What began as an economic decision has morphed into a successful and profitable livestock and cropping operation for longtime South Dakota no-tiller Rick Bieber.
When Rick Bieber adopted no-till during the 1980s, he knew little about how or why reduced tillage might benefit his soils. He was simply searching for ways to lower input and labor costs to make his farming operation a paying proposition.
Killer heat waves, melting ice sheets that will raise ocean levels, higher night-time temperatures, more drought, increased humidity, stronger storms, changing rainfall patterns and new threats from weeds, pests and diseases due to changing weather conditions.
We’re already hearing that Palmer amaranth is making its presence known this season —both the University of Kentucky and Iowa State University reported infestations of the “pigweed on steroids” in their respective states recently, and it’s likely that more findings will pop up as the growing season continues.
Last month, Vermont became the first state to require labeling of genetically engineered foods, also known as GMOs. The law won’t take effect until July 1, 2016 — if it ever happens. A federal bill introduced recently would ban states from passing such laws, and Vermont is preparing for a battle in court with the food industry.
Being able to predict when a field of corn will reach particular leaf stages can be useful for scheduling post-emergence applications of certain herbicides and sidedress N fertilizer.
If you no-till in the U.S. Corn Belt, you’re growing some of the most productive plants in the world. According to NASA and university scientists, the Midwest boasts more photosynthetic activity during the Northern Hemisphere’s growing season than any other spot on Earth.
As this year's drought remains on the minds of agriculture, two articles weighed in on no-till adoption and the potential of the practice to buffer farms from dry conditions.
Source: By Matt Ruark, Kevin Shelley, Jim Stute, Francisco Arriaga, UW-NPM Program
One benefit of planting cover crops after corn silage, small grain, or a processing vegetable crop, or after a manure application is that the cover crop can take up residual nitrate and reduce the risk of nitrate leaching between harvest and planting.
Many farmers are no-tilling because it’s profitable for them and because they feel it’s the right thing to do. But have you ever watched your neighbors pound their fields with tillage equipment and, in a weak moment, think twice about your decision?
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On this episode of Conservation Ag Update, brought to you by Martin-Till, Brian and Darren Hefty, fourth-generation farmers and hosts of Ag PhD, share tips for treating tar spot in corn.
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