Western Equipment
An Evening Thunderhead Cloud, July 24th

7/24/2008

An Evening Thunderhead Cloud, July 24th

To the west of our Research Farm near Lexington, Nebraska this sunset was spectacular.

Northeast Indiana Growers See 1tRIPr Work in Stubble and Hidden Rocks July 16th, 2008

7/16/2008

Northeast Indiana Growers See 1tRIPr Work in Stubble and Hidden Rocks July 16th, 2008

The Daugherty Companies out of Warren, IN demonstrated the versatility and functionality of the 1tRIPr-AR just a few miles south of Warren and west. Strip-tillage is a new concept on how it will function for the corn-soybean farmer and the continuous Corn grower. Daugherty and Orthman Mfg teamed up to demonstrate this tool made with rock protection have succeeded in showing how this machine works in clayey textured soils and rocks/stones the size of rugby balls and larger.

Summer Sunset Settles in Central Nebraska

7/7/2008

Summer Sunset Settles in Central Nebraska

After a very warm July 4th weekend the Nebraska sunset settles behind the bins to give a signature to the day as done.
Courtesy - Mark Griffith

Orthman Sales Team Takes Strip-Tillage to Sinoloa, Mexico

6/24/2008

Orthman Sales Team Takes Strip-Tillage to Sinoloa, Mexico

A small team of men from Nebraska hosted by MATCO representatives out of Culiacan, Mexico. We met with growers in the Culiacan region to see how their farming practices and strip-till can benefit them and their methods. We were very well received and numerous growers want to try the strip-till system. White corn is the greatest percentage of the acreage of what they grow in Sinoloa.

Planting After Strip-Till In Heavy

5/21/2008

Planting After Strip-Till In Heavy '07 Wheat Stubble in South Central Nebraska

Warren Coulter who works for Orthman is planting grain sorghum into strip-tilled wheat stubble that went 60 bu/acre+. Good start for dryland sorghum in such an environment.
Photo courtesy - Mark Griffith

NDSU Agronomist Investigates Strip-Till

5/18/2008

NDSU Agronomist Investigates Strip-Till

Walt Albus with NDSU checks one of his fields how the corn is emerging placed into a strip-tilled field. NDSU at the Oakes Site is carrying out new research to study how strip-till can be useful to the North Dakotan growers.

Orthman is settling on an agreement to assist with a 3 yr. research and outreach project. We returned from up north working with Walt Albus and other NDSU officials.

Applying Manure is Labor Intensive in Corn Fields in Romania

5/4/2008

Applying Manure is Labor Intensive in Corn Fields in Romania

J. Colville captures a chore that many of us dispise when cleaning out pens and applying manure. Hauled into piles and then spread with pitchforks manure is a premium for most Romanian farmers.
My friend was in eastern Europe in late winter/early spring traveling this year and captured this image.

Most Days Can Settle Like This One!

4/30/2008

Most Days Can Settle Like This One!

A spring sunset on the North Platte River to remember how a day should close and give us a sense of peace.
Image courtesy: Kati Griffith

Dealers from South of the Border Visit

4/25/2008

Dealers from South of the Border Visit

Two gentlemen who represent MATCO Catepillar and Challenger came to visit Orthman Manufacturing, Inc April 22-23, 2008. These men were able to see the 1tRIPr in action and Implement guidance by Trimble.
Photo:courtesy Justin Troudt

Orthman Practices What We Preach

4/22/2008

Orthman Practices What We Preach

South of Arapahoe, NE we are practicing the precision fertilizer application, tilling a narrow 9 inch band, disrupting a compacted soil profile in the 2007 65-70bu/ac wheat crop for 2008 dryland corn. Soils are 49-50 degrees F. and will warm up quickly with the exposed tilled area. Soil between the stripped zone is left untouched, keeping residues attached, covering the ground for spring and summer rains to soak in, shade the soils and prevent wind/water erosion. All the while using 1 operation at 1.3 to 1.7gal/acre diesel fuel to prepare the seedbed, fertilize and allow vertical soil disturbance for deeper root growth in this dryland field.
Check with your Orthman dealer or rep to get a better idea of the system.

Colorado State University Has Great Success at Strip-Tilling

4/15/2008

Colorado State University Has Great Success at Strip-Tilling

CSU uses their 1tRIPr for seedbed preparation for crops into a cover crop of clover. This research project is in the Grand Valley near Grand Junction, Colorado.

Image courtesy: Dr.Neil Hansen, CSU

STONEHENGE

4/10/2008

STONEHENGE

A good friend now passed on sent this to me before he died. Quite a place that has stood before time and thwarted many a man's mind of Why?

Good Deal on Old Tractor?

3/27/2008

Good Deal on Old Tractor?

A very good friend on her travels in Europe, Hungary and Romania thought this would appeal to some of us. This is an implement dealer in Hungary and his line up of farm machinery.
Courtesy of J. Colville

Growers in the Yellowstone River Valley - Do A Taste Test for Strip-Till

3/19/2008

Growers in the Yellowstone River Valley - Do A Taste Test for Strip-Till

3/19/2008 NRCS and two Montana Conservation Districts join forces to bring new information from research in strip-till out of the West (Sydney, MT and Colorado) to help sugar beet and corn growers in the Yellowstone valley west of Billings, MT. Our men Doug Peterson and Mike Petersen presented the good news for Orthman. 45+ growers enjoyed a pleasant last day of winter to see and hear what strip-till can do for them. We, Orthman Mfg., and Schlagel demonstrated in this corn field near Laurel, MT.

Spring Is In The Air!

3/12/2008

Spring Is In The Air!

The Irrigation Research Foundation near Yuma, Colorado held their late winter Ride 'n Drive clinic (3/11/2008) for Orthman Mfg, Inc., CNH/Brothers Equipment, MV Equipment-Yuma, Auto-Farm and Trimble Navigation to show what's new for the 2008 season. In the picture (kneeling) is Doug Peterson with Orthman offering the advantages of what the Orthman 1tRIPr does for fertilizer placement and seedbed preparation. The soil worked up beautifully, but icy cold. Frost is almost all out of the ground.

New 1925 Stacker Bar for the 24 Row Market with Planters & Cultivators

2/21/2008

New 1925 Stacker Bar for the 24 Row Market with Planters & Cultivators

Orthman Manufacturing releases a peek at the large toolbar market folks! It is good for the 60 ft. toolbar customer who wants pull-type tools. This cool unit went north of Lexington, Nebraska to Broken Bow for a customer to attach 24-planter units.
Photo courtesy of Mark Griffith

Red Sundowns Mean What for Tomorrow?

1/7/2008

Red Sundowns Mean What for Tomorrow?

In the winter months the sundowns can be rather spectacular across the Plains of Nebraska. This is one of those that bleeds across the cold winter sky as we head west on a highway outside of Broken Bow.

Mt.Sneffels Range Shines Bright

12/27/2007

Mt.Sneffels Range Shines Bright

This photo from just north of Montrose, Colorado looking southwest to the big mountains in the SW corner of Colorado is a great backdrop for those farmers on the Uncompaghre Plateau and in the valley area of the Gunnison and Uncompaghre Rivers. Even though all of the mountains are shouldered with more white stuff - spring is around the corner.

December Cold Sunrise - Santa is Near!

12/17/2007

December Cold Sunrise - Santa is Near!

Cold morning and Thoughts of What 2008 will Bring!

Courtesy: Mark Griffith

Imagery of A Loving Christmas Gift

12/12/2007

Imagery of A Loving Christmas Gift

Even the wildlife have the right idea at this time of the year - Christmas!!

Precision Fall Fertilization After Soybeans in Ohio

11/1/2007

Precision Fall Fertilization After Soybeans in Ohio

Mark Foster with Widmer & Associates is precisely applying fertilizers to fit a specific fertility program in the Fostoria, OH area. Trimble guidance and Orthman 1tRIPr working together for this growers 2008 upcoming crop.
Courtesy Widmer & Assoc.

2007 SunBelt Expo near Moultrie, GA is a Hit

10/20/2007

2007 SunBelt Expo near Moultrie, GA is a Hit

Thousands of visitors came to see the 1,000+ vendors goods. Country music was played by several live groups, good food offered to all. New items were exposed from lawn mowers to the new cotton harvestors by John Deere and Case-IH. Some in-field demonstrations caught the eye of folks.

Delta Strip-Tilling As a Fall Sun Sets - October 3rd, 2007

10/3/2007

Delta Strip-Tilling As a Fall Sun Sets - October 3rd, 2007

A beautiful evening glow of the sun setting backlights a tractor. Located in the Delta of Arkansas we were finishing up a day of strip-tilling and precision placing of fertilizer for the 2008 crop. The Orthman 1tRIPr guided by Trimble RTK Implement guidance is making a great difference for precison farming in heavy 2007 corn residue.

North Dakota Badlands - A Marvelous Fall Day!

9/29/2007

North Dakota Badlands - A Marvelous Fall Day!

Traveling to and from Dickinson, ND to eastern Montana to present information to growers in the Yellowstone Valley allowed this picture to be taken from a trail in T. Roosevelt Nat'l Park. A place that the young man of the Rough Riders enjoyed greatly. This fall day (9/28) offered a glance in that beauty.

Orthman Organizes a Successful Strip-Till Field Event

9/21/2007

Orthman Organizes a Successful Strip-Till Field Event

Near the two soil pits used for in-field education and demonstration for what is happening with the OMI Tillage Study; Mike Petersen with Orthman on the right and Rich Peters with Channel Bio discuss their findings. Over 130 bonafide growers came 9/14/2007 to Lexington, Nebraska to see and hear what is new and changing the face of advanced agriculture.
Mike, Rich Peters and Maynard Ochs of Mycogen Seeds, all spoke at the soil pits relating agronomic facts of strip-tillage in irrigated corn.

Some of the information shared is found is offered to the right of this photo - Comparative Tillage Study Fall 2007 in the News sidebar
Photo courtesy - John Bell

Orthman Ready for Strip-Till Field Day

9/14/2007

Orthman Ready for Strip-Till Field Day

Case-IH combine with 8 row header harvests 97 day corn so Orthman Mfg. can demonstrate the versatility of 1tRIPr tool right after harvest.

September 14th at 10:00am to 4:00pm just west of the Orthman Plant just off Rd 435 near Lexington, Nebraska the first event at the new Orthman research facility. Vendors, partners, seed companies, new equipment will be exhibited for all our guests. Soil/Root pits will have discussions as to the results of the 2007 corn crop to this date. Field demos and Trimble and AutoFarm will show their new implement steering capabilities. Come and see!

California Farmer Get

9/6/2007

California Farmer Get's Top Performance with Strip-Till

Last of August this year Tom Barcellos stands to make some great corn with conservation tillage (strip-tillage). He says it grows some tall corn.

Orthman

9/1/2007

Orthman's New Atlas Cart w/1tRIPr

This is the brand new twin 500 gallon liquid Atlas Lifting Cart with an 8 row folding 1tRIPr that will be debuted at 2007 Husker Harvest Days. Come by the Orthman lot and talk to the Orthman Team about its features and possibilities on your farm.

Great Versatility, 1000 gallons and Precise Placement of Fertilizer - Its Ready for 2008 Crops!

Farm Progress 2007 - Decatur, Illinois

8/30/2007

Farm Progress 2007 - Decatur, Illinois

2007 Farm Progress Show wrapped up today (8/30/07) with a great three day show and so much to see. A couple days were a little on the extra warm side but the amount of new technology for growers to learn about was phenomenal. The field demonstrations were much of what growers wanted to see, strip-till was so well visited that we run out of area to see tools pull through the field. Many new items were revealed to the public at 2007 Farm Progress. Secretary of Ag Johanns stopped by and other dignataries. Next year - Boone, Iowa.

Beauty of Oregon Coast

8/23/2007

Beauty of Oregon Coast

When an evening comes to rest the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean in peace.

Kunau, Orthman and Trimble Navigation Team up well!

8/8/2007

Kunau, Orthman and Trimble Navigation Team up well!

A good crowd of farmers came and went during the August 2nd event just east of DeWitt, Iowa to see how the Trimble GPS implement guidance on the Orthman 1tRIPr strip-till tool. Farmers could drive tractors, combines, spray rigs with GPS guidance and they heard about the real benefits of precision tillage and placed fertility for growing corn in Iowa.
A hearty thanks to Kunau Implement!!

Mid-West Strip-Till Expo, Waterloo, Iowa

7/31/2007

Mid-West Strip-Till Expo, Waterloo, Iowa

The multi-state sponsored Strip-Till Exposition was a grand success. Over 400 growers from 5 states drove into Waterloo to see and hear about Strip-Till as an answer to minimizing input costs, improving soil health, and farming with the best technology out there.
Ten implement companies demonstrated in the field both in the morning and right after lunch. Researchers presented good information on the Hawkeye Community College campus.

August 14th, 2007 near Fergus Falls, MN the second of these events will be held to attract Dakotan, Minnesotan farmers, and some Iowa growers.

From 27000 ft. Kansas Thunderstorm is Awe Inspiring

7/28/2007

From 27000 ft. Kansas Thunderstorm is Awe Inspiring

Feeling fortunate to fly around this powerful storm over Eastern Kansas and yet capture the awesome beauty from this massive Cumulus nimbus cloud is for you to enjoy also.

Americana Thrives

7/18/2007

Americana Thrives

Daugherty's in northern Indiana strut their stuff in a Fourth of July parade.

67 inches Tall at 45 days after emergence

7/16/2007

67 inches Tall at 45 days after emergence

Planted May 17,2007 This Strip-Tilled corn is up, up'n Away at the Orthman Research fields. Fertility was precisely placed in the till zone beneath the seed to best feed the crop. Strip-till corn was averaging 71 inches compared to conventionally tilled corn at 49 inches the week of July 13th, 2007

Central Nebraska Pot-a-Gold - Bin full of Corn?

7/5/2007

Central Nebraska Pot-a-Gold - Bin full of Corn?

As today's agriculture sees corn as a golden elixir for cars, trucks and vans to keep moving powered by ethanol; this big bin is one key to the entire puzzle. There is always a promise for the good under the rainbow.

Photo courtesy of John Bell

July 29th Tillage Comparison Trials Near Lexington, Nebraska

7/3/2007

July 29th Tillage Comparison Trials Near Lexington, Nebraska

Orthman trials are studying traits with two prominent seed companies and how they respond to conventional tillage and strip-tillage for 2007. In the foreground the conventional tillage corn is shorter and a little 'N' deficient compared to the strip-tilled corn which is in the background. Our fertilizer program is working and the corn will be fine.

Come by and take a look, the marketing and sales team would be glad to talk to you what is happening with the study.

Sun setting over Elm Creek, NE

6/27/2007

Sun setting over Elm Creek, NE

The day of June 26th comes to a close in a red burning ball on the western horizon over a small town in the Platte River Valley of Nebraska.

Side-by-Side Comparison of Tillage Plots  at Orthman Farm -- June 18th, 2007 on left is Conventional, on right Strip-Till

6/22/2007

Side-by-Side Comparison of Tillage Plots at Orthman Farm -- June 18th, 2007 on left is Conventional, on right Strip-Till

Our plots are coming right along. Two days prior to photo, sprayed with Glyphosate product w/ Thiosulfate to accelerate weed control. Slight burn! Early next week we are measuring roots for 25-30 day root growth.
You may have noticed - conventional till planted a lot of volunteer corn, strip-till very little.
Keep following our progress.
Photo Courtesy - Seth Fenner

Orthman Research Plots - Excellent Stand & Emergence

6/12/2007

Orthman Research Plots - Excellent Stand & Emergence

At the Orthman Farm our plots comparing four different varieties from two prominent Corn Hybrid companies in two tillage systems are up and growing fast.
In this image, we are pleased to show the excellent stand and emergence in the strip-till plots, only tillage was with the Orthman 1tRIPr and the Case-IH planter. The corn was planted May 18th, this photo was taken June 11th.
Life on the farm is good!
Photo Courtesy Seth Fenner

Texas Blackland Soils - Strip-Till Improves Porosity

6/8/2007

Texas Blackland Soils - Strip-Till Improves Porosity

The cooperative study with Orthman, Texas A&M, and USDA-NRCS at the Stiles Research Farm - in Central Texas is taking a close-up and personal look at the soil to make measurements on soil porosity. Strip-Till, No-Till and Conventional tillage methods are being monitored for three years.

You are looking at a close-up photo of the 2 to 4 inch zone of the soils in the corn-on-corn portion of the study. Numerous pores help the soil absorb water and breathe. Strip-Till and is able to absorb water 15% faster than conventional tilled corn-on-corn. The No-Till is able to absorb water 25% faster than conventional in these heavy clay textured Blacklands soils.
Photo courtesy - Lori Ziehr,USDA-NRCS

Orthman Research Plot Work - It has begun!

5/31/2007

Orthman Research Plot Work - It has begun!

Planted on May 17th after innumerable inches of rain, clouds and nervously waiting for the ground to dry the Orthman guys have corn emerging. This year along with a 11 company variety trial showing some of their best numbers, Orthman is carrying out a tillage study with two Seed-Hybrid Companies studying effects of tillage on root distribution, physiology differences, yield and handling of rootworm pressures.
Photo courtesy - Seth Fenner

Red Sky at Night - Sailors Delight

5/23/2007

Red Sky at Night - Sailors Delight

Captured a true Colorado sundown across the Pawnee Grasslands near New Raymer, Colorado, May 22, 2007.

Orthman Research Farm - Strip-Till w/Trimble Guidance

5/15/2007

Orthman Research Farm - Strip-Till w/Trimble Guidance

Adjacent to the Lexington North Plant is the newly organized research field/farm for Orthman Manufacturing. After the very wet spring, Orthman is in full swing strip-tilling utilizing Precision guidance and precise placement of fertility. Studies similar to what Orthman has been conducting at the Irrigation Research Foundation about 3 hours further west in Colorado are under way. Using Trimble implement steering tools at the RTK level of accuracy is part of the program.
Come, stop by and see what the staff is doing and get a good idea of the importance of precision guidance for planting, tillage, fertility and weed control.

11 inches of Rain - Aberdeen, So.Dak Area  Early May 2007

5/12/2007

11 inches of Rain - Aberdeen, So.Dak Area Early May 2007

This makes one wonder if Noah's Ark is necessary.
Courtesy Warren Coulter

Strip-Till Is Working Even in This Rainy Spell

5/6/2007

Strip-Till Is Working Even in This Rainy Spell

Placing liquid fertilizer with a 1-tRIPr near Arapahoe, Nebraska for the first time allows this grower to avoid some potential compaction.
Case tractor has implement steering on 1tRIPr. Photo courtesy: Mark Griffith

Montrose, Colorado farmer goes into second year of Strip-Till

4/24/2007

Montrose, Colorado farmer goes into second year of Strip-Till

Mr. Meaker used the Strip-Till system in 2006 to harvest a great crop. With his addition of making the Orthman 1-tRIPr tool a true one-pass operation in 2007, he eagerly awaits the soil temperature to allow him to go. Last year his fuel savings and yield boost in silage and corn grain has he and his wife in high hopes.
Randy is one of the very first men on the Western Slope to use Strip-Till technology to raise his crops.

Irrigation Research Foundation - Ready to See What Happens

4/20/2007

Irrigation Research Foundation - Ready to See What Happens

Charles Corey and staff finished getting all the IRF ready for planting with the strip-till rigs. Now we wait for the soil temperature to warm up enough to plant corn. Soil temps must be 52-54 degrees for corn to germinate and begin the cycle. With the very moist conditions and cold soil, planted too early the seed coat will imbibe moisture and the seed coat would rupture and potentially rot because the roots or small plant will not grow at soil temperatures below 50. Let us all be smart and give the soil a chance to warm up.

Sunset in Western Nebraska - A Warm Glow

4/9/2007

Sunset in Western Nebraska - A Warm Glow

This sunset reminds us that spring time is really coming and summer is around the corner. Orange and warmth of a summer evening eminates from this photo.

Photo courtesy of John Bell

Learn a Little About Bacteria in a New Article Series

4/6/2007

Learn a Little About Bacteria in a New Article Series

This little microscopic creature lives with millions of it's buddies doing good for the plant root rhizosphere. In strip-till it all happens for you and the seeds you are about to plant.

Broken Bow, Nebraska Sunday 4/01/07 - Terrible Fire Destroys

4/3/2007

Broken Bow, Nebraska Sunday 4/01/07 - Terrible Fire Destroys

The buildings in the downtown Square area caught fire from unknown cause at this time, became a four alarm fire with numerous fire departments from surrounding communities called to help. Folks are saddened to see a landmark and their town damaged so badly with this tragedy. Our prayers are with them.
Photo the Courtesy of: Mark Griffith

New Ethanol Plant in the Works - Yuma, Colorado

4/2/2007

New Ethanol Plant in the Works - Yuma, Colorado

The steady changes in the ag landscape offers another Ethanol Distillation Plant to be in production late 2007 for the western Corn Belt. This one is being built just east of Yuma, Colorado on the High Plains in the heart of Colorado's corn county.

Irrigation Research Farm  Ride

3/26/2007

Irrigation Research Farm Ride'N Drive Day 3/26/2007

The Irrigation Research Foundation teamed with Trimble, Red Hen Systems, AutoFarm, Case-IH, John Deere, Orthman, and Agri-Inject to offer area growers in Eastern Colorado and Western Nebraska hands-on experience with precision tillage and guidance at the RTK level. The day was a success even after a weekend of beautiful rain.

Growers heard about the variances in RTK for precision tillage, fertilization and planting from the major Agricultural GPS companies including John Deere. Growers rode the machinery with rep's offering valuable information in the tractor cab. A total of 48 people partook of the days activities.

Rapid Snow Melt - Streams Overflow with Runoff

3/17/2007

Rapid Snow Melt - Streams Overflow with Runoff

As mid-March gave way to 60 degree weather, the snow melted equally as fast. Runoff has been prolific and streams are swollen. Signs of fields barren of residue? Combination of saturation and frozen ground? Something growers can minimize - yes/no?

Winter is starting to leave the Northern Corn Belt - FINALLY!

3/15/2007

Winter is starting to leave the Northern Corn Belt - FINALLY!

After winters harsh grasp, ice and slick roads and long days standing at the window wishing for spring... there is melting and water and mud!

Orthman 1-tRIPr Strip-Till in the Delta

3/1/2007

Orthman 1-tRIPr Strip-Till in the Delta

In the Delta, Orthman Mfg., Inc and Taylor Farms are joining efforts to study the season of corn following 2006 cotton near Helena, Arkansas. A triticale cover crop was drilled into the furrows for erosion protection. Mr. Taylor is placing fertilizer in two locations below where the seed will be planted with the 1tRIPr to precisely feed the forthcoming corn crop in a supplemental irrigated field.

Follow along with Mr. Taylors' progress as this systems approach maximizes his 2007 corn crop. Watch right here on Precision Tillage.com. We will be having updates and comments from them as this crop goes to harvest.

Mycorrhizal Fungi - Small Plants of the Root Zone

2/26/2007

Mycorrhizal Fungi - Small Plants of the Root Zone

Mycorrhizae have been part of the rhizosphere for millions of years and now soil ecologists and mycologists are determining the real benefits of these fungi.

Nearly all higher plants live in association with these fungi to more fully extract water, phosphorus, nitrogen and some micronutrients for plant growth. In Strip-Till and No-Till systems, mycorrhizal fungi are of great benefit. In some soils in South America where farmers have been into No-Till practices for 25+ years, fungi are a very large component to the uptake of nutrients.

Are you taking care of your soils to promote better fungal assistance to the plant root?

Winter Frost & Fog - It

2/10/2007

Winter Frost & Fog - It's Beautiful!

With the recent cold air inversions and fog, the fog creates a coating of hoare frost on the trees. Up close one can see delicate ice crystals on the needles. Winter can look dreary with thick fog and gray skies, but the trees dance with intricate beauty.

If this Old Prairie School Could Talk

2/7/2007

If this Old Prairie School Could Talk

Located in northeastern Colorado this old school housed children of the 1920's to the 1950's. Sitting on a quiet short grass prairie site on a summer day it caught my eye,so to save a little bit of the past the shutter went click.

Hallett Peak - Calendar Perfect

1/31/2007

Hallett Peak - Calendar Perfect

The world above timberline may differ greatly from the plains and row crops and here is gorgeous proof to lift the spirits of those tired of dirty snow.

From 20,000 ft. Looking Towards the Front Range & Palmer Divide are Very White --- January 17th, 2007

1/17/2007

From 20,000 ft. Looking Towards the Front Range & Palmer Divide are Very White --- January 17th, 2007

The big snows of 2006-07 may last way into April. After nearly 8 years the country is welcoming the moisture these snows have left. Who knows there may be spring flowers?
Farmers and ranchers will see some soil profiles filled and ready for a better year.

New Year 2007 - Ice Storms

1/15/2007

New Year 2007 - Ice Storms

The ice storms of late 2006 and first few days of 2007 were tough on more than just fences. In some places in the Southern Great Plains, moisture with the storms topped 4 inches. This will be great for the winter wheat and rangelands.

Blizzards of 2006 Change Wildlifes Perspective

1/7/2007

Blizzards of 2006 Change Wildlifes Perspective

At a office in the Golden, Colorado area a good friend of mine snapped this photo of a Mule Deer interested in what was up with those two legged critters in the window.

Courtesy: Dennis Murphy

Final Days of 2006 Delivers a Blizzard to Central Nebraska

1/4/2007

Final Days of 2006 Delivers a Blizzard to Central Nebraska

Even after the nasty ice, howling winds and lost power the sunsets with beauty to remind us there is hope in tomorrow.

Courtesy Mark Griffith

Days Warmer & Prior to Blizzards of December 2006

12/27/2006

Days Warmer & Prior to Blizzards of December 2006

Morning sunrays greet participants like Mike Petersen and riding partner Jon (foreground) of the Moab Century as they climbed higher and higher into the Manti LaSal mountains east of Moab, Utah. Near 3,000 started and just under 1,000 finished the ride first weekend in October, the crux - the "Big Nasty" a hill approaching 15% grade. And yes, we finished.

Western Corn Belt - Post Harvest Stalks Grazed

12/17/2006

Western Corn Belt - Post Harvest Stalks Grazed

Numerous cattlemen and farmers arrange for stalks to be grazed with temporary electric fencing for a period of 10 to 90 days. This is a common scene for westerners to see steers, heifers or older cows wandering pivot fields gleaning corn. Strip-tillage systems function well in this approach growers use.

Texas Plant Protection Conference - December 5&6th, 2006

12/8/2006

Texas Plant Protection Conference - December 5&6th, 2006

Some interesting facts about cotton and its growth, acreage in the South, how growers are seeing some gaining trends in yield due to breeding were shared. At the Hilton Hotel in downtown College Station, Texas the Texas Plant Protection Association put on a great meeting for folks to hear some of the new breeding, weed control issues, disease and pest controls, climate outlook and water management concepts. Did you know that cotton likes to grow best at 79 degrees F.? We at Orthman offered a 30 minute presentation on the advantages of strip-till in irrigated corn and cotton production. Afterwards, good questions came fast and furious.

Wet Conditions in Central Indiana - 1tRIPr Goes Through It!!

11/25/2006

Wet Conditions in Central Indiana - 1tRIPr Goes Through It!!

Farmers are trying out the Orthman strip-till implement (1tRIPr)in some pretty wet conditions in a late afternoon demo. Running in heavy wheat stubble just prior to Thanksgiving 2006.

Colorado Sunrise Can Be Inspiring

11/20/2006

Colorado Sunrise Can Be Inspiring

Colorado has some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets to catch ones breath - this one was no different when temperatures hovered around 15 above.

Post-Harvest Root Studies Yield Tons of Information --  Nov. 2006

11/12/2006

Post-Harvest Root Studies Yield Tons of Information -- Nov. 2006

Field agronomist for Servi-Tech in NE Colorado explores how roots were fed in deep placed phosphorus zone. This information offers producers a better understanding of how corn-on-corn needs a more managed fertilization program.

Evening on a Dusty Road at Harvest

11/7/2006

Evening on a Dusty Road at Harvest

Central Nebraska is in full swing to cut corn and get it to market. A serene scene driving down a road in the Platte River Valley of Nebraska.
Courtesy John Bell

The 1tRIP-AR Works in Far Eastern Indiana  ---   November 2, 2006

11/2/2006

The 1tRIP-AR Works in Far Eastern Indiana --- November 2, 2006

In association with Smith's Implement in Richmond, IN the 1tRIP-AR ran in wet conditions and rocks. Here as you look closely the row unit on the right is tripping due to rocks.

A new trend in Luxury Cars?

10/19/2006

A new trend in Luxury Cars?

In the Central Valley of California we were impressed that luxury sedans are getting a higher profile to be better seen maybe? Or are we looking at the next way to pull a Strip-Till implement?

August 29th in Idaho - Pioneer Hosts Field Day with Strip-Till

8/30/2006

August 29th in Idaho - Pioneer Hosts Field Day with Strip-Till

Pioneer Seeds hosted a field day to share the 20+ varieties test just west of Jerome, Idaho for the 50+ dairy farmers in the area. Here growers are listening to Tillage Agronomist Mike Petersen, Orthman Mfg.Inc discuss the wise system approach to growing irrigated silage corn in the Snake River area.

Root Study - Eastern Colorado YieldGard Corn It

8/24/2006

Root Study - Eastern Colorado YieldGard Corn It's Effects

The newer trait of YieldGard+ in corn is showing great promise in fighting corn rootworm of the irrigated fields of the Western Corn Belt. Here a young agronomist with Monsanto is making root measurements to determine the effects earlier larvae damage was to the entire rooting system. With strip-till the corn's root environment has a fighting chance to get going early in the spring and with varieties expressing a protein that will kill young rootworm larvae, farmers have a chance to fight the insects. We are observing root depth improved by 7 to 22% when farmers plant YieldGard corn hybrids.

Sunflower Muppets Come to IRF

8/18/2006

Sunflower Muppets Come to IRF

These happy go lucky guys kept showing up in a variety of places at the 2006 Irrigation Research Foundation summertime Farm Show.

2006 IRF FARM SHOW  Aug. 16, 2006

8/16/2006

2006 IRF FARM SHOW Aug. 16, 2006

From a cool, cloudy morning to hot and muggy afternoon the Strip-Till System Educational Seminar and field trials can help irrigated growers improve their bottomline. The on-going GPS guided corn research with Orthman/Monsanto/IRF and John Deere is making some dramatic points to seeing how strip-till and fertilizer placement has their irrigated field sized plots hummin'. Today the Farm Show had much of the field items directly involved with the Strip-Till and Limited water study. There were about 195 people listening to the program offered by Deere crop systems specialist, Yancy Wright from Hayes, KS, Jeff Tichota, TDM for Monsanto from Centennial, CO and Mike Petersen, with Orthman Agronomist from Greeley, CO all pitched in to put on a show and set of talks.

RTK Precision Tillage & Fertility Placement Study  -  August 11th, 2006

8/11/2006

RTK Precision Tillage & Fertility Placement Study - August 11th, 2006

In a joint effort at the Irrigation Research Foundation farm near Yuma, Colorado John Deere and Orthman earlier this year began a precision placement study. This replicated study is to observe the value of making sure seed placement and the banding of fertilizer makes sense and the validity of sub-inch accuracy from year to year has merit. Here Yancy Wright, Deere's Crop Systems Specialist explains to a regional Garst Seed Co. event the study with the Orthman 1tRIPr.

Deficit Irrigation is a Real Issue

8/8/2006

Deficit Irrigation is a Real Issue

The researchers at IRF are on-purpose limiting water via irrigation to gain data and experience what occurs when growers have shortages to a crop in the High Plains.
Come and see the field sized plots look like at the IRF, north of Yuma, CO. During the IRF Farm Show the scientists will discuss the entire project now into its 4th year.

SW Minnesota Extension Service Exposes Growers to Strip-Till

7/28/2006

SW Minnesota Extension Service Exposes Growers to Strip-Till

Between the two locations, Lamberton and Waseca, Minnesota over 375 growers heard several speakers offer information about Strip-Till methods and saw several strip-till tools demonstrated in small grain stubble. The 1tRIPr unit of Orthman Mfg. gave a great showing in the heavy textured soils at both sites. The team of Mark Griffith, Warren Coulter and Mike Petersen-Agronomist all three spoke until they were near hoarse to the crowds. Growers in southern Minnesota are excited about what may be the potential of this way of farming row-crops.

SW Minnesota Extension Service Strip-Till Field days

7/26/2006

SW Minnesota Extension Service Strip-Till Field days

First morning (7/25/06) near Lamberton, MN before the showers came. Orthmans 1-tRIPr shows well!

Strip-Till in 2006 Growing Corn at Channel-Bio

7/20/2006

Strip-Till in 2006 Growing Corn at Channel-Bio

Orthman and Channel-Bio Corp. join forces to demonstrate how 1tRIPr works in high residue

Long Necked heron enjoys strip-till beets

7/20/2006

Long Necked heron enjoys strip-till beets

Great Blue Heron checks out Strip-Till Success

Rootstudy2

5/30/2006

Rootstudy2

Irrigation Research Foundation - Yuma, Colorado. Notice how the water puddles bad in the adjacent conventionally tilled ground on left side of image compared to much less of puddling condition in strip-till area on the right.

Rootstudy1

5/30/2006

Rootstudy1

Yuma, CO - Irrigation Research Foundation. Continuous strip-tilled corn with Orthman 1tRIPr into 220+ bushel/acre corn.

Hirai2

5/16/2006

Hirai2

Mike Petersen, Orthman Precision Tillage Agronomist explains the use of the new 1tRIPAR how it works in hidden rock country, and for this triticale stubble condition to become silage corn for dairy operations near Wendell, ID.

Hirai1

5/16/2006

Hirai1

Near Wendell, Idaho. Newly harvested on irrigated pivot field of triticale for dairy haylage. New Orthman 1tRIPAR used to prepare the seedbed in one pass prior to planting silage corn. Grower expects to save fuel, time, labor, wear & tear on machinery and plant corn sooner.

Offset1

5/3/2006

Offset1

At Yuma, CO - Irrigation Research Foundation. Emerging corn in RTK Guidance Study. Seed was planted accurately into strip-tilled zone by 1tRIPr with sub-inch accuracy to monitor corn roots and plant health. This image depicts emerging crop when "dead-on" with RTK guidance.

Offset3

5/3/2006

Offset3

At Yuma, CO - Irrigation Research Foundation. Blank stake shows where the center of the strip-till zone exists and 4 inch stake shows where the corn emerged when planted off center by 4 inches.

Offset5

5/3/2006

Offset5

At Yuma, CO - Irrigation Research Foundation. Blank stake shows where the center of the strip-till zone exists and 8 inch stake shows where the corn emerged when planted off center by 8 inches.

plant_4in_offset

4/20/2006

plant_4in_offset

Planting corn with John Deere crop systems specialist Yancy Wright at the wheel. Planting corn with sub-inch accurate GPS. This is part of study where we are to be planting 4 inches offcenter of where we strip-tilled 1 month earlier.

9420T_1tRIPr3

3/25/2006

9420T_1tRIPr3

Near Wallace, NE Franklin Farms working with their properly set up new 12row-30inch 1tRIPr for the first time in irrigated continuous corn. Tractor employs the John Deere RTK Guidance system for accuracy and efficiency of farming operations and fertilizer placement.

9420T_1tRIPr

3/25/2006

9420T_1tRIPr

Near Wallace, NE Franklin Farms working with their properly set up new 12row-30inch 1tRIPr for the first time in irrigated continuous corn.

9420T_1tRIPr2

3/25/2006

9420T_1tRIPr2

Near Wallace, NE Franklin Farms working with their properly set up new 12row-30inch 1tRIPr for the first time in irrigated continuous corn. Tractor employs the John Deere RTK Guidance system for accuracy and efficiency of farming operations and fertilizer placement.

1tRIPr_2

3/20/2006

1tRIPr_2

Placing fertility at Irrigation Research Foundation-Yuma, CO. Orthman 1tRIPr 8 row-30inch unit is only tillage tool used for this 3 year study.

1tRIPr_1

3/20/2006

1tRIPr_1

New 3 year study at Irrigation Research Foundation-Yuma, Colorado. Orthman-John Deere-Monsanto Project to monitor agronomics of corn root development, inputs, and yield. RTK Guidance is sub-inch for seed and fertility placement.

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