Orthman Manufacturing and strip tillage research

Mike Petersen is a full time Precision Tillage Agronomist, managing the Orthman Research Farm, as well as coordinating and conducting research activities with university, private, government and not-for-profit research sites in 10 states. He also provides  agronomic consulting services to Orthman partners and customers, training and educational outreach to growers, employees, the public and dealers across the U.S., Canada and Australia.

Read more about Mike and what he does on his site, PrecisionTillage.com

From Mike: With our work so far, the sales staff and I have learned that Precision Tillage or Strip-Till must integrate several key components to a systematic approach to row crop farming.

First, Precision Tillage starts with precise manufacturing of the implements, from conceptual drawings until the implement hits the soil.

Second, fertilizer placement is a key factor in growing a strong, vital and optimal crop.

Third, working with all of the input partners is imperative to make a system engaged for the farmer. These partners include seed companies, fertilizer suppliers, herbicide/pesticide companies, water districts, public power entities and other important implement companies that manufacture tractors with ample horsepower and draft to pull our 1tRIPr strip tillage machine.

Fourth, know the soils and the soil potentials that are vital to top production.

Fifth, moisture levels must be accounted for. 3 wet years in a row have altered our first strategy of how we were going to work forward.

Sixth, width matters. Changing from a 36" row configuration over to 30" has been a challenge and learning experience!

Seventh, we have a dozen great partners who we appreciate working with. View the list at PrecisionTillage.com

Eighth, conducting our research on the Orthman Research Farm and others with more "field-like" test plots and working with a budget similar to typical growers makes for accurate research.

And last, 225 (or more!) bushels an acre is never a given!

View a map of the Orthman Research sites.