The precision farming business is aggressively focused on the future — whether its product development and deployment, analytical application of collected field data or conceptual brainstorming of the next breakthrough.

While still a niche, but growing farming practice, strip-till and precision farming technology intersect on many farmers’ operations to improve efficiency and productivity.

As dealer optimism continues to inch upward heading into the second quarter of 2017, no-till farmers are eyeing increased adoption of numerous precision farming technologies.

Jack Zemlicka has been promoted to Ag Division Content Director for Lessiter Media, Brookfield, Wis.

The benefits of precision farming translate to multiple farming practices, but strip-till is often cited as a system in which technology is essential. Banding nutrients beneath the soil surface and accurately planting into a fertile seed bed are cornerstones of strip-till, enhanced by a reliable guidance technology.

Moving into the second quarter of 2016, many precision dealers are maintaining a conservative sales outlook for the foreseeable future. But there may be reason for optimism, based on the recent results of No-Till Farmer’s 8th annual Benchmark Study.

It’s been a busy few months since our last print edition of this publication, with a flurry of company mergers and acquisitions that will surely influence the depth and delivery of precision farming product and services by dealers.

A touchscreen monitor that allows no-tillers to seed precisely, maintain depth, avoid compaction and troubleshoot mechanical problems was awarded the No-Till Product of the Year for 2015.

Eric Zell, no-till farmer in Cavour, S.D., shares his experience and value gained working with Wheat Grower's MZB farm management program and what he'd liked to see in the future from the company.