Articles by Libby Wawzenek

No-Till Tackles Moisture, Dust Challenges

Adopting no-till and other minimum-tillage methods in California’s semiarid conditions results in improved soils and better water intake.

By Libby Wawzenek posted on December 31, 2022 | Posted in Water Management, Strip-Till Farming

As a conservation educator in California, Jeff Mitchell knows the farmers he works with are facing challenges highly specific to that part of the U.S., thanks to semiarid conditions and limited annual rainfall.

Choose the Right Microbes for Efficient Residue Breakdown

Biochemist and Holganix president Dave Stark says having microbial diversity in your soil accelerates residue breakdown and provides nutrients for your crops.

By Libby Wawzenek posted on November 30, 2022 | Posted in Residue Management

Dave Stark has a passion for agricultural science, especially the science of crop residue. “Leaving crop residue definitely adds value,” he says.

Cover Crops

Buffering the Soil with Long-Term Cover Cropping

Jeff Olson is protecting soil and improving water infiltration with a mixed bag of application methods and plenty of patience.

By Libby Wawzenek posted on November 4, 2022 | Posted in Cover Crops

Jeff Olson isn’t afraid to step outside his comfort zone. A 5th-generation corn and soybean farmer in Winfield, Iowa, Olson attributes part of his willingness to take risks and try new things to his years of experience.

Increasing Organic Matter Helps Improve Soil Health

South Dakota no-tiller Dan Forgey utilizes high residue crops, livestock grazing to better cycle nutrients and boost organic matter.

By Libby Wawzenek posted on September 3, 2022 | Posted in Cover Crops, Soil Health

With every decision Dan Forgey makes about the farm he manages in central South Dakota, one thing is top of mind.

Elbon-cereal-rye-after-soybeans-and-then-planted-corn-into-it-before-they-began-crimping.jpg

Saving Green with Carefully Selected Cover Crop Varieties

Indiana no-tiller Carter Morgan considers research and long-term goals to determine which cover crop variety will best support the needs of his farm.

By Libby Wawzenek posted on November 7, 2021 | Posted in Cover Crops

LIKE MANY FARMERS, Carter Morgan relies on crimping to terminate his cover crops. However, unlike some of his peers, Morgan has stopped purchasing variety not stated (VNS) cover crops and has instead embraced the specificity of using the exact variety of cereal rye that meets his needs.

The “Grandfather” of Strip-Till Talks Transition and Technique

Illinois farmer Rich Follmer reflects on how a desire to warm the soil while still maintaining his conservation efforts led to the invention of strip-tilling and shares what methods are working on his farm today.

By Libby Wawzenek posted on October 21, 2021 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Equipment

Rich Follmer didn’t set out to become a businessman. In the 1980s, the corn and soybean farmer from central Illinois — considered by many to be the “grandfather” of strip-till — designed and built a system that would allow him to till the ground and plant soybeans simultaneously.

Strip-Till Nutrient Placement Requires Flexibility, Diligence

Strip-tillers from three farms talk about what works and what’s a challenge in strip-till nutrient management.

By Libby Wawzenek posted on September 3, 2021 | Posted in Nutrient Management

Planning for the Future to Maintain a Profitable No-Till Operation

Gifford, Ill., no-tiller Frank Rademacher keeps an eye on variables such as pest management, market pressures and consumer demands when making farm management decisions.

By Libby Wawzenek posted on February 2, 2021 | Posted in Cover Crops, Nutrient Management, Soil Health

WHEN IT COMES TO making decisions about his farm, Frank Rademacher keeps one foot in the present and one in the future.

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No-Till Legend Concerned About Corn Profits in 2024

On this episode of Conservation Ag Update, brought to you by Martin Industries, Vincennes, Ind., no-tiller Ray McCormick explains why it’s going to be tough to “not lose a lot of money this year” on corn. Plus, we ask our readers, “On a scale of 1-10, how concerned are you about drought this year?” Hear why some farmers are worried, and why others aren’t very worried at all.

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