Clint Brauer had a problem. Marestail and pigweed were wreaking havoc on his soybean fields. The third generation farmer employs organic and regenerative practices on his Kansas farm and realized there was no way to stay ahead of weeds on broadacre crops without relying on chemicals.
"My goal has always been to get chemicals out of farming," Brauer says. "I also knew I couldn't simply say I wanted to get rid of chemicals without defining how I could achieve that."
Then he had a crazy thought: What would happen if he cut the weeds using a mower? "It seemed like a stupid idea that would never work," Brauer says. "So, I reached out to a friend as well as our crop consultant at the time. Frankly, neither knew what would happen." Rather than discard his idea, Brauer decided to test the concept on his fields. For two summers, he used knives and rotary mowers on weeds, cutting at different heights.
Denne historien er fra Mid-November 2023-utgaven av Successful Farming.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra Mid-November 2023-utgaven av Successful Farming.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
THE WOMAN BEHIND 'THIS FARM GIRL COOKS'
Coming up with quick, on-the-go meals is one of the many talents Deanne Frieders brings to the table.
HOW TO GROW A DOUBLE CROP OF CATTLE FEED
This Iowa farmer has perfected an annual system with four forage species that maximizes tonnage, resources, and feeding quality.
GOOD FENCES MAKE GOOD NEIGHBORS
The doctrine of title by acquiescence determines the legal boundary line between two properties and overrules the boundary listed in the deeds.
TIME WELL SPENT
Senator Charles Grassley reflects on careers in farming and government.
BUILDING FARM STABILITY
This young farmer uses regenerative practices and diversification to set up his farm for the future.
THE MEXICO MAIZE
Navigating Mexico's ban of genetically modified corn.
NEVER TOO BUSY TO LEND A HAND
Between their cattle operation, crops, and off-farm jobs, Dean and Tillie Thompson have plenty to do, but they still find time to serve their community.
WHAT SHOULD THEY EXPECT?
Problem: Two parents are conflicted about meeting their kids' inheritance expectations.
TIPS FOR A SAFE HARVEST
Follow these steps to protect you and your machinery while in the field this autumn.
9 NEW DAIRY PRODUCTS
See the latest innovations displayed at World Dairy Expo.