Narrow rows, nitrogen rates, compaction reduction and plant populations are some of the things that Marion Calmer says no-tillers can focus on to earn more than $100 per acre.

With 25 years of onfarm research backing him up, Marion Calmer told 789 attendees at this year’s National No-Tillage Conference in Des Moines, Iowa, that there are five ways no-tillers can shave expenses without hurting grain production.

Seed treatments pay off in corn and soybeans. Ed Winkle says he treats his own seed with Apron and inoculants. Non-GMO beans can be bin run so long as you are not infringing upon patents.

Sandy Cox, a software trainer from Missouri, spotted Denny Roth, a no-tiller from Indiana, during a break in the meetings at the 1999 National No-Tillage Conference in St. Louis. She complimented his cowboy hat; he asked her to dance. It was the beginning of the rest of their lives — together.