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Katie Pratt

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No-Till 101

2022 US Census of Agriculture Reports Increase in No-Till Acres, Decrease in Conservation Tillage

Among the wins for conservation reported in the most recent U.S. Census of Agriculture was a 17% increase in cover-cropped acres.

By Katie Pratt posted on March 27, 2024 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101

The U.S. saw a slight increase in no-tillage adoption during the past 5 years, despite declines in the number of overall farms and acres used for agriculture.

Farmer Feature

Timely Moisture, Fertility Win Yield Contests for First Generation No-Tiller

Corn & wheat yield contest winner finds patience & power of observation put him in position to make smart management changes.

By Katie Pratt posted on May 30, 2023 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Water Management

Western Kentucky no-tiller Tanner Stroup has a remarkable agriculture story that begins far from his Lewisport roots. While he grew up in Kentucky’s largest row crop region, his immediate family did not farm, and he had no direct connection to farming in the area.

Wheat Yield Contest Winners Willing to Take Risks

The intense management required to raise grains for distilleries & human consumption pushes generational no-tillers to explore new practices.

By Katie Pratt posted on January 30, 2023 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Cover Crops

The Halcomb family in Schochoh, Ky., is full of lifelong learners and critical thinkers willing to push the envelope and try new things when most growers would shy away from the risk.

Use Cover Crops to Complement Herbicide Program & Combat Resistant Weeds

Studies show grass cover crops reduce weed biomass by 68%, with covers reducing 65% of winter annual weeds & 46% of summer annual weeds.

By Katie Pratt posted on January 1, 2023 | Posted in Cover Crops, Crop Protection

Herbicide resistance continues to be a growing concern among no-tillers. Not only are more weeds developing resistance, but some herbicide-resistant weeds, such as Palmer amaranth and waterhemp, are also very difficult to control if not caught early.

No-Tillers Find Success with Diverse Crop Rotations

Efficiency and input reduction lead Brian and Jamie Johnson to continually try new ideas on their 1,700-acre operation that includes more than a half-dozen crops.

By Katie Pratt posted on October 22, 2022 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Soil Health

Brian and Jamie Johnson’s farm may look different than their neighbors, but they are OK with that. The Johnsons’ quest for efficiency and input reduction on their Frankfort, S.D., operation drives them to try new and different things.
“You cannot just sit and maintain and expect to last in this industry,” says Brian. “You must think outside the box and try something new every once in a while.”

Online Extras

Fall Tips From Dedicated South Dakota No-Tillers

By Katie Pratt posted on October 5, 2022 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Cover Crops

No-tillers Brian and Jamie Johnson aren’t afraid to stand out, and they’ve tried two approaches for things that could be available for the fall.

No-Tillage Agriculture Part II: A Legacy Born in Kentucky

By Katie Pratt posted on February 9, 2022 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101

In the 60 years since the first commercial no-tillage planting in Christian County, the agricultural practice continues to improve soils and water quality on millions of acres across Kentucky, the U.S. and the world. The No-Till History series is made possible by Calmer Corn Heads.

Christian County farmers John and Alexander Young stand in front of the historical marker where Harry Young planted his first commercial crop of no-till corn

No-Till’s 60th Anniversary Puts Spotlight on Kentucky

By Katie Pratt posted on October 21, 2021 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101

Source: University of Kentucky

In 2022, farmers across the United States will come to Louisville, Ky., to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Christian County farmer Harry Young’s first commercial no-till planting during the 2022 National No-Tillage Conference.

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Last-Minute Planter Prep for No-Tillers & Strip-Tillers

On this episode of Conservation Ag Update, brought to you by Martin-Till, precision specialist Chad Baker, co-owner of Baker Precision Planter Works in Orangeville, Ill., helps a first-generation no-tiller with planter setup, and later encounters a couple problems with a strip-tiller’s new 24-row planter. Plus, veteran agronomist Brad Forkner checks in with a couple tips for farmers to keep in mind before they take the field.

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