Articles by Jack Zemlicka

New Deere Row Units Put No-Tiller On The Fast Track

Kansas no-tiller Greg Smith sees improved corn stands in variable soils and higher soybean yields after testing John Deere’s high-speed ExactEmerge row units.

By Jack Zemlicka posted on June 1, 2014 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Equipment

Veteran No-Tiller Greg Smith has obeyed the recommended 5 mph planting speed limit when no-tilling corn and soybeans to avoid jeopardizing accurate depth and spacing of seed.

Trial And Error Leads To Strip-Till Success

Switching to 30-inch corn, and experimentation with cover crops and strip-tilled soybeans, is showing a promising payback for Indiana strip-tiller Jason Wykoff.

By Jack Zemlicka posted on May 1, 2014 | Posted in Strip-Till Farming

With the majority of their acres dedicated to seed corn, a crop that requires intense management, strip-tiller Jason Wykoff and his wife, Gretchan, can’t afford to waste time and money on unnecessary field passes.

Writing A Prescription For The Future Of Farming

Prescription-based programs such as FieldScripts and Field360 are showing some promise in early trials, but the jury is still out on whether these new tools will live up to expectations.

By Jack Zemlicka posted on May 1, 2014 | Posted in Equipment, Precision Agriculture

Before a single seed is planted, farmers make dozens of decisions that can impact yield potential and ultimately, how much money they make each year.

Strip-Till, Precision Tools Create Better ‘Balance Sheet’

Investing in a two-pass system, fine-tuning fertility and technology helped Kratz Farms hike corn yields and improve overall efficiency.

By Jack Zemlicka posted on February 1, 2014 | Posted in Strip-Till Farming

Farmers have many reasons for moving from conventional tillage to strip-till, whether it’s minimizing erosion, being more precise with inputs, building soil health or getting more bushels per acre.

Modern Irrigation, Less Tillage Makes Every Drop Of Water Count

With shrinking water supplies, no-till, strip-till and technology tools can conserve the precious resource and even boost crop yields.

By Jack Zemlicka posted on February 1, 2014 | Posted in Precision Agriculture, Water Management

Of all the elements involved in producing a healthy crop, water may be the most often taken for granted. Unlike fertilizer or seed, which are costly necessities, precipitation is free of charge.

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.

Variable Rate Technology Plants Seeds Of Profitability

Once they commit to the practice, no-tillers often find that managing planting populations on the go can cut seed costs and maximize yield.

By Jack Zemlicka posted on November 1, 2013 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Precision Agriculture

The global push to increase crop production and keep pace with population projections underlines the importance for no-tillers to make every seed count.

Fix-It List For Strip-Till Rigs Goes Beyond The Iron

Technology updates and assessing field conditions are becoming increasingly critical for successful strip-tilling in the spring or fall.

By Jack Zemlicka posted on November 1, 2013 | Posted in Strip-Till Farming

Illinois strip-tiller Mike Bland admits that he’s a stickler when it comes to equipment maintenance.

Focus On Precision Technology Reaps Strip-Till Benefits

GPS guidance, variable-rate seeding and other technologies have provided Ohio’s Brian Watkins with a 145% return on investment.

By Jack Zemlicka posted on November 1, 2013 | Posted in Strip-Till Farming

Not every farmer using precision-ag technology takes time to crunch the numbers and get a tangible feel for their return on investment.

Strip-Till Flexibility Keeps Mother Nature In Check

Fertilizer-application testing and equipment adjustments improve soil health and crop yields for Nebraska strip-tiller Jerry Baysinger.

By Jack Zemlicka posted on August 1, 2013 | Posted in Strip-Till Farming

Sometimes the best plan in strip-till is to plan for the unexpected. This is a philosophy Jerry Baysinger knows well after almost 20 years of strip-tilling.

Current Issue

No-Till Farmer

Get full access NOW to the most comprehensive, powerful and easy-to-use online resource for no-tillage practices. Just one good idea will pay for your subscription hundreds of times over.

Subscribe Now

Buffett Foundation Supports Ukrainian Farmers with Equipment, Financial Aid

Diversifying No-Till Operation with Dairy Makes Smart Business Sense

Food Companies Lack Funding Plans for Sustainability, Regenerative Ag

Must Read Free Eguides

Download these helpful knowledge building tools

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.

Top Directory Listings

Needham Ag Technologies, LLC

Needham Ag understands the role of technology in making better use of limited resources within a specific environment by drawing on a wealth of global experience to overcome the challenges facing today's farmers, manufacturers and dealers.

Titan International, Inc

Titan offers a full line of wheels, tires and undercarriage products for a wide variety of off-the-road equipment.

The Andersons PureGrade

The Andersons grows enduring relationships through extraordinary service, a deep knowledge of the market, and a knack for finding new ways to add value as we have done for nearly 70 years.