Articles by James DeGraff

Improving Yields with Test Plots, Twin-Row Corn

From twin-row corn to in-furrow fertilizer adoption, Elwood, Ind., no-tiller Rick Williams embraces the risk-reward nature of farm trials on a 650-acre corn and soybean operation.

By James DeGraff posted on January 9, 2019 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Crop Protection

While taking a 15-year hiatus from farming, Elwood, Ind., no-tiller Rick Williams had every intention of eventually returning to the family farm he grew up on, contingent on completing a promise he made to his father, Jerry, of getting an education first.

Combatting Compaction with Cover Crops

A relentless 75-acre compaction problem gave Brownsburg, Ind., farmer Mike Starkey perspective on the sustainable, cost-effective advantages of a no-till, cover crop system.

By James DeGraff posted on November 8, 2018 | Posted in Cover Crops, Nutrient Management, Soil Health, Water Management

During the summer of 2011, Brownsburg, Ind., corn, soybean and wheat no-tiller Mike Starkey agreed to host the John Deere Roll-Out new equipment event on his farm, leasing out a 75-acre corn plot at the entrance of his 2,600-acre operation.

Leveraging Data, Tissue Tests For Variable-Rate Payback

A relentless approach to data collection, tissue testing and management zones puts Sparland, Ill., strip-tiller Jay Riddell in the driver’s seat to optimize seed and fertilizer rates on corn and soybeans.

By James DeGraff posted on October 8, 2018 | Posted in Nutrient Management, Precision Agriculture

For decades, the spring season was consistently stressful for Sparland, Ill., grower Jay Riddell. He dedicated days to running a field cultivator though his 1,500 corn and soybean acres while hoping for a suitable seedbed to plant into.

Creating a Blanket of Benefits with Cover Crop Creativity

For Clare, Ill., grower Trent Sanderson, leaving his comfort zone and working with trial and error is the best way to determine which cover crop mixes work best in his fields.

By James DeGraff posted on October 7, 2018 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Cover Crops, Strip-Till Farming

The greatest of growing seasons has little effect on Trent Sanderson’s approach to utilizing cover crops across his family’s 2,000-acre corn, soybean and wheat operation in Clare, Ill.

Sustaining Success Through Superior Soil

For Waco, Neb. no-tiller Scott Gonnerman, less is more when it comes to fertilizer, insecticide and residue disturbance, setting the framework for generations to come on his family-run operation.

By James DeGraff posted on September 13, 2018 | Posted in Cover Crops, Water Management

Innovation can take many forms in agriculture. For Waco, Neb., no-tiller Scott Gonnerman, simplicity and tradition are his chosen pathways to progress on his 250-acre operation.

Compatibility Update: Developers Optimistic as Farmers Anticipate ISOBUS Innovation

AEF developers preview the future of ISOBUS, while farmers share their success stories and frustrations coordinating equipment.

By James DeGraff posted on July 27, 2018 | Posted in Precision Agriculture

The relationship between manufacturers and farmers has never been seamless, yet in an industry where the complexity of precision services and equipment setups continues to escalate, the two sides need to be on the same page more than ever.

Hit the Mark on the ‘Seeding Window’ for Higher Canola, Wheat Yields

Yield penalties are typically higher when planting after the window than before, says John Deere senior agronomist Yancy Wright.

By James DeGraff posted on April 12, 2018 | Posted in Seeding & Planting

One pressing topic addressed during a recent John Deere seeding equipment preview event in North Dakota centered on the seeding window and importance of planting as soon as soil temperatures and moisture levels allow.

Conquering Stubborn Soils and Residue with a Switch to Strip-Till

Seeding and fertilizing experimentation enables Nebraska farmers to better manage residue, convert poor fields into pivotal performers.

By James DeGraff posted on January 13, 2018 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Cover Crops, Crop Protection, Residue Management

Conventional wisdom is overrated for Nickerson, Neb., farmers Kirk Brand and Brent Willnerd, especially when it comes to getting the most out of their 2,600-acre corn and soybean operation.

To Make Cover Crops Fit, A Little Space Makes a Big Difference

Through improvements to his implement guidance and air seeder setup, Chapin, Ill., farmer John Werries finds the cure for cover crop overgrowth and accuracy missteps.

By James DeGraff posted on November 18, 2017 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Cover Crops, Precision Agriculture

John Werries, his son Dean, and one employee are no strangers to making adjustments year-to-year to combat the unpredictable conditions of their Chapin, Ill., operation of no-tilled beans and strip-tilled corn.

From Seeds to Strips, Variety Goes the Distance

Sharon, Wis., strip-tiller Mike Cerny isn’t afraid to shake things up and adapt new practices to take productivity, yields to a higher level.

By James DeGraff posted on October 28, 2017 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Nutrient Management, Soil Health, Strip-Till Farming

In a farming career spanning over four decades, not much fazes Mike Cerny at this point. From downturns to data and drones, the “combo-tiller” knows better than to get carried away with any given industry ‘breakthrough,’ although he is always willing to at least give one a try.

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Articles by James DeGraff

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