A contingent of No-Till Farmer editors descended on the recent 2014 Farm Progress Show to learn about the latest machines and inputs that could help boost yields and profits for no-tillers.

The focus with many exhibitors was on high-tech, fuel-efficient equipment, planter setups to handle variable field conditions, and new fertilizers and herbicides to help growers maximize yields and keep weeds and plant pathogens at bay.

Below you’ll find a summary of what editors learned at the 61st annual event, held this year in Boone, Iowa.

• Valent USA Corp. featured its Intego suite of seed treatments for controlling pythium and phytophthora pathogens in corn and soybeans. The product was registered earlier this year

  The active ingredient in Intego, ethaboxam, is the newest chemistry introduced to fight these pathogens since metalaxyl debuted more than 30 years ago, says Trey Soud of Valent.

  “As we learn more about pythium and phytophthora, we find that once metalaxyl goes up the plant it’s not protecting the seed zone, where our product stays down below pretty well,” Soud says. “The whole premise beyond Intego is using a dual mode of action to control a broader spectrum of pathogens.”

  

  
• Yetter Farm Equipment showed a new feature for its popular drag-chain kit allowing growers to roll up and lock the chains in place when they’re not being used

  “Some no-tillers say they don’t want to run the chains in certain field conditions, or they want that rib of soil in the center, so now they have a…