It might be more correct to call this article, “What I’m Still Learning From No-Tilling.” Over nearly 30 years, my farming operation has shifted from customary fall-spring tillage, through a period of detailed research and onfarm studies and finally, 11 years ago, to adoption of continuous no-till.

From the Pacific Northwest to the Great Plains to the Eastern Corn Belt, no-tillers John Aeschliman, Dan Forgey, Allen Dean and Romey Bardwell grow different varieties of dryland wheat in different soils in areas receiving vastly different amounts of rain.

With fertilizer prices doubling and even tripling, there has never been a more opportune time to invest in soil testing. With total phosphorus and potassium crop removal maintenance in the range of $75 to $125 per acre, it makes good sense to have accurate soil test information.

Corn prices are booming, having hit 10-year highs early this year. Prices are expected to remain strong, thanks in part to a booming demand from the growing ethanol industry.