Recorded on 9/17/24, Delaware County farmer Joe Hamilton and Fayette County farmer Andrew Bernzott discuss the steps they take when picking up a new field or farm. Hamilton returned to a full-tillage corn/soy family farm after spending 12 years as a mechanical engineer. Bernzott took over a 30-year no-till farm. Both farms are now in a 100% no-till / 100% cover crop system.

Both start by taking soil samples, paying close attention to base saturation of calcium and magnesium in addition to phosphorus and potassium needs, because if soil fertility isn't taken to critical levels, one really doesn't have a starting point. Both concentrate on getting cover crops seeded and discuss the details of their strategies, including the importance of covers in their use of poultry litter for phosphorus needs.

On 08/14/24, FarmAdvisors a truly farmer-designed and farmer-led mentoring program was launched (www.FarmAdvisors.Ag). Four of the founding farmers talked about the development of the program: Jim Mosely, former Deputy Secretary of Agriculture; Rodney Rulon, Hamilton County; Mike Brocksmith, Knox County; and Aaron Johnson, Orange County.

The rollout occurred just under a year from the first meeting of farmers - along with a few ag advisors. Rulon - led a group of six individuals, including Brocksmith and Johnson, who met almost weekly OVER PLANTING SEASON to develop a business plan and key points of the program.

The farmers involved have dedicated their time and passion to "pay it forward' to help ensure that farmers adopting a soil health practice are SUCCESSFUL.

08/03/24 - Aaron Johnson, Vice-president of Riverview Farms out of Orleans, Indiana - and manages their crop production systems - has been planting double-crop CORN after wheat for several years - with very respectable yield results. Jeremiah Windell, a precision agronomist with Advanced Agrilytics out or Corydon, IN has been working with Aaron for years, including their double-crop systems.

Johnson typically plants double crop corn sometime between June 25 - July 1, because of accumulation of GDUs when the double crop is planted, he often uses 109-113 day varieties. He's seen soil organic matter rise faster in a wheat/double crop corn vs wheat/soybean cover crop. Between deeper roots and heavier residue, they have seen returns in subsequent years.