Details on an agreement that allows Pacific Northwest Direct Seeding Association members to lease carbon credits to a major energy company were announced at the organization’s annual meeting in mid-January. The pilot project is expected to include leasing 30,000 tons of carbon dioxide (the equivalent of 8,174 tons of carbon) over 10 years.

When it comes to finding new yield-boosting and cost-cutting no-tilling or direct seeding ideas, nothing beats talking with farmers who've already made these systems work effectively.

Based on his own experiences and those of other farmers, universities and seed companies who have made direct comparisons of 15- and 30-inch rows, Marion Calmer sees a half dozen major advantages to switching to ultra-narrow row corn.

No-Tillers who relay intercrop soybeans and wheat can choose from an array of wheat varieties that perform well in wider-row spacing, saving on equipment and seed costs.

When it comes to deciding to move to no-till or reduced tillage, soybean growers say the biggest influence has been the introduction of biotechnology seed.

Selecting a proper crop rotation is critical for no-till success. When choosing a crop sequence, you must consider toxicity, climate, weed control, soil moisture, nutrient cycling concerns and many other critical factors.

Following a 2-year study of Bt corn, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in mid-October determined that it poses no risks to people or the environment. As a result, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Bt corn has been approved for an additional 7 years.

In Virginia, many no-tillers bought new planters and drills back in 1996 when both yields and returns for crops were good. Many of these 6-year-old machines now need to be replaced.