Don't let the frosty morning fool you, spring is in the air!
As agricultural fields are prepared for sowing, many producers have begun to implement no-till practices in their soil health management systems. During the 2023 crop year, nearly 30% of all farmland in the US utilized no-tillage principles.
Just as the name conveys, this method of getting plants in the ground is an alternative to tillage. When practiced, in addition to conservation crop rotation, cover crop planting, variable nutrient applications, drainage management and field buffer areas, land owners will begin to notice a change in their soils that will lead to better quality fields for crops, more cost-effective farming and increased support for ecological quality.
Our seed drills consist of a seed bin sat on top of a series of components that open small ribbons in the soil, deposits and presses the seeds in place, then closes the dirt back upon where it was removed. Drills have the ability to be calibrated to plant at various depths and deposit rates depending on seed mixtures. These controls distribute seed evenly at desired depths, keeping seeds free of wildlife grazing and sun exposure.
Drills are available for both new and experienced farmers alike.
The cost of renting a drill depends on the size. There are two drill widths available through a Morrow SWCD equipment rental. The 10 foot drill rents at $11.00/acre with a minimum charge of $110.00. The two 15 foot drills rent at $12.00/acre with a minimum charge of $120.00.
Operators agree to cooperate with the MSWCD in scheduling timely field planting or other field work giving due consideration for other users. Drills owned by Morrow SWCD will be transported only during daylight hours and not at an excess of 25 MPH. Use of the equipment should be immediate, weather permitting, and upon completion of the work, the operator should notify the MSWCD with the beginning and ending acre meter readings. Once Morrow SWCD has been notified of a drill's availability we will contact the next producer on the rental list and coordinate a pick-up.
To rent and/or for information concerning the use of the drills, seeding rates or calibration, please call or stop in the Morrow SWCD Office to fill out a Rental Agreement Form (required before use) and to be placed on the waiting list to use the drills.