John Dobberstein

New Approaches for Staving Off More Corn Rootworm Resistance

To preserve the future viability of Bt corn, no-tillers should consider rotating traits and crops and consider working non-GMO corn into their fields.

By John Dobberstein posted on May 18, 2015 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Crop Protection

It Was About 6 years ago when the first cracks in the armor — in this case, Bt corn — were discovered in Iowa. And today, the threat of Bt resistance in corn hasn’t really lessened, as it’s been detected in many other areas of Iowa and several other Midwestern states, particularly in the western corn belt.

Making Cover Crops Work in a Cooler No-Till Climate

Iowa no-tiller Roger Harrington has seen his share of challenges with covers, but has found a combination that saves soil, adds nitrogen and reduces erosion and weed pressure.

By John Dobberstein posted on May 18, 2015 | Posted in Cover Crops, Equipment, Nutrient Management

Like many no-tillers, Roger Harrington likes seeding cover crops to improve organic matter, fix nitrogen (N) in the soil and reduce erosion, weed pressure and compaction.

From the Desk of John Dobberstein

Let’s Get the Messaging Right

By John Dobberstein posted on May 14, 2015 | Posted in Cover Crops, Soil Health, Water Management

Farmers don’t like being told how to run their operation. But like it or not, there’s more scrutiny of U.S. farms than ever by state and federal lawmakers, the mainstream media and the public.

From the Desk of John Dobberstein

Sorting Options in Texas’ Panhandle Plains

By John Dobberstein posted on April 23, 2015 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Water Management

If you looked at the conditions in the Texas Panhandle Plains, in and around Lubbock, you could make a case that it’s a poster child for no-till practices and additional soil cover.

The Secrets of No-Till Yield Champions

No-tillers David Hula and Kip Cullers say spoon-feeding crops at the right time, intensive scouting, healthy soils and even emergence have helped them raise contest-winning corn and soybean yields.

By John Dobberstein posted on April 17, 2015 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Crop Protection, Nutrient Management

One of the most valuable lessons David Hula learned about farming came several years ago from a towering former NFL player turned DuPont Pioneer agronomist.

Shift Toward Soybeans Continues in 2014

Corn acres slipped in most U.S. regions, while the picture for soybean plantings brightened.

By John Dobberstein posted on April 17, 2015 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Soil Health

As commodity prices continued their slide last year, no-tillers have continued to shift more of their acreage to soybeans.

7th Annual Benchmark Study

No-Till Acres Hold Their Own in 2014

The percentage of total cropping acres in no-till remained stable last year, while strip-till’s share of acres saw further erosion.

By John Dobberstein posted on April 17, 2015 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Soil Health

No-till acreage appeared to stabilize among No-Till Farmer readers in 2014, according to data from the 7th annual No-Till Operational Benchmark Study.

7th Annual Benchmark Study

High Yields Help No-Tillers Stay in the Black

Even as grain prices continued their slide, 8 in 10 no-tillers had a profitable 2014, and most plan to keep investing.

By John Dobberstein posted on April 17, 2015 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Soil Health

Even though commodity prices have fallen from historic highs, it hasn’t stopped U.S. no-tillers from innovating and staying profitable.

7th Annual Benchmark Study

No-Tillers Break Yield Records in 2014

No-tillers set a new high-water mark last year for the No-Till Operational Benchmark Survey by averaging 169-bushel corn and 52-bushel soybeans.

By John Dobberstein posted on April 9, 2015 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Soil Health

Buoyed by improved weather and planting conditions in most U.S. regions, corn yields rebounded for no-tillers in 2014.

From The Desk of John Dobberstein

Use No-Till Residue to Create ‘Your Own’ Water

By John Dobberstein posted on April 9, 2015 | Posted in Residue Management

There isn’t much you can do to stop a drought. But you can create your own water to fight a drought by parking the plow, covering your soils and using low-disturbance drills, says Jerry Hatfield, lab director for the National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment in Ames, Iowa.

Articles by John Dobberstein

New Approaches for Staving Off More Corn Rootworm Resistance

Making Cover Crops Work in a Cooler No-Till Climate

Let’s Get the Messaging Right

Sorting Options in Texas’ Panhandle Plains

The Secrets of No-Till Yield Champions

Shift Toward Soybeans Continues in 2014

No-Till Acres Hold Their Own in 2014

High Yields Help No-Tillers Stay in the Black

No-Tillers Break Yield Records in 2014

Use No-Till Residue to Create ‘Your Own’ Water

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