Oklahoma Farm Report masthead graphic with wheat on the left and cattle on the right.
Howdy Neighbors!
Ron Hays, Director of Farm and Ranch Programming, Radio Oklahoma Ag Network  |  2401 Exchange Ave, Suite F, Oklahoma City, Ok 73108  |  (405) 601-9211

advertisements
   
   
   
   
   

Agricultural News


Farmer Shares Success Stories and Strategies of No-Till Operation

Mon, 01 Aug 2016 20:50:33 CDT

Farmer Shares Success Stories and Strategies of No-Till Operation Last week, farmers from around the state gathered to learn about no-till farming in Leedey, Oklahoma during the Whirlwind No-Till Expo. Local no-till farmer, Jimmy Emmons was there to host the expo and guided a tour of his soil-centric operation highlighting several innovations implemented on his farm to those in attendance eager to learn his methods.



"Traditionally around here people would tell you, you couldn't raise milo because it would burn up in this heat and wouldn't pollinate," Emmons said, "but we are proving that it can be done."



Emmons is accomplishing this by utilizing a cover crop system to increase water 'infiltration' into the soil. He explained that this method allows rain water to penetrate deep into the soil and stores itself there to be used by plants as needed, remaining safe from evaporation thanks to the shady cover crops.



Another method being experimented with on Emmons' farm is 'pollinator strips.' According to Emmons, pollinator strips consist of multiple species of flowering plants that pollinate at different times, attracting a variety of beneficial insects that prey on pest insects. He cited one instance where certain plants attracted dragonflies that preyed on sugarcane aphids infesting his crop. He claimed the aphids were eradicated by the dragonflies within a few days. Emmons explained that research was being conducted to decipher the exact area that can benefit from a pollinator strip. He believes that strategic placement of strips around the borders of a field could greatly discourage the intrusion of harmful insects.



Historically, native prairies accommodated approximately 100 different plant varieties at a time in one area, Emmons said. His experience bringing in more natural methods of cultivating land, allowing multiple species of plants and livestock access to an area creates a symbiotic system that results in healthier soil, which in turn promotes plant growth.



"That's what we're trying to do is mimic what God created in the natural system here that has multiple species," Emmons said.



Listen to Jimmy Emmons explain more about the additional benefits no-till systems bring to crops and livestock by clicking on the LISTEN BAR below.





   



   

Listen to Jimmy Emmons explain the added benefits of no-till production
right-click to download mp3

 

WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI

 


Top Agricultural News

  • Oklahoma Youth Expo Sale of Champions Sale Order Available Here- Sale Set for 4 PM Friday  Fri, 17 Mar 2023 04:50:54 CDT
  • Rural Voters Dominated Vote to Defeat Recreational Marijuana March 7th  Fri, 10 Mar 2023 07:13:05 CST
  • Ron Hays Talks to Israeli Ag Tour Guide Colin Lotzof About the Miraclel of Ag in Israel  Wed, 22 Feb 2023 22:11:04 CST
  • OALP Members Experience First Hand View of Cutting Edge Drip Irrigation Technology as Israel Travel Ends  Wed, 22 Feb 2023 10:51:49 CST
  • OALP Members Get First Hand View of Cutting Edge Drip Irrigation Technology as Israel Travel Ends  Wed, 22 Feb 2023 10:50:10 CST
  • Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program Sees Fruit, Beef and Dairy Production North of the Sea of Galilee in Israel  Mon, 20 Feb 2023 21:56:02 CST
  • Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program Sees Diverse Farm Operations in Jordan River Valley of Israel  Sun, 19 Feb 2023 21:17:30 CST
  • Israeli Tour Guide Mark Kedem Talks About The Cultural Aspects of What Class XX of OALP is Experiencing   Sat, 18 Feb 2023 22:17:23 CST

  • More Headlines...

       

    Ron salutes our daily email sponsors!

    Oklahoma Beef council Oklahoma Ag Credit Oklahoma Farm Bureau National Livestock Credit Ag Mediation Program P&K Equipment Oklahoma City Farm Show Union Mutual Stillwater Milling Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association KIS FUTURES, INC.
       
       
       
       
       

    Search OklahomaFarmReport.com

    © 2008-2024 Oklahoma Farm Report
    Email Ron   |   Newsletter Signup   |    Current Spots   |    Program Links

    WebReady powered by WireReady® Inc.