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Frank Lessiter

Frank Lessiter has served as editor of No-Till Farmer since the publication was launched in November of 1972. Raised on a six-generation Michigan Centennial Farm, he has spent his entire career in agricultural journalism. Lessiter is a dairy science graduate from Michigan State University.

lessitef@lesspub.com

Articles

ARTICLES

Seed Trait Development Is Hot Item

With today’s emphasis by seed and chemical companies on development of complete crop packages, herbicide development is taking a back seat.

By Frank Lessiter posted on December 1, 2004 | Posted in Crop Protection

With growers needing to find new ways to take U.S. yields to a higher level to compete with other countries, Rob Neill says increased emphasis needs to be placed on seed treatments, shifting resources to development of new seed traits and developing new pest control compounds.

New No-Till Money-Makers

Here are four of the best no-tilling products spotted at Iowa’s Farm Progress Show.

By Frank Lessiter posted on November 1, 2004 | Posted in Equipment

Making the rounds of exhibitors at the late August Farm Progress Show in Iowa, No-Till Farmer editors spotted a number of products from shortline manufacturers that may work in your operation.

Frank Comments

More Carbon, No-Till Corn

By Frank Lessiter posted on November 1, 2004 | Posted in Soil Health

Although previous studies have indicated significant carbon losses from plowing, a new Agricultural Research Service study indicates that there may not be a huge loss if a farmer plows only once.

Does Glyphosate Affect Chlorophyll Levels?

By Frank Lessiter posted on October 1, 2004 | Posted in Nutrient Management

It may prove difficult for some folks to believe, but recent University of Nebraska research work indicates that glyphosate applications may result in fluctuations in the nitrogen status of Roundup Ready soybeans.

Earn Premiums By Growing Nutritional Soybeans

Iowa no-tillers can earn an extra 25 cent per bushel for growing nutritionally enhanced soybeans in 2005.

By Frank Lessiter posted on October 1, 2004 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Nutrient Management

In a move to further expand its seed trait business, Monsanto has announced the development and commercialization of linolenic soybeans. This new technology, announced in early September, will help overcome the serious trans-fat health problems that are facing the food industry.

Make No-Tilling Easier, More Accurate

John Deere is introducing several new planter ideas that will prove especially valuable under no-till conditions.

By Frank Lessiter posted on September 1, 2004 | Posted in Equipment

John Deere says recent improvements to their planter lineup will let you seed a wide variety of crops more accurately and faster, which is especially important as no-till acres continue to increase.

No-Tilling Tips From North Of The Border

They’re farming farther north where the growing days are longer, but some ideas that work for western Canada direct seeders might work for you.

By Frank Lessiter posted on September 1, 2004 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101

Growing Resistant Worries

By Frank Lessiter posted on September 1, 2004 | Posted in Crop Protection

While there's been considerable talk among no-tillers about weed resistance to glyphosate products, Bryan Young says early signs point to the development of serious problems.

Fewer Fields, More No-Tilled Acres, Less Machinery Dollars

Relying on no-till to meet conservation practice needs, this farm family turned 137 small fields into 10 larger ones.

By Frank Lessiter posted on August 1, 2004 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101, Equipment

When the Christensen family moved to a new farming location in southwestern Wisconsin 5 years ago, they took a hard look at the many benefits of no-tilling.

Frank Comments

More No-Till Is A Must

By Frank Lessiter posted on July 1, 2004 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101, Seeding & Planting

When it comes to the future of the planet, Rattan Lal doesn’t beat around the bush. “Increase no-till farming practices across the planet or face serious climate, soil quality and food production problems in the next 20 to 50 years,” says the soil scientist at Ohio State University.

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