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“We had all these dikers and rippers and mechanical solutions to a biological problem. But we put in no-till or real low tillage type systems, because they were supposed to give you the most run off, at that time. Every scientist would tell you that. And we found out the opposite.…” — Dwayne Beck
The Dakota Lakes Research Farm in Pierre, S.D. is a cooperative effort between South Dakota State University and the non-profit Dakota Lakes Research Farm Corporation. It’s a farmer-led initiative focused on identifying and developing profitable no-till systems designed for producers in the northern Great Plains. Dwayne Beck has been the research manager of Dakota Lakes since 1990. Among his many contributions to the understanding of using no-till in dryland acres, one of the most significant has been identifying the important role crop rotation plays in minimizing weed, disease and insect problems while increasing the potential for profitability within the system.
For this episode of the No-Till Farmer “Influencers and Innovators” podcast, Cover Crop Strategies Associate Editor Sarah Hill sits down with Beck in the first of a two-part interview. Join us as Beck talks about how he got involved with the Dakota Lakes Research Farm, how his work on irrigation in dryland systems led him to focus on no-till and cover crops, some of the challenges he faced when transitioning away from tillage and much 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.
The No-Till Influencers & Innovators podcast series is brought to you by Martin Industries.
Our customers believe that Martin-Till®️ products provide an excellent return on their investment. We know this because a large percentage of them are repeat customers since the beginning in 1991. Our planter attachments help make it possible to plant into higher levels of residue and moisture. Higher levels of mulch means less erosion, improved soil tilth and fertility, which can reduce production costs. Martin Till’s goal is to increase yields and save you time and money. We hope you find something from our product offerings of row cleaner, UMO’s, closing wheels systems and recently added concaves that will make this year’s planting & harvesting go better for you. After all, you deserve the best!
Intro Music: Glenn Campagna - Folk Love
Interlude Music: Willow - Walk Into Forever
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