BREDA — While there’s plenty of farm work to do as fall draws near, there’s one thing Jeff Pudenz won’t be doing — worrying about tilling his fields after harvest. He parked the tillage equipment in the late 1990s and hasn’t looked back.
“The first year I tried no-till on standing cornstalks going into soybeans the next year,” said Pudenz, who farms in the Breda area and lives near Churdan. “It worked, so I kept expanding my no-till acres after that.”
One of the biggest advantages he noticed right away was the fuel savings.
“In one growing season I used 3,000 fewer gallons of fuel right off the bat. There’s also less wear and tear on your equipment, since you’re not making as many trips across the field.”
Pudenz shared his insights into no-till and conservation from a farmer’s perspective during Iowa State University Extension’s Master Conservationist course, which was held in Greene and Boone counties this summer.
“A lot of people call no-till ‘no crop,’ but that’s not my experience,” he said. “My goal is to keep adding more organic matter and humus to the soil.”
Leaving the residue undisturbed in the fall also helps catch snow in the winter. In addition, precious soil doesn’t blow into the ditches, causing “snirt” (snow mixed with dirt).
“Since I switched to no-till, wind and water erosion are basically gone,” Pudenz said.
No-till: the low-haNgiNg fruit of coNservatioN farmiNg
No-till has been called the lowhanging fruit in conservation. “Farming without fall tillage is farming with the least amount of equipment and in the least amount of time,” noted Jim Richardson in a column for Prairie Rivers of Iowa, a nonprofit organization that was affiliated with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and is now an independent nonprofit that coordinates water quality and soil
health educational projects across Iowa.
Leaving crop residue on top of the land throughout the winter has long been recognized as a farming practice that reduces erosion, builds soil organic matter and takes the pressure off of getting the harvest done so you can get tillage done, Richardson wrote.
He began seriously thinking about no-till around the time Pudenz was starting to implement it on his acres.
“Let’s see, if I don’t till my corn stalks this fall, my fall expenses
ABOVE: Breda-area farmer Jeff Pudenz began switching to notill in the late 1990s. He shared his experiences with no-till during Iowa State University Extension’s Master Conservationist course, which was held in Greene and Boone counties this past summer. Master Conservationists share an interest in the sustainability of Iowa's natural resources, including the soil, and build their knowledge to become better stewards of those resources.
will be much less,” Richardson wrote. “Lot smaller fuel bill, and I won’t have to hire my uncle to do the ripping while I finish up the combining. I’ve already got trash whippers on my planter, so next spring I won’t have to do any tillage before I plant my soybeans.”
With all the residue on top, Richardson figured this would probably hold down the early-season weed pressure, so maybe he’d only have to spray once when the beans were half grown.
“I’m saving money! My banker will love it!” Richardson wrote. “Next year, since I won’t be needing that big piece of iron known as the v-ripper, I can sell it and pay down on my machinery loan. I noticed I didn’t get my big 4-wheel drive tractor out of the shed this year, so maybe I can sell that, too. This is where I was in 1999. I’ve been a notiller ever since.”
uNderstaNdiNg soil health is key
Pudenz can relate. He’s grateful he had two mentors who began notilling in the 1970s to guide him
LEFT: No-till has been called the low-hanging fruit in conservation. See NO-TILL, Page 8D
CELEBRATING AG HERITAGE AND HARVEST
By DOUG CLOUGH Farm News writer
ODEBOLT — The Odebolt Community Foundation (OCF), having been in existence since 2022, put on their third farm-to-table event Aug. 8.
“We did the first farm-to-table dinner two years ago,” said Danna Larson, president and the founder of the OCF. “That was the kickoff for our foundation with a big fundraising push, enabling us to raise $75,000. It also provided a really cool experience for the people of our town. We had people who were born here come back home to Odebolt for the experience.”
Tickets for the farm-to-table dining experience have been $100 and every year all 240 place settings were sold for the event held at Second and Main streets. Larson said that the balance of the funds raised comes in the form of donations from individuals, businesses, and farmers who give generously.
Funds are being used to save downtown buildings in this town of just under 1,000 people, which is steeped in agricultural heritage.
“We’ve sold out the event for the third time, which we’re grateful for,” said Larson. “When events are new and shiny, it’s easier to sell them, but to see the continued support is outstanding.
“This year, we started with a social hour where we served hors d’oeuvres including charcuterie. We also served local meats from Arcadia. After social hour, guests sat down for the remainder of a four-course meal, finishing with an American wedge salad, filet mignon, bacon and brown sugar-wrapped green
“If you look at our businesses today, you see that many of them are ag-focused. A farm-to-table event is a fun way to celebrate the upcoming harvest and our heritage; it prompts discussions on what the future looks like for us. It draws people of all ages, and everyone has a great time together.“
President,
DANNA LARSON
Odebolt Community Foundation
beans, roasted potatoes, and then we capped it all off with an Iowa summer classic, strawberry shortcake. Odebolt’s Bowling Alley prepares all our food and does a fantastic job.”
Phil Kane, an entertainer featured on American Idol, was this year’s featured entertainment. Larson noted that an event of this magnitude takes a great deal of planning.
“Northwest Iowa is full of hardworking people,” stated Larson. “We also have really good volunteers — around 75 this year — who are willing to help out. We divide and conquer everything from meal planning to clean up. It’s a fun event that people want to be part of in our community. I’ve done these in other communities, and I knew I wanted to bring it to my hometown; every time our foundation does this, we learn something new. It’s a major feat with lots of spreadsheets necessary to
keep everything straight!”
The OCF board is comprised of David Currie, Vance Lundell, Makenzee Reik, and Larson, and information about the foundation can be seen at www. odeboltcommunityfoundation.org.
The sit-down dinner requires 20 long tables from the community center and over 20 servers from the Richland Robins 4-H Club.
“The biggest challenge is having so many people working together, and everything requires great timing,” said Larson. “Volunteers — even the best like we have — required coordination, so they know what they are doing, how to do it, and when to do it. Our Richland Township 4-H kids are absolutely outstanding at serving the meal; our guests always say that they are a highlight of the night.”
The efforts of all who help are rewarded with funds that get put to
good use for the town itself. “In our inaugural year, we applied for some grants to renovate a key building in our downtown area,” said Larson. “We were awarded some of those grants. Some grants don’t require matching funds and others do, so we intend on using the money raised to qualify for grants where we share the cost. We also plan on using those funds when we’ve exhausted our grant money and future grant opportunities. There are a lot of state grants, which help us to multiply the money that has been generously donated.”
It's clear that Larson, who is an Odebolt native, is smitten with the farming town which gave her a good start in life.
“Odebolt has an incredible agricultural history,” said Larson. “We had two of the largest farms in Iowa. We were home to Cracker Jack Popcorn Company and, at one time, the popcorn capital of the world. Our ag roots run deep.
“If you look at our businesses today, you see that many of them are agfocused. A farm-to-table event is a fun way to celebrate the upcoming harvest and our heritage; it prompts discussions on what the future looks like for us. It draws people of all ages, and everyone has a great time together. People walk away from this experience seeing our town a little differently. We do this because we love our town and love to celebrate its agricultural heritage, especially as harvest approaches.”
-Submitted photo
DANNA LARSON is the president and founder of the Odebolt Community Foundation with fellow board members David Currie, Vance Lundell, and Makenzee Reik. The board leads a band of volunteers annually to feed 240 people a farm-to-table meal to usher in harvest and celebrate Odebolt's heritage and future.
CORN FUTURES SEE SLIGHT GAINS
Soybeans post lower trade in most markets
By KRISTIN DANLEY GREINER Farm News writer
As of the close of trade Aug. 12, corn futures showed 2- to 3-cent gains as USDA’s carryout projections offset the record U.S. corn yield estimates. However, soybeans posted sharp 22- to 25-cent lower trade across most contracts as the U.S. Department of Agriculture increased the U.S. production total for beans. The much-awaited USDA crop production report showed the national corn yield at 183.1 bushels per acre, according to the NASS survey, up 2.1 bushels per acre from the July WASDE. Acreage, however, was cut by 0.8 million acres to 90.7 million planted acres, with harvested down 0.7 to 82.71 million. That only raised production by 47 million bushels to 15 million bushels, according to market reports on Aug. 12. Old crop U.S. stocks were cut by 10 million bushels.
The U.S. soybean production total saw yield up 1.2 bushels per acre to 53.2 bushels per acre.
Acreage was up 1 million planted acres to 87.1 million, which bumped up production to 4.589 bushels per acre, up 154 million bushels from last month, market reports showed on Aug. 12.
Chad Hart, Iowa State University Extension economist, said in early August that the markets had been working their way down as forecasters contemplated the potential of a “very large crop” across the country.
“Crop condition ratings have been above average the entire year. The idea is that a lot was planted, but in reality, how much actually did get planted and how much acreage could fall out,” Hart
said. “We know the yield looks really good and so as we look ahead, we’ll see the market trying to assess the yield that’s now above trendline from corn and beans. Will we see some acreage leave because of flooding and hail damage?”
This summer, flooding in northwest Iowa, the Dakotas and Minnesota posed problems for farmers and hampered planted fields. So in the meantime, what can producers do?
“For the most part, with new crop
grains, there’s nothing farmers can do.
Just let markets do what they’re going to do. But with old crop, if you still have old crop, this is one of those deals where you try to figure out how much longer you want to hold on to this crop. For some folks, if you need to clean that bin, then make the sale, but I’d say go out and buy a call to give yourself some upside potential and not lock in lower prices,” Hart said. “Hopefully these are the worst prices we’ll see (Aug. 2).”
AS OF THE CLOSE OF TRADE AUG. 12, corn futures showed 2- to 3-cent gains as USDA’s carryout projections offset the record U.S. corn yield estimates.
Chad Hart
BEATING PEST PRESSURE
Alfalfa fields, forages seeing more pests this growing season
By KRISTIN DANLEY GREINER
Farm News writer
Iowa’s
Shelby Gruss, assistant professor of forages with Iowa State University, said that there was a considerable alfalfa weevil infestation in early spring and they were “pretty intense.”
“We were concerned as out west they have a resistant alfalfa weevil, but we haven’t seen that here yet,” Gruss said.
“The potato leaf hopper also is a big one. It’s pretty thick this year, but that happens every year.”
Angie Rieck-Hinz, field agronomist in north-central Iowa with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, said there were rootworm beetles, but that’s to be expected. Grasshoppers, Japanese beetles and soybean aphids all made an appearance but nothing concerning, Rieck-Hinz said.
“We didn’t have a lot of insect pressure last year either. We always wonder when we have really big spring rains and the soil is saturated if we drowned the pests that overwinter, but we don’t have any good correlation to make between those two,” she said.
Lance Lillibridge farms in Benton County and agreed that no new pests were detected, but said to the south of him in Benton County there were reports of root worm beetles.
“The biggest pest we’ve had is the wind,” Lillibridge said. “I have a cornon-corn operation and it’s been that way for 18 years. We’ve been using different technologies and rotating things. I like
-Farm News file photos
to think we’re a really good manager when it comes to pests. We’re just not seeing anything and I hope it stays that way. In 2021, we had a huge outbreak of army worms and knock on wood we haven’t seen that.”
Meaghan Anderson, a field agronomist based out of central Iowa with Iowa State University Extension, said that insect pressure has been lighter than expected considering the warm winter.
“2024 has been full of all the expected pest issues. We’re seeing Japanese beetles in soybeans and corn rootworm in corn,” Anderson said. “Soybean gall midge continues to persist but all the moisture this year has made it seem like the injuries are less apparent than in past years.”
She was surprised to see white grubs pruning corn roots in the past, and those emerged again this spring. The alfalfa
ABOVE: Alfalfa fields saw a considerable alfalfa weevil infestation in early spring, according to Shelby Gruss, assistant professor of forages with Iowa State University.
LEFT: Grasshoppers, Japanese beetles and soybean aphids (shown at left) all made an appearance this growing season, but nothing concerning, said Angie Rieck-Hinz, field agronomist in north-central Iowa with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
weevil pressure was concerning earlier this summer, but it wasn’t as bad in central Iowa as it was in southeast Iowa, she added.
“In many cases, pest pressure hasn’t warranted treatment, though some of the pests could be managed with foliar insecticides. White grubs require seed treatment or in-furrow insecticide at planting,” Anderson said. “Timely scouting is the best defense for most pest issues. Soybean gall midge has no effective management option in soybean.”
Leah Ten Naple, a field agronomist with Iowa State University Extension based out of northwest Iowa, said the 2024 growing season presented much different challenges than the last few growing seasons.
“Excess moisture at the beginning of the growing season forced growers to replant acres or delayed planting in areas
of northwest Iowa,” she said. “Weed pressure was one of the main pests that growers dealt with, as frequent rainfall and high wind speeds delayed herbicide applications. Insect pests being seen this growing season are Japanese beetles in both corn and soybeans.”
Reported insect and disease pressure have been relatively low so far this growing season, said Ten Naple. Some diseases spotted in corn have been common rust and Goss’ wilt. Diseases reported in soybeans are white mold and frog eye.
“These pests are pretty typical for the weather conditions we are experiencing,” she added.
Gentry Sorenson, a field agronomist in northwest Iowa for Iowa State University Extension, said that eastern and southeastern Iowa saw the alfalfa weevil emerge as a problem. He didn’t see that pest in concerning levels in his area, however. The potato leaf hopper did crop up in alfalfa fields before the first cutting.
“Currently, I have not heard of any soybean aphid issues in soybeans, but we should be scouting to understand if this pest is present in fields. Soybean aphid scouting should continue up till R6 growth stage in soybeans,” Sorenson said.
He said corn rootworm beetles are emerging in corn.
“Scouting for adults started around R1 growth stage in corn. Larvae scouting for corn rootworm occurs in June to early July,” Sorenson said. “One way to scout for corn rootworm larvae is a float test. This can be done by digging up corn plants and placing them in a bucket of water. The larvae that are present will float to the top and float in the water.
“The other method is to dig up roots and look at the injury on the corn roots. ISU utilizes a scale based upon the injury found to rate the injury that is present,” Sorenson added. “Again, it is helpful to do this while the injury is fresh to help with the scoring, usually 10 to 14 days after peak egg hatch or after feeding has been completed.”
Shelby Gruss
Leah Ten Naple
Meaghan Anderson
Gentry Sorenson
when he started getting interested in no-till around 1992-93. Both mentors farmed within 20 miles of his farm.
“I began realizing that no-till could work in my area,” Pudenz said. “I also studied what did and didn’t work.”
By 1998-99, Pudenz took the plunge and planted his first no-till soybeans.
“One mentor stressed the importance of using trash whippers on the planter,” he said. “They are a key to no-till and made a 15-bushel difference for me at harvest.”
Good closing wheels on the planter are also essential, Pudenz added. Using the right equipment, and truly understanding the ins and outs of no-till, make the difference between success and failure.
Pudenz reallocated the money he saved in fuel from no-till and invested in a planting system that allows him to produce great yields. “The farm equipment today is outstanding,” he said. “Just as important as the right equipment, however, is a meticulous operator who pays attention to detail.”
No-till doesn’t mean Pudenz never uses tillage equipment. “You need to till once in a while to manage ruts and incorporate fertilizer. My ground gets field cultivated once every six years.”
Switching to no-till isn’t a decision to be made lightly.
“There is a learning curve,” Pudenz said, “and you have to sift through the information that’s out there to determine what works for you.”
Understanding soil health principles is also vital to make no-till work.
“It’s a whole program,” Pudenz said. “You can’t just pick one or two things and expect it to work.”
Also, be prepared for pushback, Pudenz added. “The banker might say no-till is too risky,” he said. “Also, the machinery company, fertilizer supplier
AS HE PREPARES to enter his 50th year in farming in 2025, Jeff Pudenz, left, continues to reap the benefits of no-till, and continues to learn all he can about practical conservation practices that work in Iowa. In June, he participated in Iowa State University Extension’s Master Conservationist program. The group (shown here) toured various farms in Greene County to see various conservation practices, from no-till to oxbow restoration along a stream.
and fuel company aren’t going to be selling you as much.”
Pudenz went from applying almost 200 pounds of nitrogen (N) per acre to 100 units of N. He applies 40 units at planting and 60 units during the growing season. “To me, the definition of a true conservationist is someone who knows if you can get the
job done with fewer resources, the better.”
As he prepares to enter his 50th year in farming in 2025, Pudenz continues to reap the benefits of no-till.
“When I switched to no-till, people thought I was crazy,” he said. “Now they ask me questions about how I make it work, especially since I’m not trying to sell them anything.”
For anyone new to no-till, Pudenz recommends starting with acres that will be planted to soybeans.
“Walk before you run, since there are a lot of variables. Read and research all you can about no-till,” he said. “Listen to other farmers you can trust who are succeeding with no-till. There are people out there who can guide you.”
