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“I had a neighbor that bought 160 acres. On half of it, he put in a new tile system and the other half he left as it was. He increased his yields 100 bushels an acre the first year…”— Harold Reetz, Retired Agronomy Consultant, Monticello, Il.
With a special emphasis on high-yield production systems, Harold Reetz made a career helping farmers make better informed crop management decisions while protecting natural resources.
After years of working for Purdue University, the Potash & Phosphate Institute and the Foundation for Agronomic Research, he launched Reetz Agronomics, a consulting firm focused on the integration of soil management, pest management, genetics and a variety of technologies designed to optimize production and strive for maximum economic yield. Reetz was a 2010 recipient of the No-Till Innovator Award for education and research.
In this episode of the No-Till Farmer Influences & Innovators podcast, Frank Lessiter talks with Reetz about his approach to fertilizer management, including the 4Rs — right source, right rate, right place and right time — as well as other practices that underscore success in a no-till system.
They talk about why improving drainage is one of the easiest ways to boost yields, how aerial imaging can help farmers understand the impacts of their practices, the carbon sequestered by a corn crop, why he thinks it may be better to focus on improving high-performing fields rather than underperforming ones and more.
P.S. There’s lots more great no-till stories and history in Frank Lessiter’s new book, From Maverick to Mainstream: A History of No-Till Farming. Check it out here.
No-Till Influencers & Innovators podcast series is brought to you by Montag Manufacturing.
Montag Manufacturing is your fertilizing equipment specialist. Offering dry, liquid and complete fertilizer systems as well as auto-steer carts, Montag’s precision fertilizer-placement solutions will reduce your rate, increase your yield and assist your stewardship goals. Visit them at montagmfg.com.
