Articles by John Dobberstein

Voles Munching? Tips to Fight Back

By John Dobberstein posted on November 22, 2016 | Posted in Cover Crops, Crop Protection, Residue Management

With reports of heavy crop damage in some fields in Ohio this year, here are some tips for no-tillers facing potential problems with these pests.

Stretch Out Residuals to Control Waterhemp

Rotating modes of action and crops, seeding cover crops and narrower rows could help beat back this voracious weed.

By John Dobberstein posted on November 19, 2016 | Posted in Crop Protection

One running joke Bill Johnson has been hearing is that waterhemp was really bad this year in the Eastern Corn Belt because it was jealous from all the attention being paid of late to its pigweed relative, Palmer amaranth.

Step-by-Step Approach Yields Early Success with No-Till Transition

Bruce Nelson is seeing improved drainage, stable yields and more organic matter after parking his tillage equipment and focusing on soil health and structure.

By John Dobberstein posted on November 19, 2016 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101, Nutrient Management, Water Management

For Bruce Nelson, transitioning his farm to no-till wasn’t just about making adjustments to equipment, inputs or herbicides. It required a change in mindset that clashed with what he learned from his father and what he saw at surrounding farms.

From the Desk of John Dobberstein

Getting More Profits from Animal and Soil Livestock

By John Dobberstein posted on November 9, 2016 | Posted in Cover Crops, Soil Health

Grazing cover crops and stockpiled residue and shifting calving seasons could help you eke out more profits and improve your soils at the same time.

Managing the Cattle and Cover Crop Portfolio

Max Martin is seeing improved forage optimization, healthier cattle and more robust soils on his Texas ranch after shifting to a no-till, cover-crop system.

By John Dobberstein posted on November 9, 2016 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Residue Management, Water Management

Max Martin is seeing improved forage optimization, healthier cattle and more robust soils on his Texas ranch after shifting to a no-till, cover-crop system.

High-Tech Fertility, Covers Build No-Till Soils and Yields

With a one-pass planting system, cover crops and a drone for scouting, no-tiller Jeremy Wilson is making the most of his fertilizer investment.

By John Dobberstein posted on October 29, 2016 | Posted in Equipment, Residue Management, Nutrient Management

For Jeremy Wilson, the road to raising consistent crops in a colder northern climate runs through improving soil health, rather than using iron to manage cropping challenges.

10 Ways for No-Tillers to Beat Compaction Challenges

More axles, lower tire pressure, controlled traffic, cover crops, and a dose of patience can keep compaction from hurting yields.

By John Dobberstein posted on October 29, 2016 | Posted in Cover Crops, Equipment, Soil Health

No-tillers planning to achieve better yields in the next growing season ought to look a little ‘deeper,’ so to speak, than just seed and inputs.

From The Desk of John Dobberstein

Going to War for Water?

By John Dobberstein posted on October 26, 2016 | Posted in Water Management

A new documentary about extreme drought, agriculture and the continuing water crisis in the western U.S. underscores why adoption of no-till, improved soil health, precision irrigation and other conservation tools is critically important.

From the Desk of John Dobberstein

It All Begins With Soil Testing

By John Dobberstein posted on October 12, 2016 | Posted in Nutrient Management, Precision Agriculture, Soil Health

Are you still wrestling with questions over soil fertility issues in your no-tilled pastures? A recent blog post from Oklahoma State University Extension’s Brian Arnall might shed some light on the situation for you.

Plan to Boost Your Soil Health Knowledge at 2017 No-till on the Plains Winter Conference

By John Dobberstein posted on September 28, 2016

Make plans to attend the 21st annual No-till on the Plains Winter Conference, Jan. 24-25, 2017, in Salina, Kan. Choose from 55 sessions from 35 of the soil health field’s top speakers. That’s more breakout sessions than ever before.

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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 John Dobberstein

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