Finally warm enough - and dry enough - to get into the fields. Some farmers here in Central Illinois are late in spraying the cover crops, due to the incessant rainy conditions, and thus I’ve seen some “heading out” in the fields. Definitely, you want to burn that down before seeds develop. New this year, [...]
Continue reading about Planting Begins in Central Illinois - annual ryegrass burndown a tad late
I’ve been recommending for years that farmers can benefit from discontinuing conventional tillage in favor of no-till. Things are changing in that direction but it will still take some time to see a uniform change in management style.
Last week, I saw a tractor hauling a disc behind it. Although a disc will help dry [...]
Continue reading about Wet Spring - Conventional Tillage adds to Compaction Problems
Whether cover crops survive the Midwest winter depends on so many variables, like snow cover for example. With a good blanket, cover crops go dormant but the roots are able to thrive, awaiting spring thaw and warmer earth.
It’s an inexact science, trying to figure out cover crops. We’re told: “plant early in the fall, and [...]
