Articles by Ian Gronau

Inoculating No-Till Soils with Compost Extract

No-tiller sees powerful bio-boost from spreading concentrated microorganisms pulled from compost

By Ian Gronau posted on November 30, 2023 | Posted in Nutrient Management, Soil Health

It’s often said that a handful of high-quality compost contains more microorganisms than there are people on the planet.

Crunching the Numbers on Custom Strip-Till

Kentland, Ind., farmer Jesse Stoller breaks down the costs of equipment ownership vs. the benefits of custom strip-tilling.

By Ian Gronau posted on March 1, 2021

For farmers curious about the benefits of reducing their tillage practices, custom strip-till can be an efficient and affordable entry point. For farmers already building strips every year, it can be a lucrative business opportunity.

5 Efficiency Enhancing Tips for Strip-Till Nutrient Management

Nebraska strip-tiller, Brian Herbek, shares how he’s been able to extract 30% more bushels per acre out of each pound of applied nitrogen.

By Ian Gronau posted on January 4, 2021

When it comes to nutrient management, Deweese, Neb., farmer Brian Herbek lives by the 4R philosophy.

4 Tips to Supercharge Strip-Tillage with Certified Organic Acres

With more than 700 acres of certified organic farmland, Wisconsin farmer Megan Wallendal shares tips on making the most of strip-tilled organic crops.

By Ian Gronau posted on February 19, 2020 | Posted in Seeding & Planting

Often, it’s the allure of operation-wide cost reduction that convinces famers to transition into strip-tilling.

Tips for Successfully No-Tilling Pumpkins

A cleaner growing environment has helped Bobby Fifer hike pumpkin yields, but disease pressure and rotational challenges are still obstacles to overcome.

By Ian Gronau posted on November 27, 2018 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Cover Crops

If it weren't for no-tilling, the Fifer family would have gotten out of the pumpkin business long ago, says Bobby Fifer.

Tile, Covers and Manure Tame Tough, Variable Soils

Mark and Phyllis Legan have improved both soil health and crop yields with a highly managed nutrient program and a 100% commitment to no-till practices.

By Ian Gronau posted on October 17, 2018 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Nutrient Management, Water Management

Mark Legan and his family share the tenets of their no-till program and how tile, manure applications and cover crops have ramped up their soil health.

Upgrading Precision Tools, ‘Brainware’ Offers Peace of Mind for No-Tiller, Strip-Tiller

A properly outfitted strip-till bar, RTK guidance and self-propelled sprayer help Cade Bushnell tap into the mechanical and analytical potential with his 1,300-acre operation.

By Ian Gronau posted on August 17, 2018 | Posted in Precision Agriculture

As Stillman Valley, Ill., farmer Cade Bushnell rolls out newer technology on his 1,300-acre farm, he’s had a lot of success with mechanical alterations.

Rethinking ‘Conventional’ Wisdom Leads to Revelations, 100% No-Till

Parking the plow helped John Macauley cut five passes across the field, save on fuel and labor and maintain yields as he builds a more sustainable operation.

By Ian Gronau posted on March 10, 2018 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101, Cover Crops, Residue Management

Some farmers dive headlong into changing their tillage practices. John Macauley, who farms 1,200 acres with his father, Jim, in Groveland, N.Y., is proof that transitioning to no-till can be done in steps.

Healing the Soil Through No-Till, Focusing on Boosting Organic Matter

A combination of long-term no-till, cover crops, planting green and spreading manure brings organic matter levels from 2-4.8%.

By Ian Gronau posted on January 13, 2018 | Posted in Cover Crops, Residue Management, Soil Health

An ancestor of the Leroy Bupp’s family likely started farming the land in Seven Valleys, Pa. Bupp currently farms on acres that were originally farmed around the time the 13 colonies declared independence from Britain. Of course, much has changed over the years.

Mushroom Compost, No-Tilling Supercharge Soil Health Levels

By Ian Gronau posted on October 28, 2017 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Cover Crops, Nutrient Management

For many farmers, rebuilding the level of organic matter in their soils is a process that can take many years, oftentimes only seeing small gains. But Kennett Square, Pa., no-tiller Jamie Hicks has seen the organic matter in some of his soils rocket from 1% to up to 5% in a relatively short period of time by spreading mushroom compost.

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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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