Presented by Farm & Food Care Ontario, follow along as 4 farm families share their journey into adopting strip-tillage systems on their farms.
Warren & Christine Schneckenburger
Warren and Christine made the transition to strip-tillage after attending conferences and working with mentors in their area and from across the province. Their Eastern Ontario soils have a lot of stones which is very hard on conventional tillage equipment. The strip-tillage system has less equipment contact with the ground, which has reduced equipment maintenance while allowing their soil structure to improve.
Ken Nixon
Ken Nixon has been using strip-tillage on his farm for a number of years and is passionate about soil properties. For him, moving seedbed preparation and fertilizer application to the fall better distributes labour requirements throughout the year.
Mike Cornelissen
The Cornelison family operates a poultry, greenhouse and grain farm. Strip-tillage allows them to spread out their grain farming activities around their other farming operations to make better use of labour. They are very analytical and use research trials conducted on their farm to drive their decision-making process. With a focus on the cost of production, they are always refining their approach.
Gary DeBorger
At DeBorger Farms, cost of production, time and equipment are important considerations. Strip-tillage has allowed them to reduce wear and maintenance on equipment and make improvements in soil properties at the same time.
Strip-Tillage Videos
The Basics
Strip-tillage disturbs a strip of soil for planting at a later date while leaving a space in between the strips undisturbed. Watch this video to learn the basics of strip-tillage and how this practice is a win-win for farmers by blending the benefits of no-till and conventional tillage.
Learning to Make it Work
Hear from OMAFRA specialists and farmers as they share some tips and recommendations, from equipment to technology, for transitioning to strip-tillage.
Part of the Cropping System
In this video, you’ll learn the strategies farmers use to fit strip-tillage into their crop plan and how strip-tillage impacts crop management.
Overcoming Challenges
Strip-tillage comes with its own set of unique challenges based on soil type, season, equipment and more. In this video, farmers share their experience with strip-tillage and what did (and didn’t) work on their farm.
Strip-tillage by the Numbers
Considering a switch to strip-tillage? Set yourself up for a successful and sustainable transition by understanding your cost of production including equipment, inputs, labour, maintenance and more.
Soil Health and Environmental Benefits
What does strip tillage, in combination with the other aspects of crop management, do for your soil health? Can strip-tillage help you meet your goals that include improved soil health and increased profitability?