When it comes to finding new yield-boosting and cost-cutting no-tilling or direct seeding ideas, nothing beats talking with farmers who've already made these systems work effectively.

Howard Buffett’s new book, “On The Edge: Balancing Earth’s Resources,” offers a unique perspective of the worldwide struggle between feeding a growing population and protecting the world’s biological and natural resources.

Removing the granular insecticide hoppers from your no-till planter could enable you to double the seed carrying capacity and cut those time-consuming refill stops in half.

Based on his own experiences and those of other farmers, universities and seed companies who have made direct comparisons of 15- and 30-inch rows, Marion Calmer sees a half dozen major advantages to switching to ultra-narrow row corn.

As a no-tiller, Ralph Alshouse recognizes the importance of nurturing the living organisms found in the soil to produce high-yielding crops. An intensive study of many of the soil conditions found in no-till has helped him fully understand what is occurring with the soils in his Corydon, Iowa, no-till corn and soybean operation.

A recent report from Caterpillar indicates no-till should not be attempted in fields with excessive erosion unless the ground has been deep ripped for at least 2 years.

No-Tillers who relay intercrop soybeans and wheat can choose from an array of wheat varieties that perform well in wider-row spacing, saving on equipment and seed costs.

When it comes to deciding to move to no-till or reduced tillage, soybean growers say the biggest influence has been the introduction of biotechnology seed.

In Virginia, many no-tillers bought new planters and drills back in 1996 when both yields and returns for crops were good. Many of these 6-year-old machines now need to be replaced.

Mixing 2 tons of ammonium nitrate with motor oil, Timothy McVeigh produced enough cheap, yet powerful explosive to destroy the Oklahoma City federal building more than 6 years ago. Along with the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, these disasters may bring changes in the way you purchase fertilizer for your no-till fields.