Articles by Clair Urbain

The Next Frontier In Seed Placement Technology

From seed tubes and seed meters to ground sensors, new equipment coming on the scene can help no-tillers achieve more consistent stands and raise planting efficiency and yields.

By Clair Urbain posted on November 1, 2012 | Posted in Equipment, Precision Agriculture

The 2013 planting season will bring some innovations to no-till fields that promise to improve seed depth and spacing, and dramatically improve planting speed.

Manure, Crop Diversity Lock Down No-Till Profits

Koepke Farms tweaks its crop rotation, manure management and onfarm research to get the most from its no-till practices.

By Clair Urbain posted on August 1, 2012 | Posted in Soil Health

Even after more than a quarter-century of no-tilling, Koepke Farms continues to fine-tune its practices to keep soil in place, make the most of manure and fertilizer applications and consistently reach 200-bushel corn yields without irrigation.

Putting More In The Bin, More In The Bank

A diverse cropping rotation, cover crops and onfarm research helps Ontario no-tiller/ridge-tiller Shawn McRae achieve soil and financial health.

By Clair Urbain posted on May 1, 2012 | Posted in Cover Crops, Crop Protection, Nutrient Management

For Shawn McRae, more than two decades of onfarm research shows that thinking holistically about no-till soil health isn’t just a feel-good decision — it puts more crops in the bin and, more importantly, more money in the bank.

Crop Sensors Making Their Case

These high-tech precision units can spoon-feed nitrogen where it’s needed to maximize yields — but do they pay their way?

By Clair Urbain posted on February 1, 2012 | Posted in Nutrient Management, Precision Agriculture

It’s a two-sided coin that every farmer wants to achieve: maximum yields with minimum inputs. Crop-sensor technology can, according to ongoing farmer and university research, help accomplish that.

Radishes Making No-Till Fields More Productive

Wisconsin no-tillers are finding radishes are valuable for breaking up compaction and producing nitrogen for the following year’s crop.

By Clair Urbain posted on December 1, 2011 | Posted in Cover Crops, Nutrient Management

Yield data collected from field trials shows the value oilseed radishes hold as a late-season cover crop after winter wheat or following corn-silage harvest.

Technology, Onfarm Research Pay Off For No-Tillers

Precision planting methods, fungicides and a diverse herbicide rotation help boost the bottom line for Wisconsin growers Josh Trautman and Nick Viney.

By Clair Urbain posted on August 1, 2011 | Posted in Crop Protection, Precision Agriculture

Having worked as crop advisors right out of college, Nick Viney and Josh Trautman know that doing the little things right — whether it’s planting, fertilization or onfarm testing — is a key to unlocking yield potential.

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Sustainable Agriculture Summit Shines Light on No-Till, Strip Till & Cover Crops

During the Sustainable Agriculture Summit in Minneapolis, Minn., Carrie Vollmer-Sanders, the president of Field to Market who also farms in Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio, shared why it is important for no-tillers and strip-tillers to share their knowledge with other farmers.

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