Articles by Loretta Sorensen

Turning No-Till Intercropping, Cover Crops Into a Cash Cow

Lessons learned from no-till adoption, and onfarm trials with intercropping, have helped North Dakota no-tiller Mark Jennings ramp up both yields and soil health in a limited-moisture environment.

By Loretta Sorensen posted on June 10, 2015 | Posted in Cover Crops

Mark Jennings once heard someone say it's a good practice to learn something new each day. When it comes to his no-till practices, he's striving to accomplish that.

Brighter Future Emerges with No-Till

South Dakota grower Brent Ireland and family find no-till adoption, and a more diverse crop rotation, is the best combination for a more sustainable farm operation.

By Loretta Sorensen posted on May 14, 2015 | Posted in Equipment, Residue Management, Seeding & Planting

It’s been at least 30 years since Brent Ireland’s Dad and uncle started exploring the benefits of no-till on the Ireland Brothers farm near Martin, S.D.

Market Outlook for Sunflowers Brightening

By Loretta Sorensen posted on March 12, 2015 | Posted in Seeding & Planting

Oil and seed confectionary sunflower markets could see double-digit increases in the future, experts say.

No-Tilling Sunflowers: A Golden Opportunity?

In light of declining corn prices, the strong demand and price outlook, improved hybrids and new seed treatments for sunflowers could make the crop an appealing option for no-tillers.

By Loretta Sorensen posted on March 12, 2015 | Posted in Seeding & Planting

In light of declining corn prices, the strong demand and price outlook, improved hybrids and new seed treatments for sunflowers could make the crop an appealing option for no-tillers.

Using No-Till Practices to Produce More With Less

By Loretta Sorensen posted on January 15, 2015 | Posted in Residue Management, Water Management

Dalton, Neb., no-tiller Mark Ernest uses a one-pass planting and fertilizing system, diverse crop rotation and careful residue management to fight erosion and get higher yields with minimal rainfall.

Less Iron, More Cover Tames Tough Plains Soils

Brian and Alan Johnson turned to no-till, cover-crop cocktails and CRP to reclaim saline seeps and improve productivity in tough growing conditions.

By Loretta Sorensen posted on December 8, 2014 | Posted in Cover Crops, Nutrient Management

Making no-till practices work on the Johnson farm near Frankfort, S.D., has been a study in contrasts.

Wet Or Dry, Zero-Till Sustains Diverse Canadian Prairie Farm

Two decades of zero-till has helped Ryan and Jim Nevin establish diverse rotations and handle weather challenges coming their way.

By Loretta Sorensen posted on November 1, 2014 | Posted in Water Management

Twenty-five years ago, an extended dry cycle around Rapid City, Manitoba, prompted Ryan Nevin's father to implement no-till. Now, in their area's wettest cycle ever, no-till is still helping the Nevins "get it done."

Cracking The Code On No-Till Plant Diversity

Little is known about the organic compounds plants use for nutrient uptake and defense, but farmers can make these chemicals work for them by establishing a diverse no-till system.

By Loretta Sorensen posted on September 1, 2014 | Posted in Soil Health

No-till practices don’t just save labor, fuel and machinery costs, but benefit the mysterious biological world beneath the soil surface that can have a big impact on plant health and yields.

Saving The Soil ‘Skin,’ Thriving With No-Till

What began as an economic decision has morphed into a successful and profitable livestock and cropping operation for longtime South Dakota no-tiller Rick Bieber.

By Loretta Sorensen posted on August 1, 2014

When Rick Bieber adopted no-till during the 1980s, he knew little about how or why reduced tillage might benefit his soils. He was simply searching for ways to lower input and labor costs to make his farming operation a paying proposition.

No Longer Afraid Of Residue

Evenly spreading residue creates a uniform base for planting, better emergence and consistent stands for Nebraska no-tiller Matt Kathol

By Loretta Sorensen posted on January 1, 2010 | Posted in Equipment, Residue Management

Like many farmers, Matt and Glenn Kathol turned to no-till to manage the workload on their family farm. But their switch to no-till in 2001 also made it possible for Kathol to farm full time with his father, Glenn.

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