Defending the Land Blog

Recent Posts

Read full post: Solving Strip-Till Dilemmas with Dave

September 15, 2025

Solving Strip-Till Dilemmas with Dave

The term strip-till may be foreign to some, and the idea of changing a practice that has been done for many years on your farm can be mind-boggling. Until you fully comprehend that strip-till is a systematic approach and not a cure-all, you may be telling yourself every reason in the book why it...

Read full post: Getting to Know the Tough and Versatile SoilWarrior

August 27, 2025

Getting to Know the Tough and Versatile SoilWarrior

Some have accused the SoilWarrior® of being built too tough. All SoilWarriors are built to withstand the rigors of farming in all types of soil and conditions. After all, isn’t that what you expect from your equipment? In fact, the founder of Environmental Tillage Systems (ETS) was a farmer who...

Read full post: Give Your Season An Edge With The SoilWarrior® Edge™

August 19, 2025

Give Your Season An Edge With The SoilWarrior® Edge™

The SoilWarrior® Edge™ combines the durability, versatility and nutrient placement of a SoilWarrior with a tractor-mounted three-point system designed for primary tillage and zone freshening.

Read full post: Get Your SoilWarrior Field-Ready with These Simple Steps

August 8, 2025

Get Your SoilWarrior Field-Ready with These Simple Steps

Technology doesn’t have to be your enemy. Conducting pre-season technology checks can save you time when it's “go time.” ETS Precision Ag Manager Scott Kelsey has been on many farms across North America and Canada, facilitating machine set-ups, inspections, and in-season troubleshooting.

Read full post: A Durable Solution to a Rocky Situation

August 7, 2025

A Durable Solution to a Rocky Situation

Nearly every farm has a machine (and or person)dedicated to picking rocks, whether it be a pull-type rock picker, a homemade self-propelled rock picker, or a rock bucket mounted on a front loader or skid steer. Rock picking is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and finding someone who has the time...

Read full post: Welcome Elise Heckmann, 2025 Marketing Intern

July 7, 2025

Welcome Elise Heckmann, 2025 Marketing Intern

Elise Heckmann joined the Marketing and Communications team at ETS as the 2025 Summer Marketing and Communications Intern. We are excited to have her on our team this summer, and she is excited about all the experiences and knowledge she will gain.

Read full post: A Team That Supplies It All

April 30, 2025

A Team That Supplies It All

When the term "customer service" is used, many people think of a mechanic, a technology specialist, or a salesperson. At Environmental Tillage Systems, customer service begins with getting the supplies needed to build SoilWarriors and SoilWarrior Edges. These supplies require careful forecasting,...

Read full post: Unraveling the SoilWarrior: FAQs Revealed

October 8, 2024

Unraveling the SoilWarrior: FAQs Revealed

Jump into the world of SoilWarrior and uncover the most frequently asked questions surrounding strip-till and your farm.

Read full post: What You Gain When You Till Less

September 30, 2024

What You Gain When You Till Less

What does success on your farm look like? For some, it’s top-end yields. To others, the ultimate goal is productive land to hand down to future generations. Still, others strive to maximize profitability by reducing their production costs. No matter how you define on-farm success, strip-tilling...

Read full post: Meet Jared Coy: The New Service Technician

July 3, 2024

Meet Jared Coy: The New Service Technician

Here at Environmental Tillage Systems (ETS), we have always wanted to provide superior customer service. Part of owning a SoilWarrior is the excellent customer service our sales and service team provides to our farmers. Jared Coy recently joined our service team.

Read full post: Meet Ted Carlson: The Engineering Intern

June 20, 2024

Meet Ted Carlson: The Engineering Intern

Environmental Tillage Systems (ETS) welcomes Ted Carlson to the team as the 2023 engineering intern. Ted just completed his third year at South Dakota State University, where he studied agricultural engineering. He is originally from Janesville, Minnesota. 

Read full post: Meet Jillian Woodall: The New Content Coordinator at ETS

June 12, 2024

Meet Jillian Woodall: The New Content Coordinator at ETS

Jillian Woodall brings a fresh perspective and valuable experience to her new role as the Content Coordinator at ETS. Learn more about her background and why she's excited to contribute to the team.

Read full post: The SoilWarrior Celebrates 20 Year Anniversary

May 7, 2024

The SoilWarrior Celebrates 20 Year Anniversary

Environmental Tillage Systems, a leader in the strip-till equipment industry, proudly announces the 20th anniversary of the SoilWarrior.

Read full post: Top 10 Reasons to Consider Strip-Till with a SoilWarrior

February 16, 2024

Top 10 Reasons to Consider Strip-Till with a SoilWarrior

Farmers are consistently exploring avenues to enhance productivity and efficiency on their farms. What if strip-tillage was the answer? Enter the SoilWarrior® by Environmental Tillage Systems. The SoilWarrior is more than just a tool for strip-tillage. It’s a way to zone in and take better control...

Read full post: SoilWarriors Across North America

January 31, 2024

SoilWarriors Across North America

A common objective to new practices among farmers is, "It won't work for my farm." We hear it all the time, especially when it comes to strip-till. Many worry about potential yield reductions or are hesitant to deviate from familiar farming practices that they have been using for generations.

Read full post: Strip-till with SoilWarrior helps Hula Set Corn Yield World Record

December 13, 2023

Strip-till with SoilWarrior helps Hula Set Corn Yield World Record

Read full post: Strip-Tillage in the Fall or Spring

October 11, 2023

Strip-Tillage in the Fall or Spring

Strip-Till in the Fall vs. the Spring

Read full post: First Timers

September 25, 2023

First Timers

Transitioning to strip-till can be difficult, but for Mike Trom and Brad Spinler, they were able to see a difference in their crops when they used their SoilWarrior.

Read full post: Achieving Seedbed Success with Strip-Till

September 5, 2023

Achieving Seedbed Success with Strip-Till

“The seed doesn’t care what the field looks like from the road. So I decided to make my seed happy, my crop happy and my pocketbook happy with the amount of money I spent on fertility. That’s why I purchased a SoilWarrior®.”

Read full post: Financing Strip-Till Equipment

August 7, 2023

Financing Strip-Till Equipment

Making an investment in the farm is an investment for the future of the operation. Farm investments often include adding a permanent structure, investing in land, or equipment purchases. Making these types of investments can need to include a financial lender. Finding the right lender for the...

Read full post: Meet the Marketing and Communications Intern, Jillian Woodall

June 26, 2023

Meet the Marketing and Communications Intern, Jillian Woodall

Environmental Tillage Systems (ETS) welcomes Jillian Woodall to the team as the 2023 Marketing and Communications intern.

Read full post: Meet the Engineering Intern, Nick Kuhlmann

June 19, 2023

Meet the Engineering Intern, Nick Kuhlmann

Environmental Tillage Systems (ETS) welcomes Nick Kuhlmann back to the team as the 2023 engineering intern.

Read full post: Meet the Service Interns, Jack Bjerke and Trevor Otterson

June 19, 2023

Meet the Service Interns, Jack Bjerke and Trevor Otterson

Environmental Tillage Systems (ETS) welcomes Jack Bjerke and Trevor Otterson to the team as the 2023 service interns.

Read full post: DairyWarrior

June 1, 2023

DairyWarrior

When it comes to strip-tilling with a SoilWarrior on a dairy farm, many think, “that will never work.” Luckily, we have seen how dairy farmers can incorporate a SoilWarrior into their operation and remain sustainable and prosperous.

Read full post: The SoilWarrior and Soybeans

May 26, 2023

The SoilWarrior and Soybeans

Environmental Tillage Systems (ETS) and its customers are driven to defend the land and lead the charge. It is not surprising that they are finding ways to make the SoilWarrior system more versatile. After all, the business was built around unconventional thinking.

Read full post: Finding Success with Strip-Till

April 17, 2023

Finding Success with Strip-Till

For every farmer, sustainability holds a different meaning. To northern Minnesota sugar beet farmer James Johnstad, his brother Andrew and his father, David, sustainability not only means taking care of their land and resources but also having a farm they will be able to pass on to the next...

Read full post: How To Determine The Right SoilWarrior® For Your Operation

April 10, 2023

How To Determine The Right SoilWarrior® For Your Operation

Sean Arthur isn’t just a regional sales manager for Environmental Tillage Systems. He’s also a farmer and a big fan of strip-till. He spent several years working in the seed and ag equipment industries before moving back to the farm and adopting strip-tillage to protect his soil and grow his ROI.

Read full post: The Easiest Way to Switch to Strip-Till

January 9, 2023

The Easiest Way to Switch to Strip-Till

Change can be scary. Making adjustments to your farm operation can take months of careful consideration and research. After all, the average farmer only plants and harvests a crop about 50 times during their lifetime. One wrong decision could impact an operation for years to come.

Read full post: ETS Welcomes Royalee Rhoads, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

December 29, 2022

ETS Welcomes Royalee Rhoads, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Royalee Rhoads brings a variety of experiences to ETS. With these experiences and her passion for learning and agriculture, ETS is excited to have her on the marketing team.

Read full post: SoilWarrior’s 3Ps of Sustainability

December 1, 2022

SoilWarrior’s 3Ps of Sustainability

Sustainability, what a buzzword right now. It’s seen daily on packaging, from the grocery store to the gas station, and even on children’s toys. Sustainability has a different meaning to each person. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines sustainable as “of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting...

Read full post: What Makes It Different Makes It Better: Service Edition

October 20, 2022

What Makes It Different Makes It Better: Service Edition

The SoilWarrior is known for setting the standard for in-field performance, machine durability, and ease of operation. Creating an ideal seedbed for planting, applying fertilizer, and enhancing soil productivity and farm profitability is a key benefit of the SoilWarrior. Members of the ETS team...

Read full post: David Hula & Randy Dowdy Star in Total Acre TV, Season 3

October 5, 2022

David Hula & Randy Dowdy Star in Total Acre TV, Season 3

RFD-TV is back with David Hula and Randy Dowdy for the third season of their TV show. What you may know as Next Level Farming has been renamed to Total Acre. ETS sat down with Rick Patton, VP of Sales & Marketing at Rural Media Group, to learn more about what we can expect this season.

Read full post: Cardinal and Kalb Star in Live to Farm TV Show

September 30, 2022

Cardinal and Kalb Star in Live to Farm TV Show

The Cardinal and Kalb families are back in this new series focusing on farming, family, and fun!

Read full post: From Factory To Field: How The SoilWarrior® Is Built For You

September 21, 2022

From Factory To Field: How The SoilWarrior® Is Built For You

Equipment is one of the largest investments for farm operations, making it both an exciting and stressful purchase. This is especially true when it’s a new machine, involves learning new technology, or facilitates a change in farming practices. Farmers want to know they’re getting equipment that’s...

Read full post: ETS Behind the Scenes: Ordering Parts 101

September 3, 2022

ETS Behind the Scenes: Ordering Parts 101

The strip-till season is right around the corner. Here are some helpful tips from our parts department on how to order what you need for a successful SoilWarrior season.

Read full post: Women SoilWarrior Owners

August 30, 2022

Women SoilWarrior Owners

Hear stories from women SoilWarrior owners and how they deliver value to their operations.

Read full post: 2 Major Reasons to Consider Strip-Tilling

August 5, 2022

2 Major Reasons to Consider Strip-Tilling

Considering making the switch to strip-till? Hear from some of the experts in the business on why it's beneficial to consider switching.

Read full post: SoilWarrior + a U-Pick = Minimal Disturbance

July 22, 2022

SoilWarrior + a U-Pick = Minimal Disturbance

With the help of a SoilWarrior, Danielle Thomas was able to efficiently grow her U-Pick business.

Read full post: Once A SoilWarrior Owner, Always a SoilWarrior Owner

July 18, 2022

Once A SoilWarrior Owner, Always a SoilWarrior Owner

Two growers from Missouri and Canada share their experience using a SoilWarrior and what makes them continue to choose ETS.

Read full post: 2022 Engineering Intern, Nick Kuhlmann

June 30, 2022

2022 Engineering Intern, Nick Kuhlmann

Environmental Tillage Systems (ETS) welcomes Nick Kuhlmann to the team as the 2022 Engineering Intern.

Read full post: Versatility, Efficiency, Maneuverability: SoilWarrior

June 28, 2022

Versatility, Efficiency, Maneuverability: SoilWarrior

For one Colorado Dairy Farmer, the importance of time and efficiency were the ultimate deciding factors when adding a SoilWarrior to his operation.

Read full post: ETS Welcomes Mitch Peterson, Service Technician

June 5, 2022

ETS Welcomes Mitch Peterson, Service Technician

Mitch Peterson brings a variety of agricultural experiences to ETS. This experience combined with his curiosity and mechanical understanding will help ETS serve customers.

Read full post: ETS Welcomes Kevin Oja, New Supply Chain Manager

May 10, 2022

ETS Welcomes Kevin Oja, New Supply Chain Manager

With over 25 years of professional experience in the supply chain with companies much larger than ETS, Kevin Oja will help guide us into the next organizational phase.

Read full post: The Dream Team: Taking the SoilWarrior to the Next Level

March 25, 2022

The Dream Team: Taking the SoilWarrior to the Next Level

With strong roots in the agriculture industry, the Environmental Tillage Systems marketing team helps farmers realize the opportunities and benefits of SoilWarrior strip-tillage systems.

Read full post: ETS Welcomes Sean Arthur, Regional Sales Manager

March 23, 2022

ETS Welcomes Sean Arthur, Regional Sales Manager

Adding Sean Arthur to the team was a no-brainer with a strong passion for the agriculture industry.

Read full post: ETS Welcomes Chris Self, New Senior Design Engineer

January 11, 2022

ETS Welcomes Chris Self, New Senior Design Engineer

With over 20 years of experience in agricultural equipment engineering, Environmental Tillage Systems is more than excited to welcome Christopher Self to our team as the new Senior Design Engineer.

Read full post: What are the Benefits of a Flag Test?

October 5, 2021

What are the Benefits of a Flag Test?

With the addition of flag testing on their operation, CADA Farms has improved their decision making process for the growth of their farm.

Read full post: Keys to Building a Successful Custom Strip-Till Business

September 28, 2021

Keys to Building a Successful Custom Strip-Till Business

From pricing, to technology, to marketing your business and building strong customer relationships, Luke Koffman from southern WI shares his journey to building a successful custom strip-till business.

Read full post: Two Surprising Ways To Use The SoilWarrior

September 22, 2021

Two Surprising Ways To Use The SoilWarrior

When most farmers think about the SoilWarrior system, terms like strip-till, fertilizer placement, soil health and heavy-duty construction probably come to mind. Not many may think about it as a way to apply cover crops or plant soybeans, but that’s just what some SoilWarrior owners are doing.

Read full post: NCGA Contest Winners Share Why They Own A SoilWarrior®

June 16, 2021

NCGA Contest Winners Share Why They Own A SoilWarrior®

2020 was anything but typical. But for farmers who got an early start on planting, managed to navigate extreme weather and put down the right fertility, it turned out pretty great. Especially for those who were able to capitalize on improved crop prices and earn top placements in the National Corn...

Read full post: ETS Welcomes Scott Kelsey, New Precision Ag Manager

June 7, 2021

ETS Welcomes Scott Kelsey, New Precision Ag Manager

Environmental Tillage Systems (ETS) is excited to add Scott Kelsey to the team as the new Precision Agriculture Manager. Scott is a 2018 graduate of Iowa State University and has great experience to bring to the table for ETS.

Read full post: 2021 Welding Intern, Porter Schauer

June 4, 2021

2021 Welding Intern, Porter Schauer

Environmental Tillage Systems (ETS) welcomes Porter Schauer to the team as the 2021 Welding Intern.

Read full post: 2021 Engineering New Hire, Anaiah Legare

May 28, 2021

2021 Engineering New Hire, Anaiah Legare

Environmental Tillage Systems (ETS) welcomes Anaiah Legare to the team. From 2020 intern to a full-time member of the Engineering Team.

Read full post: How Lamb Farms Grows Profits & Efficiency With 4R Nutrient Management

April 14, 2021

How Lamb Farms Grows Profits & Efficiency With 4R Nutrient Management

For Janette Veazey-Post a New York farmer and one of the owners/operators at Lamb Farms, sustainability is a driving force behind their success. In fact, she attributes their desire to reuse, repurpose and do more with less to helping them become more efficient and profitable each year.

Read full post: What Can Strip-Till Do For You?

April 14, 2021

What Can Strip-Till Do For You?

Read full post: Once a SoilWarrior Owner, Always a SoilWarrior Owner

February 11, 2021

Once a SoilWarrior Owner, Always a SoilWarrior Owner

From the time the idea of the SoilWarrior came to life, Environmental Tillage Systems have done their best to revolutionize their production to meet the needs of their owners and operators. Since ETS began in 2004, the company and its products have pursued a progressive path to meet the current...

Read full post: Kevin’s Keen Eye for Fall Strip-Till

October 22, 2020

Kevin’s Keen Eye for Fall Strip-Till

Kevin Kuehn is no stranger to the SoilWarrior. He is a sixteen-year veteran in service and product support with ETS. Kevin brings a passion for agriculture and a drive for defending the land and leading the charge to his current role as a regional sales manager every day. That passion has given him...

Read full post: Saving With the SoilWarrior®: Improve Fertilizer Efficiency & Your Bottom Line

August 27, 2020

Saving With the SoilWarrior®: Improve Fertilizer Efficiency & Your Bottom Line

With return on investment top of mind for many growers, RTK, tissue sampling, VRT and other precision technologies are becoming essential for running a profitable business. These tools can help improve input efficiency and identify areas to cut costs. The tricky part can be saving money without...

Read full post: Transition to Strip-Till: CADA Farms - Missouri

August 25, 2020

Transition to Strip-Till: CADA Farms - Missouri

A brother and father team from Central Missouri start a path for others to start using strip-till in Missouri. The Kliethermeses, CADA Farms, grow primarily corn and soybeans; and have been incorporating cover crops into their system for over seven years. As independent turkey producers, they have...

Read full post: SoilWarrior: No need to have it all, to have it all.

August 18, 2020

SoilWarrior: No need to have it all, to have it all.

Adding a SoilWarrior to your operation is a beneficial move. For two Minnesota Farmers, they decided to make the change to strip-tillage in an unconventional way. Both Justin Krell and Mike Trom dreamt of adding a SoilWarrior to each of their farming operations, but they weren’t sure how that wish...

Read full post: What's there to know about the SWICM?

August 11, 2020

What's there to know about the SWICM?

The SoilWarrior ISOBUS Control Module, or SWICM for short, is beneficial to strip-tillage because it is a key factor in two of the 4Rs, which are Right Rate and Right Place. With a properly calibrated machine, a grower can apply up to five different products at the Right Rate. In combination with a...

Read full post: Strip-Till: A Neighborhood of Differences

July 7, 2020

Strip-Till: A Neighborhood of Differences

Strip-tillage may be a new term to some of those in the farming industry, but for three neighbors, strip-till has been on their farms for over two decades. Each farmer has discovered benefits from using strip-till on their operation. While their equipment may differ, their soil and yields are...

Read full post: Tanner's Toolbox

April 15, 2020

Tanner's Toolbox

From service to sales, Tanner Schuldt has had a wide array of experiences with the SoilWarrior. He can confidently say he has operated the SoilWarrior for many hours through different terrains and weather conditions.

Read full post: 10 Commandments of Strip-Till

April 6, 2020

10 Commandments of Strip-Till

Although some areas are still experiencing cooler temps and plenty of rainfall, planting season is officially upon us. At Environmental Tillage Systems, we understand the urgency of seedbed preparation. Keep these 10 commandments of strip-tillage in mind throughout the hustle and bustle of the...

Read full post: Strip-Till With SoilWarrior Helps David Hula Set New Corn Yield World Record and Win NCGA Yield Contest

December 16, 2019

Strip-Till With SoilWarrior Helps David Hula Set New Corn Yield World Record and Win NCGA Yield Contest

David Hula is no stranger to breaking yield records. The Virginia farmer has topped the NCGA National Corn Yield Contest five times since 2003 in the strip, min, mulch, ridge-till irrigated category. The previous world record of 542 bushels per acre, set by Hula in 2017, has been shattered by his...

Read full post: Eastview Grain Brings Strip Tillage to Eastern New York

November 19, 2019

Eastview Grain Brings Strip Tillage to Eastern New York

Environmental Tillage Systems (ETS) announces Eastview Grain as an official SoilWarrior® strip tillage and nutrient placement systems dealer based out of Lowville, New York. Owner Aaron Miller and his team at Eastview Grain will sell and support SoilWarrior zone tillage and nutrient application...

Read full post: ETS Welcomes Mark Hewitt, Service Manager

October 31, 2019

ETS Welcomes Mark Hewitt, Service Manager

The service department welcomes Mark Hewitt as the new Service Manager. Mark will be supporting all SoilWarrior clients and dealers as the head of the service department. Excellent customer support is a priority for Environmental Tillage Systems (ETS), and Mark is eager to continue this standard in...

Read full post: From Service to Sales, Tanner Schuldt, Regional Sales Manager

April 23, 2019

From Service to Sales, Tanner Schuldt, Regional Sales Manager

With over three years of experience working with the SoilWarrior in the service department, Tanner Schuldt is bringing a wealth of knowledge to his new position as a Regional Sales Manager for Environmental Tillage Systems (ETS).

Read full post: Looma, LLC Now Offering SoilWarrior® Zone Tillage Equipment

December 12, 2018

Looma, LLC Now Offering SoilWarrior® Zone Tillage Equipment

Environmental Tillage Systems (ETS) announces that Looma, LLC will now be selling and supporting its brands in south central Nebraska. Located in Axtell, NE, Looma will sell and support SoilWarrior® zone tillage and nutrient application equipment and the dual-purpose ZoneNinjaTM zone freshener and...

Read full post: On-Farm Strip-Till Research Made Possible Through Grants

October 9, 2018

On-Farm Strip-Till Research Made Possible Through Grants

Strip-till is often just a starting point for many farmers. It’s seen as the gateway into something bigger. That something isn’t always a clear vision and may take a couple years to come to fruition, which these three Minnesota SoilWarrior owners have come to realize after experiencing strip-till.

Read full post: Cooperatives See the Future with the SoilWarrior

October 1, 2018

Cooperatives See the Future with the SoilWarrior

"Cooperatives-See the Future" is the 2018 Co-op Month theme, and Environmental Tillage Systems (ETS) is proud to partner with six different co-ops. The SoilWarrior covers more than 60,000 acres, bringing the future to their patron’s farms with the use of the SoilWarrior, the only complete precision...

Read full post: Social Media Adds to SoilWarrior Experience for Coffman

August 30, 2018

Social Media Adds to SoilWarrior Experience for Coffman

Dan Coffman isn't just a customer who runs a SoilWarrior. Coffman adds to his SoilWarrior experience by sharing updates from his operation on social media regularly.

Read full post: Pre-Plant Phosphorus and Strip-Zone- Till

August 23, 2018

Pre-Plant Phosphorus and Strip-Zone- Till

Three popular pre-plant phosphorus (P) application methods are broadcast or surface applied, deep banding and strip- or zone-application. Each of these methods has a definite impact on movement of P both on- and off-target that directly influences plant health and growth, but also nutrient...

Read full post: Join the #SoilWarriorGrown Conversation Today

July 11, 2018

Join the #SoilWarriorGrown Conversation Today

When we think of strip-tillage we think of photos of machines creating zones in the spring or fall. Those photos are great, but how do the crops look? That is where #SoilWarriorGrown comes into play.

Read full post: 5 Reasons to Attend the 2018 National Strip-Tillage Conference

May 23, 2018

5 Reasons to Attend the 2018 National Strip-Tillage Conference

The 2018 National Strip-Tillage Conference will be held July 26-27 in Iowa City, Iowa. Now in its fifth year, the conference has become the premier learning and networking event in the U.S. for forward-thinking farmers. This year’s conference will include 7 general sessions, 12 strip-till...

Read full post: Is Zone Placement Better Than Banding Fertilizer?

May 7, 2018

Is Zone Placement Better Than Banding Fertilizer?

Article Highlights Deep placement should not be your only nutrient application method as nutrients may not be available to the crop when needed. Concentrating nutrients in one location can cause the remaining root zone to become nutrient deficient. A multiple band approach often requires several...

Read full post: 5 Reasons You Should Attend An Ag PhD Soils Clinic

December 27, 2017

5 Reasons You Should Attend An Ag PhD Soils Clinic

Despite the years of experience you may have as a farmer, there is always more to learn. If you're interested in continuing to grow your farm and your knowledge about soils, we recommend that you attend an Ag PhD Soils Clinic this winter.

Read full post: ZoneNinja, The Newest Innovation From the Creators of the SoilWarrior

October 31, 2017

ZoneNinja, The Newest Innovation From the Creators of the SoilWarrior

Environmental Tillage Systems (ETS), the creator of the SoilWarrior, announces the launch of the all new ZoneNinjaTM, a dual-purpose tool that can freshen zones one day and convert to side-dress the next - the ultimate combination in one piece of proven, field-tested equipment. It features the new...

Read full post: ETS Partners with Raven to Offer New Rate Controller

August 24, 2017

ETS Partners with Raven to Offer New Rate Controller

The SoilWarrior ISOBUS Control Module Powered by Raven Environmental Tillage Systems (ETS) launches a new precision agriculture product in partnership with Raven Industries, headquartered in Sioux Falls, SD. The new SoilWarrior ISOBUS Control Module powered by Raven, the next generation in...

Read full post: Spencer Grimm, ETS Design Engineer

June 12, 2017

Spencer Grimm, ETS Design Engineer

ETS welcomes Spencer Grimm to the engineering department. In his role as a design engineer Spencer will continue to ensure the integrity of ETS products along with contributing to new product design.

Read full post: ETS Welcomes Andrew Geraets, Service Technician

May 22, 2017

ETS Welcomes Andrew Geraets, Service Technician

Environmental Tillage Systems (ETS) is eager to have Andrew Geraets a part of the team as a Service Technician. Andrew will be supporting SoilWarrior clients in his home state of South Dakota and the surrounding states. Excellent customer service is priority for ETS, and Andrew will do a great job...

Read full post: SoilWarrior Academy: Beyond the Zone

May 16, 2017

SoilWarrior Academy: Beyond the Zone

SoilWarrior owners know that strip-tillage is a great way to cut production costs, be more efficient with time and nutrient placement, along with building soil health. The journey to developing the right strip-till system for your farm can take a few seasons of experimentation, practice, and...

Read full post: Boost Your Strip-Till Practices: Don't Miss This Event

May 4, 2017

Boost Your Strip-Till Practices: Don't Miss This Event

The 2017 National Strip-Tillage Conference will be held August 3rd and 4th in Omaha, NE. Now in its 4th year, the conference has become the premier learning and networking event in the U.S. for forward-thinking farmers. This year’s conference will include 7 general sessions, 12 strip-till...

Read full post: 5 Reasons to Attend the 2017 National Strip-Tillage Conference

April 27, 2017

5 Reasons to Attend the 2017 National Strip-Tillage Conference

Strip-tillage is a great way to cut production costs, be more efficient with time and nutrient placement, and build soil health. But the journey to developing the right strip-till system for your farm can take years of experimentation, practice, and determination. The National Strip-Tillage...

Read full post: Huron Tractor Now Offering SoilWarrior

April 13, 2017

Huron Tractor Now Offering SoilWarrior

Environmental Tillage Systems (ETS) announces that Huron Tractor Ltd. will now be selling and supporting the SoilWarrior® brand in the province of Ontario, Canada. Based out of Exeter, Huron Tractor will sell SoilWarrior® zone tillage and nutrient application equipment throughout their sales...

Read full post: Moldboard Misery

April 11, 2017

Moldboard Misery

This is the story of how a moldboard plow dramatically changed the soil properties of a field, which was previously managed with years of minimal tillage and cover crops along with one year of strip-till with the SoilWarrior®.

Read full post: ETS Welcomes New Service Technician, Greg Nielsen

March 31, 2017

ETS Welcomes New Service Technician, Greg Nielsen

Greg Nielsen has joined the team at Environmental Tillage Systems (ETS) as a Service Technician. In this role, he will continue to grow the company’s reputation for excellent customer service by supporting SoilWarrior clients primarily in the Upper Midwest.

Read full post: Band vs. Zone Fertility Placement

March 22, 2017

Band vs. Zone Fertility Placement

Uniform distribution of fertilizer is key for optimal crop performance. Consider the following points when planning your fertilizer application. As you choose a strip-till method, be sure the fertilizer application method meets your requirements for fertilizer distribution. Operate the machine at...

Read full post: 21st Century Equipment is First SoilWarrior Dealer in US

February 27, 2017

21st Century Equipment is First SoilWarrior Dealer in US

Environmental Tillage Systems (ETS) announces 21st Century Equipment as the first SoilWarrior® dealer in the United States. Based out of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, 21st Century Equipment will sell SoilWarrior® zone tillage and nutrient application equipment throughout their sales territory in western...

Read full post: 23 Years of Award-Winning NCGA Yields

January 24, 2017

23 Years of Award-Winning NCGA Yields

From Oakes, ND, the Quandt family has had award-winning entries in the NCGA yield contest since 1993. One secret to their recent success is strip-tillage. The farm began strip-tilling in 2001 and transitioned 95% of the farm to strip-tillage seven years ago. They have used the SoilWarrior® zone...

Read full post: ETS Welcomes New Marketing Coordinator

December 13, 2016

ETS Welcomes New Marketing Coordinator

Environmental Tillage Systems (ETS) is proud to welcome Kristin Krell to its sales and marketing team as the Marketing & Communications Coordinator. In this role, she will assist the Marketing Director with implementing the company’s comprehensive marketing strategy, which includes managing social...

Read full post: Ag Ventures Alliance Invests in Environmental Tillage Systems

November 7, 2016

Ag Ventures Alliance Invests in Environmental Tillage Systems

Environmental Tillage Systems (ETS) welcomes Ag Ventures Alliance (AgVA) as a new investor in the leading manufacturer of conservation tillage and nutrient management equipment. ETS zone tillageTM with the SoilWarrior® offers the advantage of minimum tillage while strategically placing nutrients in...

Read full post: Improving Soil Health with Strip-Till

September 22, 2016

Improving Soil Health with Strip-Till

Improving soil health is a journey, but it is worth the wait. ETS is excited to share four strategies for improving soil health as learned from agronomists, consultants and farmers at the 2016 National Strip-Till Conference. The SoilWarrior with rolling coulters works well for Groholske; it rolls...

Read full post: Top 3 Resources for Better Soil Management

August 9, 2016

Top 3 Resources for Better Soil Management

The ETS team traveled the Midwest this summer to gather knowledge from leading experts on reducing soil erosion and improving soil health. From North Dakota to Iowa and Ohio, SoilWarrior customers, strip-tillage enthusiasts and farmers alike gathered to share best practices for sustainable land...

Read full post: Spring Strip-Till Q & A with Mike Thede

June 7, 2016

Spring Strip-Till Q & A with Mike Thede

With the hustle and bustle of spring tillage and planting behind us, we talked to a few of our SoilWarrior customers across the country to find out how things are shaping up in the field. A 13-year strip-till farmer from Palmer, Nebraska, Mike Thede has been using a SoilWarrior on his corn and...

Read full post: Spring Strip-Till Q & A with Curt Snyder

June 1, 2016

Spring Strip-Till Q & A with Curt Snyder

With the hustle and bustle of spring tillage and planting behind us, we talked to a few of our SoilWarrior customers across the country to find out how things are shaping up in the field. Curt Snyder, a first-year strip-tiller from Fulton, Illinois, tells us about his experience so far with the...

Read full post: Spring Strip-Till Q & A with Dennis Smith

May 19, 2016

Spring Strip-Till Q & A with Dennis Smith

Spring tillage and planting are underway across the U.S. and Canada so we checked in with some of our customers - new and seasoned - to find out how things are shaping up in the field. First up is Dennis Smith from Ames, Iowa. Dennis has been strip-tilling corn and soybeans for 11 years. He began...

Read full post: 5 Reasons to Attend the 2016 National Strip-Tillage Conference

April 26, 2016

5 Reasons to Attend the 2016 National Strip-Tillage Conference

Read full post: Earthworms & SoilWarrior: Heroes of Soil Health

April 20, 2016

Earthworms & SoilWarrior: Heroes of Soil Health

Soil Health & Farm Productivity Consider the amazing ways earthworms contribute to soil health and farm productivity. Their activity in the soil offers many benefits including increased nutrient availability, better drainage, and a more stable soil structure, all of which help improve farm...

Read full post: Study Shows Significant Yield Boost in No-Till & Strip-Till Corn

April 6, 2016

Study Shows Significant Yield Boost in No-Till & Strip-Till Corn

With the continued debate of tillage versus more conservational-minded practices, farmers have traditionally been stuck trying to make decisions between their yield quality and land management practices. But what if it’s possible for farmers to have both? According to a study conducted by Purdue...

Read full post: ETS Welcomes New Service Manager, Tanner J. Schuldt

March 18, 2016

ETS Welcomes New Service Manager, Tanner J. Schuldt

Tanner J. Schuldt has joined the team at Environmental Tillage Systems (ETS) as the Service Manager. In this role, he is responsible for continuing to grow the company’s reputation for excellent customer service, while ensuring ETS technicians have the training and support they need to keep...

Read full post: How to Use NRCS Funds to Leverage Your Strip-Till Equipment Purchase

March 16, 2016

How to Use NRCS Funds to Leverage Your Strip-Till Equipment Purchase

Farmer is just one of the many titles Minnesota farmer David Legvold has held throughout his lifetime. He’s also been a teacher, executive director of a non-profit watershed organization, a controller at his local John Deere dealer, and most recently the driver of the instrument semi for the...

Read full post: Maximizing Productivity & Profits with Precision Technology

March 9, 2016

Maximizing Productivity & Profits with Precision Technology

For more than a decade, Scott Spare and his family have farmed with a precise eye on their productivity. Spare farms with his parents near Hiawatha, Kansas, raising corn and soybeans. Reduced tillage and a commitment to precision farming has proven vital to their operation. Every piece of equipment...

Read full post: Cover Crops and Strip-Till: A Winning Combination for Soil Health

March 3, 2016

Cover Crops and Strip-Till: A Winning Combination for Soil Health

The more Iowa farmer Ben Pederson hears about the use of cover crops, the more convinced he is that it was the right addition to his current cropping practices. Already a strong advocate for strip-tillage, Pederson believes the use of cover crops in his cropping program was an obvious addition. In...

Read full post: Top Stops for Innovative Farmers at Commodity Classic

February 25, 2016

Top Stops for Innovative Farmers at Commodity Classic

Commodity Classic is not only the national gathering for several of the nation’s largest agriculture organizations, it’s also one of the country’s biggest farm shows. The annual event brings thousands of farmers and hundreds of agri-businesses together to discuss issues, attend education sessions,...

Read full post: SoilWarrior & Custom Strip-Till a Winning Combo for Ranek Ag

February 23, 2016

SoilWarrior & Custom Strip-Till a Winning Combo for Ranek Ag

Even though he didn’t grow up farming, Jesse Ranek’s passion for agriculture is unmistakable. He was raised in a farming community and had friends who farmed, which fueled his passion and love for agriculture. After college and a football career, Ranek was busy operating a sports training facility,...

Read full post: Strip-Till with SoilWarrior may Eliminate Soil Compaction

February 3, 2016

Strip-Till with SoilWarrior may Eliminate Soil Compaction

As Dr. Steven Carlson walked a strip-tilled field near his home in Albert Lea, MN this past summer, he noticed something missing: soil compaction. Penetrometer readings from the neighbor’s conventionally tilled field had measured compacted soil at 15 inches, but this field was consistently showing...

Read full post: Ryberg Farms Cuts Input Costs and Labor with Strip-Till

January 27, 2016

Ryberg Farms Cuts Input Costs and Labor with Strip-Till

Brian Ryberg may be a relative newcomer to strip-till, but you’d be hard pressed to find a farmer more committed to it. Ryberg Farms near Buffalo Lake, Minnesota, grows corn, soybeans, and sugarbeets. He began farming with his father more than 30 years ago and now runs the operation with his wife...

Read full post: 5 Conservation Tillage Events to Keep you Learning in 2016

January 14, 2016

5 Conservation Tillage Events to Keep you Learning in 2016

The world of agriculture changes so quickly that farmers need to stay diligent just to keep up. The challenges can multiply when farmers are adopting new or alternative farming practices like strip tillage. For many farmers considering new conservation tillage practices or looking for innovative...

Read full post: Spending Less on Strip-Tillage Equipment Can End up Costing More

December 9, 2015

Spending Less on Strip-Tillage Equipment Can End up Costing More

Mike Verdonck isn’t shy about calling his SoilWarrior “the best machine on my farm.” But he did take a bit of a scenic route before making that discovery. Verdonck farms with his brother-in-law close to the St. Lawrence River south of Montreal, Quebec in Canada. He farms about 2,500 acres, growing...

Read full post: Giving Thanks for our Soil Health Farmers

November 24, 2015

Giving Thanks for our Soil Health Farmers

The following is a guest post written for ETS by Abbey Wick, Extension Soil Specialist, at North Dakota State University. We are proud to support tillage and soil health research (like Abbey's) with the use of our equipment. It is truly an honor to serve farmers who are leading the charge in...

Read full post: Iowa Farmer Researches Economic Advantages of Strip-Till

November 18, 2015

Iowa Farmer Researches Economic Advantages of Strip-Till

Nathan Legler is a farmer who is not afraid to think differently. Where most people see problems, he sees opportunities to gain new experiences. “I was taught that if I noticed something missing, I should look for a solution,” explains Legler who is the fifth generation on both sides of his family...

Read full post: Conservation Tillage and SoilWarrior Yield Results for Ontario Farmers

November 4, 2015

Conservation Tillage and SoilWarrior Yield Results for Ontario Farmers

Harvest is more than just a time for hard work, it's also an opportunity to be thankful for the blessings in our lives. We have a lot to be grateful for at ETS. At the top of the list are our customers who are defending the land and leading the charge. We'd like to introduce you to a few of them....

Read full post: Creating a Nutrient Placement Plan for Better Crops and Stewardship

October 26, 2015

Creating a Nutrient Placement Plan for Better Crops and Stewardship

Crops need nutrients but just getting those nutrients in the soil isn’t enough. That’s why agronomists like Peter Johnson believe precise delivery of fertilizer is the best way to combine productivity and stewardship. An agronomist for RealAgriculture, Johnson has devoted his life to agriculture....

Read full post: New Zealand Ag Business Uses Strip-Till to Build Soil Health

October 21, 2015

New Zealand Ag Business Uses Strip-Till to Build Soil Health

Harvest is an opportunity to be thankful for the blessings in our lives. We have a lot to be grateful for at ETS. At the top of the list are our customers who are defending the land and leading the charge. Today we're in New Zealand with a business owner who is ready for planting... While farmers...

Read full post: Making Dollars and Sense with Conservation Tillage

October 14, 2015

Making Dollars and Sense with Conservation Tillage

Read full post: Managing Residue in Strip-Tillage

October 6, 2015

Managing Residue in Strip-Tillage

Dave Delhotal was surprised to hear the lengths some strip-till farmers were going to in order to successfully manage the crop residue on their acres. The farmer from northern Illinois learned some other growers were planting shorter-statured corn varieties just so they had less residue in their...

Read full post: Precision Technology Tips for Keeping Strip-Tillers on the Zone

September 29, 2015

Precision Technology Tips for Keeping Strip-Tillers on the Zone

As with the game of horseshoes, when it comes to zone-tillage, close just isn’t close enough. Because only a portion of the soil is tilled, it’s vital to be on the mark to take advantage of nutrients, soil temperatures and a properly prepared seed bed.

Read full post: Brent Brueland Joins Environmental Tillage Systems

September 23, 2015

Brent Brueland Joins Environmental Tillage Systems

Brent Brueland has joined the team at Environmental Tillage Systems (ETS) as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing. He will work with the sales and marketing staff to coordinate and implement strategies that will enhance the continued adoption of precision zone tillage with ETS’ flagship...

Read full post: Central Farm Services Offers Precision Zone Tillage to Growers

September 16, 2015

Central Farm Services Offers Precision Zone Tillage to Growers

Read full post: Cash, Lease, or Loan: Which is Best for Acquiring Your Farm Equipment?

August 19, 2015

Cash, Lease, or Loan: Which is Best for Acquiring Your Farm Equipment?

Apples, oranges, and pears are different but tasty fruits, just like cash, loan and lease are different but effective financing options when acquiring production equipment. They are all beneficial under the right circumstances. The challenge is comparing your options as apples to apples instead of...

Read full post: SoilWarrior and Strip-Till Key to New Sustainable Cropping Program

August 13, 2015

SoilWarrior and Strip-Till Key to New Sustainable Cropping Program

When South West Ag Partners (SW ag) surveyed the challenges ahead for their growers in Ontario, Canada they saw an increase in government regulations and environmental issues. As they began to position themselves to help growers tackle these pending issues, they developed Sustainable Cropping...

Read full post: Field View: Reducing Tillage Key to Protecting Soil

July 28, 2015

Field View: Reducing Tillage Key to Protecting Soil

This post was written by Ben Pederson, Iowa farmer and SoilWarrior customer, for his Sprout Ag Enterprises facebook page. It is re-posted with his permission. All views expressed in this story are his. ETS supports conservation tillage practices that decrease erosion and preserve healthy soils for...

Read full post: The Evolution of Tillage

July 22, 2015

The Evolution of Tillage

There’s just something about the soil. Many of us are drawn to it. Judging by history, so were our ancestors. Farm tillage traces a path that mirrors the development of civilization. Cultures often developed around their ability to collectively produce food. Because food is one of our most basic...

Read full post: ETS Rolling Baskets: Field Tested, Customer Approved

June 25, 2015

ETS Rolling Baskets: Field Tested, Customer Approved

Jason Reis’s advice to the Environmental Tillage Systems (ETS) engineers was simple: “Don’t screw it up.” This past spring Reis, who farms near Lime Springs, Iowa, was among the first farmers to test ETS prototype rolling baskets mounted on the back of his SoilWarrior. Rolling baskets are sturdy...

Read full post: Schroeder joins ETS Board of Directors

June 24, 2015

Schroeder joins ETS Board of Directors

Environmental Tillage Systems, Inc. (ETS), a premier manufacturer of zone tillage equipment headquartered in Faribault, Minn., is pleased to welcome Rod Schroeder to its board of directors. Schroeder brings more than 35 years of experience in crop protection and retail ag business and will ensure...

Read full post: Strip-Till Practices Promote Soil Health

June 18, 2015

Strip-Till Practices Promote Soil Health

Billions of dollars are spent each year by people trying to get healthier. From gym memberships and personal trainers to vitamins and supplements, we work hard and spend a lot to build a foundation for health. Farmers do the same things. Whether its fertilizer applications or tillage techniques,...

Read full post: ETS Partners with 4R Nutrient Stewardship Program

June 16, 2015

ETS Partners with 4R Nutrient Stewardship Program

SoilWarrior® Helps Farmers Achieve Results with Precision Nutrient Placement Environmental Tillage Systems, Inc. (ETS) is proud to announce our partnership with the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program. The 4R philosophy is an innovative and science-based approach that offers enhanced environmental...

Read full post: To Shank or not to Shank: Choosing the Right Row Unit

May 19, 2015

To Shank or not to Shank: Choosing the Right Row Unit

Many farmers are accustomed to doing deep, horizontal, full surface tillage. But with an increasing number of growers researching strip-till, many are asking themselves what type of tillage system is best for their soil. The great news is ETS manufactures SoilWarrior row units that provide tillage...

Read full post: 5 Reasons to Attend the National Strip-Tillage Conference

April 8, 2015

5 Reasons to Attend the National Strip-Tillage Conference

Are you considering reducing your tillage to save passes across the field, input costs, and protect your soil from erosion? Or perhaps are you an experienced no-tiller seeking a more efficient way to place fertilizer while maintaining your soil health? No matter your reason for digging into...

Read full post: Bust that Myth: Strip-Tillage Practices

April 1, 2015

Bust that Myth: Strip-Tillage Practices

This myth-busting article originally appeared in the spring issue of Soybean Business, a publication of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association. It is re-published online with permission. Photos and captions added by ETS. Farmers are always on the lookout for ways to increase profitability while...

Read full post: Celebrating National Agriculture Day Every Day

March 18, 2015

Celebrating National Agriculture Day Every Day

Today we are proud to join others across the U.S. to celebrate National Agriculture Day. But then again, we try to celebrate agriculture every day at ETS. Our company is headquartered in Faribault, Minnesota, which is a thriving metro community about an hour south of the Twin Cities. We are...

Read full post: Cover Crops and Strip-Tillage Yield more than Soil Health

March 12, 2015

Cover Crops and Strip-Tillage Yield more than Soil Health

Two years ago, Vollmershausen Farms Ltd., switched from full surface tillage to zone till because of their desire to focus on soil health. So far they have found the combination of reduced tillage and cover crops has yielded more than just healthier soils. Tyler Vollmershausen is the sixth...

Read full post: The Soil Warrior’s Guide to Spring Tillage Success

March 4, 2015

The Soil Warrior’s Guide to Spring Tillage Success

If you are an ETS customer or have spent some time at a conservation tillage conference, chances are you’ve met Kevin Kuehn. Officially, he’s the product support manager for ETS who has been with the company since its inception. Unofficially, he’s a walking strip-till encyclopedia. Over the years...

Read full post: Putting Fertilizer in its Place

February 25, 2015

Putting Fertilizer in its Place

Ben Pederson shares his insight in how he discovered the right recipe for fertilizer placement with the SoilWarrior system. Way back before I implemented the practice of strip-till on my farm, I would day dream of the perfect system. If I could get over the hurdles of my father’s objections,...

Read full post: The HoneyWarrior: A Premier Manure Application System Updated

February 12, 2015

The HoneyWarrior: A Premier Manure Application System Updated

Like everything we build at ETS, our HoneyWarrior was born through a love for the land, a desire for progress, and a drive for precise nutrient application. In this case the nutrient taking center stage is good, old-fashioned manure. The HoneyWarrior got its start in 2006 when ETS founder and...

Read full post: Fighting Compaction with Strip-Till and a Controlled Traffic System

February 4, 2015

Fighting Compaction with Strip-Till and a Controlled Traffic System

This story originally appeared in a January issue of Strip-Till Strategies and is re-posted with permission. By Ian Gronau, Associate Editor Over the five generations the Delhotal family has farmed in West Brooklyn, Ill., it’s been important for them to produce high quality crops while caring for...

Read full post: My Journey to Strip-Till

January 29, 2015

My Journey to Strip-Till

By Ben Pederson It was August 2011, and I was growing restless with our cropping system. Actually, I was past restless and knew what I wanted to do. For 4 or more years, I had researched strip-till as an alternative to the aggressive broadcast tillage we were doing at the time. I hated field...

Read full post: Create a Precise Zone with VRT Fertilizer Application

January 21, 2015

Create a Precise Zone with VRT Fertilizer Application

If you fish, you know that the margin between a full livewell and an empty stringer can be pretty thin. The technology we use with the SoilWarrior ensures that we can put you and your nutrients in the exact right place to be productive and most fully benefit your crops. By working with some of...

Read full post: Farm Smarter with the SoilWarrior

December 17, 2014

Farm Smarter with the SoilWarrior

We’ve all heard the saying “work smarter, not harder.” It may be an overused line in the business world, but it does apply to many farming operations where it would be difficult to work much harder. After all, there are a limited number of hands available and only so many hours in the day. But with...

Read full post: ETS Zone Tillage: A Better Way to Strip-Till

December 3, 2014

ETS Zone Tillage: A Better Way to Strip-Till

With lower commodity prices and the cost of inputs and land remaining steady, farmers are looking at different ways to save money without sacrificing yield. One practice that’s gained momentum with conventional and no-till farmers alike is strip-tillage; or as, we at Environmental Tillage Systems...

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