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John Dobberstein

John Dobberstein is the Senior Editor of No-Till Farmer, Strip-Till Farmer, and Cover Crop Strategies. He previously covered agriculture for the Tulsa World and worked for daily newspapers in Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Joseph, Mich. This is John's second stint with Lessiter Media, the previous lasting almost 13 years.

Contact: jdobberstein@lessitermedia.com

jdobberstein@lesspub.com

Articles

ARTICLES

Be Prepared To Educate Agents, Adjusters On Cover Crop Practices

Recordkeeping and communication can help no-tillers follow the NRCS’ new cover-crop termination rules and keep their fields insured.

By John Dobberstein posted on March 1, 2014 | Posted in Crop Protection

Cash crops seeded last fall and this spring will fall under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new cover-crop termination guidelines, devised last year by a task force of the Risk Management Agency (RMA), Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and several other ag stakeholders.

Examine Application Methods To Get The Most From Fertilizer

No-tillers who utilize tissue sampling, band fertilizers, scout for nutrient deficiencies and know the limitations of their soil types can squeeze more bushels of corn from productive no-till soils.

By John Dobberstein posted on March 1, 2014 | Posted in Nutrient Management

While there are plenty of tools available today for no-tillers to grow high-yielding corn, failure to use all of them can cause corn yield to be left on the table.

From the Desk of John Dobberstein

No-Till Could Ease Irrigation Woes

By John Dobberstein posted on February 27, 2014 | Posted in Water Management

There have been many articles published about the dilemma facing growers in the Great Plains when it comes to irrigation. The challenge growers and decision makers face in preserving aquifers for agricultural use, without allowing them to be drained to unsustainable levels, is daunting.

Big Steps Toward Conservation

By John Dobberstein posted on February 19, 2014 | Posted in Cover Crops, Soil Health

After 2 years of political wrangling, U.S. lawmakers and President Barack Obama have approved a 5-year Farm Bill, also known as the Agricultural Act of 2014.

Poll

Making Nitrogen Applications for the 2014 Corn Crop

By John Dobberstein posted on February 16, 2014 | Posted in Cover Crops

From February 16th - March 15th, 2014, we asked No-Till Farmer readers: "When will you make nitrogen applications for the 2014 corn crop? "

From the Desk of John Dobberstein

Build Your System With No-Till Rotations

By John Dobberstein posted on February 5, 2014 | Posted in Cover Crops

While reviewing some interesting material I received recently at the No-Till on the Plains Winter Conference in Salina, Kan., I came upon a Top 10 list — one that pertains to farming, not pop culture or show business.

Building A New Path To Dryland No-Till Prosperity

After eliminating fallow more than a decade ago, Colorado no-tillers Scott and Lyle Ravenkamp are using cover crops, compost fertilizer and residue-conscious equipment to get the most from their dryland operation.

By John Dobberstein posted on February 1, 2014 | Posted in Cover Crops, Nutrient Management

In the expansive fields of eastern Colorado, no-tiller Scott Ravenkamp is fighting a silent war against fallow.

Pacesetters In No-Till Adoption, Advancement Are Recognized

Through teaching, research and cutting-edge field management, the 18th class of No-Till Innovators has strengthened the adoption and practice of no-till and advanced the principles of healthier soils.

By John Dobberstein posted on February 1, 2014

During the 22nd annual National No-Tillage Conference in Springfield, Ill., Syngenta and No-Till Farmer honored the 18th class of No-Till Innovators.

No-Till And Strip-Till: The Best Of Both Worlds

Precision technology, cover crops and innovative equipment are helping Indiana no-tiller and strip-tiller Mike Shuter and sons get the most out of two different conservation-tillage systems.

By John Dobberstein and Jack Zemlicka posted on February 1, 2014 | Posted in Cover Crops, Nutrient Management, Precision Agriculture, Strip-Till Farming

The 1980s were difficult times for farmers, and it was no different for Mike Shuter and his family. Hoping to make due with less, they looked to no-till to reduce fuel, labor and expenses, with the hope of maintaining yields.

New Machines Do Your No-Till, Cover Crop Bidding

Whether it’s interseeders, highboys or even robots, manufacturers are taking innovative cover-crop seeding equipment, born in the shops of no-tillers and researchers, and bringing them to the marketplace.

By John Dobberstein posted on February 1, 2014 | Posted in Equipment, Precision Agriculture

In the near future, more no-tillers and strip-tillers than ever before will be able to purchase cutting-edge, cover-crop seeding machines that used to be reserved for field days, research farms and expert welders.

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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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