EXTENSION PROGRAMS AND FARMER EXPERIENCES WITH RIDGE TILLAGE

Ridge tillage extension activities in nine north central states are summarized. The extension faculty members use many teaching methods to communicate ridge-tillage information. They insert information into programs planned for general farm audiences. They plan in-depth programs, demonstrations and field days for ridge-till farmers and professionals. A survey of 118 ridge-till farmers in three states is also included. They reported overall savings of $50 ha-1 for soybeans and $59 ha-1 for corn, while yields have stayed the same or increased. Compared with tillage systems based on a plow, ridge tillage requires less machinery investment and reduces operating and labor costs. © 1990.