Articles by Phil Needham

Controlled Traffic's Benefits Piling Up

Research worldwide shows these systems can boost yields and soil health, and starting the practice in the U.S. isn't as difficult as many no-tillers think.

By Phil Needham posted on February 1, 2012 | Posted in Equipment, Precision Agriculture, Water Management

As farm sizes continue to increase, the size, working width and overall weight of farm equipment continues to grow proportionally. Some of the heaviest farm equipment has axle loads exceeding 20 tons.

5 Ways To Improve Your No-Till Planter

By Phil Needham posted on April 4, 2011 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101, Equipment

Source: By Phil Needham

Before you drop seed into the ground this spring, consider these planter set-up techniques offered by Phil Needham that might improve your planting performance.

Cutting-Edge Planting And Seeding Equipment

Options, flexibility and precision are hallmarks of the new planters and drills unveiled at the 2009 Farm Progress and Big Iron shows

By Phil Needham posted on February 1, 2010 | Posted in Equipment, Precision Agriculture

The rapid rise in the cost of seed and fertilizer in the past year served as a wake-up call for no-tillers, reminding them that controlling input costs is often the difference between being profitable or not.

Sprayer Efficiencies Improve Timing, Boost Profits

Having the proper equipment to apply pesticides and nutrients in a timely manner is critical for your no-till success.

By Phil Needham posted on September 1, 2009 | Posted in Equipment, Crop Protection, Nutrient Management

With a wet spring like many Midwestern producers experienced this year, additional importance is placed on spraying equipment. The window of opportunity to complete this all-important task in a timely manner becomes an enormous challenge.

Removing No-Till Obstacles

Residue managers should move trash so gauge wheels run level, drop seed consistently and produce uniform, high-yielding stands.

By Phil Needham posted on May 1, 2009 | Posted in Residue Management

No-tilling corn and soybeans presents many challenges to producers across the country, especially within continuous corn and other high-residue environments.

No-Till Or Not — Compacted Soils Compact Profitability

These simple tips can help no-tillers identify, prevent and remedy soil compaction before it makes a dent in their yields.

By Phil Needham posted on February 1, 2009 | Posted in Soil Health

As farm equipment gets larger and heavier, yield loss and profit reduction caused by soil compaction is becoming more frequent. Fortunately, growers adopting no-till systems reduce the number of passes across each field and the overall risk of compaction.

Proper No-Till Design Is Critical For Tackling Heavy Residue

There are options for dealing with excessive no-till residue.

By Phil Needham posted on July 1, 2008 | Posted in Equipment, Residue Management

Under the no-till conditions outlined above and with this style of seeding unit, my thought is not to try to chop or cut the residue. In my opinion, standing residue leads to more effective cutting with disc seeders that are used under low-moisture conditions.

Taking Control Of Your Traffic

Tramlines are an inexpensive way to control traffic patterns, while controlled traffic has greater long-term benefits for no-tillers.

By Phil Needham posted on July 1, 2008 | Posted in Equipment, Crop Protection

Research from around the world clearly documents that yield losses occur as a result of equipment passes through the field. Yield reductions occur from either direct damage to the standing crop or from the compacting of the soil, or both.

5 Ways to Improve Your No-Till Corn Planter

Before you drop seed into the ground this spring, consider these planter set-up techniques to improve your planting performance.

By Phil Needham posted on April 1, 2008 | Posted in Equipment

The healthy futures prices for crop commodities probably has you chomping at the bit to get into the field and begin no-tilling your crops.

New Technologies Help Deliver Better Efficiency

Products that eliminate seed planting double-ups on end rows or apply only needed nitrogen rates can make no-tillers more profitable.

By Phil Needham posted on April 1, 2008 | Posted in Equipment, Nutrient Management

While no-tillers ARE today enjoying high commodity prices, I think it’s fair to assume that they won’t continue too far into the future.

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