Articles by Frank Lessiter

Let The “Living Soil” Boost Your No-Till Returns

Use the additional worms, nematodes, bacteria and other microorganisms found in no-tilled fields to expand your profits.

By Frank Lessiter posted on January 1, 2002 | Posted in Soil Health

As a no-tiller, Ralph Alshouse recognizes the importance of nurturing the living organisms found in the soil to produce high-yielding crops. An intensive study of many of the soil conditions found in no-till has helped him fully understand what is occurring with the soils in his Corydon, Iowa, no-till corn and soybean operation.

Is Ripping Necessary With No-Till?

Deep ripping may have a place, but it isn’t the answer to yield concerns due to erosion and compaction in all no-tilled fields.

By Frank Lessiter posted on January 1, 2002 | Posted in Residue Management

A recent report from Caterpillar indicates no-till should not be attempted in fields with excessive erosion unless the ground has been deep ripped for at least 2 years.

Many Wheat Varieties Thrive In The Wide-Open Spacings

Using less no-till wheat seed per acre is the real key.

By Frank Lessiter posted on January 1, 2002 | Posted in Seeding & Planting

No-Tillers who relay intercrop soybeans and wheat can choose from an array of wheat varieties that perform well in wider-row spacing, saving on equipment and seed costs.

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Bio-Tech Boosts No-Till Acres

By Frank Lessiter posted on January 1, 2002 | Posted in Seeding & Planting

When it comes to deciding to move to no-till or reduced tillage, soybean growers say the biggest influence has been the introduction of biotechnology seed.

Will An Investment In A Precision No-Till Drill Pay?

It depends on how many acres you no-till, the age of existing equipment and the row widths you want.

By Frank Lessiter posted on December 1, 2001 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Equipment

In Virginia, many no-tillers bought new planters and drills back in 1996 when both yields and returns for crops were good. Many of these 6-year-old machines now need to be replaced.

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Licensing May Be Coming

By Frank Lessiter posted on December 1, 2001 | Posted in Nutrient Management

Mixing 2 tons of ammonium nitrate with motor oil, Timothy McVeigh produced enough cheap, yet powerful explosive to destroy the Oklahoma City federal building more than 6 years ago. Along with the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, these disasters may bring changes in the way you purchase fertilizer for your no-till fields.

Have No-Tilled Soybeans Proven Too Successful?

Maybe it’s time to take a closer look at adding new crops to the more traditional no-till corn and soybean rotation.

By Frank Lessiter posted on November 1, 2001 | Posted in Seeding & Planting

While No-Tillers have long been among the leaders in sustainable agriculture, Gyles Randall is convinced that many no-tillers need to consider growing more than just corn and soybeans.

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There’s Gold In Value-Added

By Frank Lessiter posted on November 1, 2001 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101

Regardless of the crops being no-tilled, Rick Heintzman will absolutely astound attendees at January's 10th annual National No-Tillage Conference in St. Louis, Mo. While the Onaka, S.D., no-tiller concentrates on adding value to flaxseed, the same production, processing and marketing techniques can be used with any no-tilled crop.

Creating A No-Till Pyramid

With more efficient use of the latest cropping ideas, Canadian no-tillers can increase plant health and consider reducing herbicide usage.

By Frank Lessiter posted on October 1, 2001 | Posted in Seeding & Planting

When it comes to analyzing the practical benefits of direct seeding research in western Canada, three key words to keep in mind are “pyramiding, piling and stacking.

Seed Three No-Till Crops With One Rig

This operation sharply reduced machinery costs by using one rig to no-till corn in 30-inch rows and both soybeans and wheat in 15-inch rows.

By Frank Lessiter posted on October 1, 2001 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Equipment

With yearly PRODUCTION of 1.4 million pheasants and 1,100 acres of no-tilled crops, operating more efficiently by reducing labor needs and trimming input costs can have a tremendous impact on year-end results at Mac Farlane Pheasant Farm.

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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 Frank Lessiter

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