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John Dobberstein

John Dobberstein

John Dobberstein was senior editor of No-Till Farmer magazine and the e-newsletter Dryland No-Tiller. He previously covered agriculture for the Tulsa World and worked for daily newspapers in Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Joseph, Mich. He graduated with a B.A. in journalism and political science from Central Michigan University.

Articles

ARTICLES

Protecting Soils with No-Till in a Colder Northern Climate

Jerry Morical is showing no-till practices can work in a frigid region of the U.S. as he interseeds cover crops into corn and reaps the benefits of mellower soils.
By John Dobberstein posted on February 11, 2017 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101, Seeding & Planting, Cover Crops
For decades, Jerry Morical has made a living raising crops in the hilly, sandy loam soils near Garfield in western Minnesota. But his small farm also lies within a recreational haven, surrounded by the Chippewa River watershed and dozens of small lakes.
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Turning to Covers for Better Soils and Livestock Health

Craig Watson says he’s getting more forage production per year, better animal health, and improved soil tilth and health thanks to adding cover crops to a portion of his Texas ranch.
By John Dobberstein posted on February 8, 2017 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Nutrient Management
There was a time when simple things like seeding grasses and taking soil samples was a chore for Craig Watson. When he plowed one of his fields to plant a new variety of fescue, the soil clods were so massive and hard that seedbed preparation was difficult.
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No-Till Innovators

Setting the Pace for Continued No-Till Growth

The 21st Class of No-Till Innovators is being honored for their efforts to promote the adoption of no-till and soil health principles.
By John Dobberstein posted on January 14, 2017 | Posted in Cover Crops, Residue Management, Soil Health
Three individuals and one organization are being recognized as the 21st Class of No-Till Innovators for leading the adoption and advancement of no-till at the 25th annual National No-Tillage Conference.
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John Dobberstein
From the Desk of John Dobberstein

More Urgency Needed on Water Issues

With conservation milestones set for the Ogallala aquifer not even close to being reached, the federal government needs to readjust its priorities to preserve our country’s farming economies.
By John Dobberstein posted on December 28, 2016 | Posted in Water Management
With conservation milestones set for the Ogallala aquifer not even close to being reached, the federal government needs to readjust its priorities to preserve our country’s farming economies.
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Switch to No-Till Saves Soil, Boosts Nutrient Efficiency

Ron Neises sees more even crop emergence and less time cleaning waterways after converting his south-central Kansas farm to no-till practices two decades ago.
By John Dobberstein posted on December 17, 2016 | Posted in Equipment, Nutrient Management, Water Management
While the weather in Kansas can be very fickle, Ron Neises has found switching to no-till practices 20 years ago has brought a calming influence, of sorts, to the 2,600 acres he farms in Belle Plaine, Kan.
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Leaving the Comfort Zone for a Greener No-Till Future

Allen Below’s 7,000-acre farm in southeastern Missouri is undergoing a rapid transformation with the help of no-till practices, aggressive cover crop adoption and elimination of tillage.
By John Dobberstein posted on December 17, 2016 | Posted in Cover Crops, Equipment, Water Management
For the last few years, Allen Below has been working on a learning curve, but he’s moving toward a day where he’s reduced or eliminated irrigation, restored his farm’s soils and is enjoying a better balance sheet.
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