Now's the time to transition to a VF system

Added on 10 October 2023

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Now's the time to transition to a VF system

For decades, moldboard plows, disks and field cultivators, all horizontal tillage tools, have been the go-tos for fieldwork. That’s changing as fears about climate change come into focus.

Sooner or later, you’re going to be pushed (or led, depending on your perspective) toward vertical systems by government incentives.

“The world is asking farmers to fight climate change by reducing tillage and planting cover crops,” says Ken Ferrie, Farm Journal field agronomist.

“Governments want you to adopt vertical systems to disturb the ground as little as possible and keep it covered year-round — essentially what existed when our cropland was covered by native prairie. I expect climate-smart initiatives will include financial incentives for reduced tillage and cover crops. That will create opportunities for farmers in vertical systems. However, soil layers left by horizontal, full-width tillage systems could cause those vertical systems to fail.”

No one argues horizontal farming doesn’t have advantages.

“Vertical farming tools are like golf clubs,” says Ken Ferrie, Farm Journal field agronomist. “Each has its own purpose. You use some every season and others only when needed. In golf or farming, having the right tools and knowing how to use them is crucial to success. That includes planter setup, weed management and tillage tools. While treating all fields the same makes farming simple, it’s like going golfing with only a driver and a putter — it won’t get you the best score.”