Articles by Martha Mintz

Balancing Manure, No-Till In A Challenging Locale

No-Tiller Brian Newcombe strives for application accuracy to maximize value of nutrients and keep peace with his neighbors.

By Martha Mintz posted on March 1, 2012 | Posted in Nutrient Management

Despite having a nominated “Natural Wonder” and busy village of 1,000 people in his backyard, no-tiller Brian Newcombe still finds a way to make manure a valuable part of his farming operation.

What I've Learned from No-Tilling

Father-Son Team Aims To Thrive, Not Survive

Bob Bottens and his son, Monte, combine their diverse talents to tackle water and technology challenges and turn highly erodible soils into productive no-till fields.

By Bob Bottens, Monte Bottens, and Martha Mintz posted on March 1, 2012 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101

Monte: ‘Moonlight Farmer’ was my dad’s radio handle at the Case IH dealership in Cambridge, Ill., where he worked as a diesel mechanic. He farmed about 80 acres when he wasn't at his day job.

Getting Cover Crops Off The Starting Block

Whether it’s aerial, broadcast, drilling or a highboy, here are valuable tips for no-tillers on the art of properly seeding covers.

By Martha Mintz posted on February 1, 2012 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Cover Crops, Equipment

Before the many benefits of cover crops can be reaped, the plants must first be successfully established.

What I've Learned from No-Tilling

Producing Quality Seed In A No-Till System

The right equipment, and a solid seed-to-harvest crop protection plan, keeps yield-champion no-tiller David Hula’s bins full and customers happy.

By David Hula and Martha Mintz posted on February 1, 2012 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101, Seeding & Planting, Crop Protection

Seed production is our business, so we focus as much on the quality and health of the crop we produce as we do on pushing yields.

A Closer Look At The No-Till Underground

Ray Weil shares the inside story on the dynamic organisms in productive no-till soils, and what it takes to keep them happy.

By Martha Mintz posted on February 1, 2012 | Posted in Nutrient Management, Soil Health

Soil is a no-tiller’s main business. And as in any business, there is a hierarchy of employees that must work together to get the job done.

9 Straight-Forward Ways To Boost No-Till’s Bottom Line

Soil testing, cover crops, tiling and a top-notch planter has helped no-tiller Jack Maloney hit corn yields topping 200 bushels.

By Martha Mintz posted on January 1, 2012 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101, Water Management

A systematic approach to no-till has Jack Maloney’s corn roots reaching deep and his yields hitting new heights.

What I've Learned from No-Tilling

Efficient Fertility, Cover Crops Set The Table For A Life Of No-Till

Cover crops, specialty products and strategic fertilizer placement provide a yield boost for veteran Pennsylvania no-tiller H. Grant Troop.

By Martha Mintz posted on January 1, 2012 | Posted in Cover Crops, Nutrient Management

I now know that what I was calling no-till in the early 1970s wasn’t what many would classify as no-till, but my farming operation now certainly fits the definition. Only the coulters on my no-till planter and drill crack the surface of my fields today.

Bringing No-Till To The Palouse

From evaluating rotations and chemical options to designing the first successful no-till drill, Guy and Mort Swanson helped no-till take root in the Pacific Northwest.

By Martha Mintz posted on November 1, 2011 | Posted in Equipment, Crop Protection, Residue Management

Guy and Mort Swanson played key roles in developing no-till in a unique region that both desperately needed — and could easily live without — the practice.

Cover Crop Explosion Takes No-Till Back To Its Roots

Legumes, brassicas, grasses and more have re-emerged as a way to help no-tillers reduce input costs and increase yields.

By Martha Mintz posted on November 1, 2011 | Posted in Cover Crops, Nutrient Management, Soil Health

Like fashion from your favorite decade, cover crops have come full circle and are once again en vogue.

Cover Crop

Takes No-Till Back To Its Roots

Legumes, brassicas, grasses and more have re-emerged as a way to help no-tillers reduce input costs and increase yields.

By Martha Mintz posted on November 1, 2011

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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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Articles by Martha Mintz

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