Articles by John Dobberstein

Gypsum Balances Nutrients, Builds Up Soil Structure

Proper applications of gypsum, an efficient carrier of soluble calcium, can help no-tillers improve the soil environment for plants and reclaim problematic sodic soils.

By John Dobberstein posted on April 1, 2013 | Posted in Nutrient Management, Water Management

When a no-tiller buys farm ground in some locations, such as the lake plain of northwest Ohio dominated by heavy clay, there isn’t much hope of changing the soil’s texture or mineralogy.

Finding The Fertility ‘Gold Mine’ After A Dry Year

No-tillers could save inputs costs and raise yields by accessing residual nutrients in fields, but they need relevant data and must understand the factors that affect nutrient availability.

By John Dobberstein posted on April 1, 2013 | Posted in Nutrient Management, Water Management

No-Tillers whose fields were ravaged by drought last year will face some crucial decisions this spring as they investigate nutrient levels in their fields

Stories About Technology And Innovation In Agriculturet's All About No-Till Learning

By John Dobberstein posted on March 20, 2013 | Posted in Precision Agriculture

After spending many years, or even decades, building a successful no-till operation, have you ever wanted a chance to tell your story? Well, here’s a golden opportunity.

April 2013 Poll: Corn Hybrids to Plant in 2013

By John Dobberstein posted on March 16, 2013 | Posted in Crop Protection

From March 16th, 2013 - April 15th, 2013, we asked No-Till Farmer readers: "What type of corn hybrids will you plant in 2013?"

Patience Necessary When Transitioning To Conservation Tillage

By John Dobberstein posted on March 6, 2013

While traveling to the Iowa OnFarm Network Conference last month I found two more testimonials to the benefits of conservation tillage, and the need to show some patience in the transition period.

Making Long-Term No-Tilled Fields Even Better

Nebraska no-tiller Ben Steffen is turning to cover crops, variable-rate fertilizer application and manure from his dairy to build even further upon his farm’s 40 years of no-till success

By John Dobberstein posted on March 1, 2013 | Posted in Cover Crops

Ben Steffen's farm embraced no-till practices nearly 4 decades ago, as he and his late father sought to reduce input costs and erosion and save soil moisture.

Record-Setting No-Till Crowd Soaks Up Valuable Tips At NNTC

More than 1,150 attendees come to Indianapolis to improve their knowledge of precision farming, cover cropping, fertility management, soil health and other no-till practices.

By John Dobberstein posted on March 1, 2013

For the second straight year, the National No-Tillage Conference shattered its previous attendance record, as farmers came from near and far to gather ideas on how to make their no-till system more productive.

Myths That Hold No-Till Back

By John Dobberstein posted on February 20, 2013

A no-tiller from Iowa once told me his biggest frustration wasn’t necessarily dealing with residue, controlling weeds or getting a good stand. It was the fact that he couldn’t convert his neighboring farmer to no-till.

March 2013 Poll: Cropping Changes in 2013 vs. 2012

By John Dobberstein posted on February 16, 2013 | Posted in Seeding & Planting

From February 16th, 2013 - March 15th, 2013, we asked No-Till Farmer readers: "Are you planning any cropping changes heading into 2013 vs. 2012?"

So God Created A Farmer

By John Dobberstein posted on February 6, 2013

There were lots of things I expected to see during last Sunday’s Super Bowl, including hyped-to-the-max pop culture. But I also heard something meaningful that pertained to farming.

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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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