Articles by John Dobberstein

No-Till Shines Once Again in National Sorghum Yield Contest

By John Dobberstein posted on January 23, 2020 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101, Water Management

Results of the 2019 National Sorghum Producers Yield Contest were released recently. Find out how well no-till practices did in raising competitive yields for sorghum growers compared to conventional tillage.

Recognizing Stalwarts in the No-Till, Soil Health Movement

The 24th class of No-Till Innovators have supported the adoption of cover crops, better nutrient management, improved soil health and timely, educational events and opportunities.

By John Dobberstein posted on January 9, 2020 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101, Nutrient Management, Soil Health

Three individuals and one organization are being recognized as the 24th class of No-Till Innovators for their commitment to the advancement of no-till farming systems in North America and worldwide.

The Tools for Profitable Farming are Already Here

By John Dobberstein posted on January 9, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health

A recent research project discusses potential barriers in getting farmers in Texas to adopt soil health practices. But here’s what we already know.

How No-Tillers Will Tweak Field Management After the Great Flood

After brutal planting conditions in 2019, many no-tillers are looking to shorter-season hybrids and varieties, faster planting, split ‘N’ applications, cover crops and more to adjust for 2020.

By John Dobberstein posted on January 6, 2020 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Nutrient Management, Water Management

Most of the time, a dynamic no-till system can take a hefty punch from Mother Nature, with roots, residue and healthier soils providing some resiliency.

Your Chance to No-Till Better in 2020

By John Dobberstein posted on December 26, 2019 | Posted in Soil Health

For many no-tillers, late December is not only a time to spend holiday cheer with family and friends, but also a time to reflect on how operations went on the farm this year. Hopefully most of you got your winter crops no-tilled and you’re thinking about what lies ahead for 2020.

What Does Your Banker Think About No-Till?

By John Dobberstein posted on December 12, 2019

American Farmland Trust rolled out some interesting information about the payoffs for improved soil health this year. In our recent February issue, we explored how bankers value your investment in no-till systems and soil health.

Less Water, Same Cotton Yields: Yes, it’s Possible

By John Dobberstein posted on November 28, 2019 | Posted in Water Management

As concerns about the viability of the Ogallala aquifer continue, researchers believe they have found a window of opportunity in the growth cycle of cotton to reduce watering without hurting yield in the end.

Which Category Do You Fall in — Messiah or Pariah?

By John Dobberstein posted on November 14, 2019

Will the gradual change in farm production practices to more wholistic methods, including no-till systems, be fought in coffee shops or courtrooms? Read about battles flaring up in two different states.

Even In Tough Times, No-Tillers Still Spending to Protect Yields

The percentage of growers applying insecticides and fungicides in cash crops, and overall spending on these crop protection products, continues to increase.

By John Dobberstein posted on November 4, 2019 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101, Crop Protection

Although environmental pressures and concerns over soil health have caused some no-tillers to re-examine their use of insecticides and fungicides, data from the 11th annual No-Till Farmer Operational Benchmark Study shows use of these products isn’t necessarily decreasing.

Read the Fine Print on Tillage, Pulse Yields

By John Dobberstein posted on October 24, 2019

Find out what a recent University of Nebraska study concludes about germination and yields for two pulse crops after tillage was done, and what important caveats the research doesn’t address.

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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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