Any farmer will tell you that strip-till is as much a science as it is an art. Adopting the practice requires a mix of patience, persistence and passion.

Satisfying the appetites of a few thousand head of cattle is the linchpin of Boyle Farms and McClintock Dairy, both multimillion dollar operations near Coolidge, Ariz.

Struggling to maintain yield consistency and mitigate erosion of precious topsoil, Clare Kurz adopted a twin-row system on his mostly irrigated 2,000-acre corn and soybean operation nearly 15 years ago. But the move was only part of the solution, as the Palmer, Neb., farmer also wanted a more efficient method to apply fertilizer and manage residue.

HELD IN ILLINOIS for the first time, the 2016 National Strip-Tillage Conference gathered a diverse group of strip-till farmers, researchers and industry experts from more than 20 states and abroad.

While no-tillers are being more conservative with machinery, seed and fertilizer purchases during the ag economy downturn, precision technology is one area where they’re increasing their investment.