Vertical Tillage Climbs in Popularity

Options are available at a variety of price points, and supply is stable.

- Karen Jones

Although tillage is one of the oldest farming activities, vertical tillage is a relatively new concept. Started in the 1970s and '80s, and officially named in the '90s, vertical tillage has shown benefits compared with traditional tillage.

“Vertical tillage is so versatile, and it’s a tool that adapts to many different approaches, which makes it so prevalent,” said Jamie Meier, sales manager for Landoll Farm Equipment. “Vertical-tillage tools solve a problem in a lot of farming operations.”

He said many farmers who practice strip-till use vertical tillage to help break down residue. Also, farmers who use conventional tillage follow their combines with vertical tillage to cut their residue into small pieces before using a disk ripper.

“When you compare a vertical-tillage tool to other implements, it manages residue at a fairly good speed, with minimal horsepower, compared to something like a high-speed disk,” Meier said.

That versatility makes the market for used implements fairly stable, as farmers practicing several different tillage programs can utilize them.

“The popular used models, like 18- or 24-foot widths, or those with adjustable gangs are still in high demand because the new ones have gotten more expensive,” said Jay Harris, owner of J.O. Harris Sales in south-central Illinois. “I’m seeing a lot of farmers that prefer to buy a good used one rather than a brand-new one.”