls, Iowa where agronomist David Kleinschmidt emphasized the importance of considering Carbon to Nitrogen ratios of cover crops and residues.