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No-Till on Heavy Ground: What Actually Works at Hunco Farms | Crop Chats

In this episode of Crop Chats, we head to Hunco Farms in Ontario to break down what it really takes to succeed with no-till planting on heavy, sometimes poorly drained ground.

Jason, Kevin, and Phil walk us through their planter setup, the upgrades they’ve made, and what they’ve learned the hard way about planting green, managing residue, and adapting to changing conditions. From hydraulic downforce to trash whippers and electric row shutoffs, this is a real-world look at what works—and what doesn’t—on tough soil.

You’ll hear:
✔ Why they chose a Kinze 3605 with specific add-ons
✔ The impact of planting green into cereal rye
✔ What planter features they’d skip if they could do it again
✔ Lessons from early no-till fears—and what changed their minds
✔ How section control and monitoring tech are shifting their approach
🔧 Gear Featured: Kinze 3605, N540 Air Seeder, Yetter, Exapta Mojo Wires, L'arie openers

🌱 Topics: no-till corn, soybean planting, planter upgrades, heavy ground strategies, trash management, field calibration, GPS use

📍 Filmed in Ontario, Canada
🎙️ Presented by the Ontario Soil Network
👨‍🌾 Real farmers. Real fields. No marketing fluff.

Crop Chats is a collaborative video and podcast series between the Ontario Soil Network and Ian McDonald (OMAFA). Watch the full video on YouTube or listen on your favourite podcast platform.

🌱 Watch the full series on YouTube: youtube.com/@SoilNetwork
🌾 Discover more from OMAFA: youtube.com/@ONfieldcrops/videos

Thanks for tuning in to the Soil Network Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow farmer or agri-curious friend. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation about farming smarter, growing better, and building stronger communities.

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What happens when you mix three generations of farmers, waterfront clay soils, a serious focus on soil health, and a no-nonsense approach to no-till? You get the Kaiser family farm.

In this first half of our two-part deep dive, we sit down with Eric, Max, and Rob Kaiser at their farm near Napanee, Ontario—right on the shores of Hay Bay. From their early days of acquiring fragmented land to now running a full no-till and livestock-integrated operation, the Kaisers walk us through how their system evolved, why they ditched tillage without looking back, and how they manage everything from manure to multi-species cover crops.

You'll hear stories about:

• How they reclaimed and restructured fragmented farmland
• Why manure management is more than just nutrients—it's about timing, tools, and community
• The trade-offs and evolution from strawberries to sweet corn
• What it really takes to maintain soil structure on challenging terrain

👨‍🌾 “We didn’t try no-till. We just did it.”

🔄 This is Part 1 of a 2-part conversation. Part 2 drops next week—don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss it!

🎧 Listen, learn, and walk away with practical insights for any scale of operation.

Crop Chats is a collaborative video and podcast series between the Ontario Soil Network and Ian McDonald (OMAFA). Watch the full video on YouTube or listen on your favourite podcast platform.

🌱 Watch the full series on YouTube: youtube.com/@SoilNetwork
🌾 Discover more from OMAFA: youtube.com/@ONfieldcrops/videos

Thanks for tuning in to the Soil Network Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow farmer or agri-curious friend. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation about farming smarter, growing better, and building stronger communities.

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In this episode of Winning with No-Till, we visit Bill and Wes Honey on their multi-generational farm in Norham, Ontario. Nestled in the rolling hills near Warkworth, their operation tackles the challenges of steep slopes, irregular field shapes, and a mix of sandy loam and clay — all while staying committed to a no-till system.

From Bill’s early involvement in Ontario’s conservation farming movement to Wes’s experience growing up without ever using a plow, the Honeys share how no-till became second nature — not just for soil health, but for work-life balance and long-term sustainability.

We dig into how cover crops, shared equipment, Phoenix harrows, and smart residue management help them protect their fields, reduce erosion, and farm with fewer passes. It’s a story of thoughtful adaptation, neighborly innovation, and holding firm to what works.

📍 Location: Norham, Ontario
 🧑‍🌾 Guests: Bill & Wes Honey

#NoTill #OntarioFarming #SoilHealth #FamilyFarms #CoverCrops #FarmLife

Crop Chats is a collaborative video and podcast series between the Ontario Soil Network and Ian McDonald (OMAFA). Watch the full video on YouTube or listen on your favourite podcast platform.

🌱 Watch the full series on YouTube: youtube.com/@SoilNetwork
🌾 Discover more from OMAFA: youtube.com/@ONfieldcrops/videos

Thanks for tuning in to the Soil Network Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow farmer or agri-curious friend. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation about farming smarter, growing better, and building stronger communities.

🌾 Stay Connected:
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👉 linktr.ee/ontariosoilnetwork

Let’s keep growing—together. See you next time!

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What does it really take to scale a no-till system without piling on equipment costs? In this episode of Crop Chats, we’re in Cobourg, Ontario with seventh-generation farmer Mark Burnham of Burnham Farms. Mark shares how his farm transitioned into full no-till over two decades—without the need for flashy new iron or big tillage passes.

Mark and his father have built a system that works across steep hills, sandy loam, and large field blocks. From optimizing cover crop timing to managing compaction through strategic patience (and the occasional well-tuned chisel plow), Mark walks us through how his no-till system thrives in real-world conditions.

We discuss:

• Why cover crops now pay for themselves through soil savings
• How planting green fits into his corn and azuki bean rotation
• Why patience and timing are more critical than horsepower
• The key equipment pieces that actually matter for no-till
• His honest take on when and why he still uses tillage—and how little it takes

🎧 New episodes dropping weekly throughout the planting season.

Crop Chats is a collaborative video and podcast series between the Ontario Soil Network and Ian McDonald (OMAFA). Watch the full video on YouTube or listen on your favourite podcast platform.

🌱 Watch the full series on YouTube: youtube.com/@SoilNetwork
🌾 Discover more from OMAFA: youtube.com/@ONfieldcrops/videos

Thanks for tuning in to the Soil Network Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow farmer or agri-curious friend. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation about farming smarter, growing better, and building stronger communities.

🌾 Stay Connected:
📢 Explore more stories, events, and resources through our Linktree:
👉 linktr.ee/ontariosoilnetwork

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In this episode of Crop Chats, we visit Nick Stokman’s farm near Strathroy, Ontario, where he’s been fine-tuning his no-till system on heavy clay soils for over 30 years. With a practical mindset and deep curiosity, Nick shares lessons learned across decades of experimentation—from managing residue and customizing drills for bio strip-till to making cover crops work in narrow windows.

This conversation explores the real tradeoffs of no-till on challenging soils, how to prioritize long-term soil biology, and the role of patience, drainage, and observation in building a resilient system. If you’re considering a shift to reduced tillage—or want to learn from someone who’s been in the trenches for decades—this episode offers grounded, candid insight from one of Ontario’s long-time soil stewards.

Topics covered:

• No-till on heavy clay: managing moisture, compaction, and emergence
• The evolution of Nick’s cover crop system
• Custom equipment hacks for bio strip-till
• Learning from failure and trusting slow progress
• What he’d never go back to—and why
• Advice for new no-tillers

🎧 New episodes dropping weekly throughout the planting season.

Crop Chats is a collaborative video and podcast series between the Ontario Soil Network and Ian McDonald (OMAFA). Watch the full video on YouTube or listen on your favourite podcast platform.

🌱 Watch the full series on YouTube: youtube.com/@SoilNetwork
🌾 Discover more from OMAFA: youtube.com/@ONfieldcrops/videos

Thanks for tuning in to the Soil Network Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow farmer or agri-curious friend. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation about farming smarter, growing better, and building stronger communities.

🌾 Stay Connected:
📢 Explore more stories, events, and resources through our Linktree:
👉 linktr.ee/ontariosoilnetwork

Let’s keep growing—together. See you next time!

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In this Crop Chats episode, Ian McDonald (Crop Innovation Specialist, OMAFRA) visits Swain Beef near Blackstock, Ontario, for a candid conversation with Scott Swain about making no-till systems work on a mixed farm with livestock, manure, and highly variable soils.

Scott doesn’t claim to have it all figured out—but what he offers is an honest look at what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how their team is constantly adapting. From using RTK for precision, to selectively incorporating tillage, to dealing with the challenges of manure management in no-till systems, this episode is packed with real-world insights for farmers trying to strike the right balance.

🔑 Topics Covered:
• The realities of no-till with livestock
• Managing manure and soil compaction
• Equipment decisions: when to hire and when to invest
• Cover crops: lessons from 20+ years
• Tillage as a tool—not a rule
• Patience, planning, and knowing your window

🔗 More from the Series:
Watch the full Winning with No-Till playlist:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@ONfieldcrops/featured?utm_source=osn&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=winning_with_no_till

🌱 Learn more about the Ontario Soil Network:
👉 https://ontariosoil.net/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=crop_chats_series

Thanks for tuning in to the Soil Network Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow farmer or agri-curious friend. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation about farming smarter, growing better, and building stronger communities.

🌾 Stay Connected:
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👉 linktr.ee/ontariosoilnetwork

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Join host Ian McDonald, Crop Innovation Specialist with OMAFRA, as he kicks off the Crop Chats: Seeding Equipment Series by visiting Hunco Farms in Ontario. In this episode, we sit down with Kevin, Jason, and Phil to talk through their planter and drill setup, how they approach no-till planting, and what they’ve learned through years of refining their system.

From hydraulic downforce and electric drive to residue management and planting green—this episode is packed with practical insights for any grower making equipment decisions.

🧑‍🌾 Guests: Kevin, Jason, and Phil from Hunco Farms
📍 Location: Ontario, Canada

 🛠️ Topics Covered:

• Upgrading for no-till
• Kinze planter features
• Matching equipment across systems
• Fertilizer strategies
• Section control and electric drive
• Lessons from planting green

🌱 Crop Chats is a podcast miniseries hosted on The Soil Network Podcast, where we dig into actionable tools and ideas to support innovation in Ontario agriculture.

🎥 Check out past video content from the Winning with No-Till Series here:
👉 ONFieldCrops YouTube

🌐 Learn more about our work and discover resources at:
 👉 OntarioSoil.net

Thanks for tuning in to the Soil Network Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow farmer or agri-curious friend. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation about farming smarter, growing better, and building stronger communities.

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In this episode of the Soil Network Podcast (formerly Combines & Coffee), host Ian Virtue visits Brant County, Ontario, to chat with local farmers who work similar land, but manage it in very different ways. From organic and conventional operations to beef and dairy farms, each farmer brings their own unique approach—but what ties them together is a shared passion for learning from each other.

Steve Sickle, Gordon Alblas, Doug Donkers, and Lammert Koonstra share their experiences with no-till planting, cover crops, and balancing livestock while staying adaptable through changing seasons. They open up about what’s working, what’s not, and how peer-to-peer conversations keep them improving year after year.

Whether you farm organically, conventionally, or somewhere in between, this episode highlights how diverse approaches can strengthen a farming community when knowledge is shared.

So grab a coffee—or hop in the cab of your tractor—and join us for a candid conversation about farming systems that may be different but share the same foundation: healthy soil and a commitment to growth.

🎙️ Recorded in Brant County, ON | 🌱 Powered by the Ontario Soil Network

Thanks for tuning in to the Soil Network Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow farmer or agri-curious friend. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation about farming smarter, growing better, and building stronger communities.

🌾 Stay Connected:
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Episode 5: Bridging Innovation and Sustainability in Agriculture with Shawn Catherwood, Dr. Joel Gruver, and Brandon Schlautman

Join us for an engaging episode of the Soil Network podcast, recorded live from the Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario conference in Kitchener, Ontario. Host Ian Virtue brings together three outstanding guests: Shawn Catherwood, a leading voice in regenerative agriculture; Dr. Joel Gruver, a soil science professor and conservation expert; and Brandon Schlautman, a pioneering scientist in perennial cropping systems.

In this episode, our guests dive deep into their unique perspectives on sustainable agriculture:

• Shawn Catherwood shares his dual experience as a family grain farmer in Saskatchewan and his role with PepsiCo, focusing on developing and executing regenerative agriculture programs that align with corporate sustainability goals. Shawn emphasizes the importance of collaboration across the food supply chain to promote sustainability from field to table.
• Dr. Joel Gruver discusses his mission in education, facilitating the next generation of sustainable agriculture leaders. He highlights the importance of integrating ecological and global perspectives into the agricultural curriculum and fostering learning communities that support innovation and resilience in farming practices.
• Brandon Schlautman brings insights from his work at The Land Institute in Kansas, where he leads efforts in developing perennial legume systems. Brandon talks about the challenges and opportunities of introducing perennial crops into traditional row cropping systems, aiming to enhance soil health and agricultural sustainability.

The conversation covers a range of crucial topics, including:

• The impact of climate change on agriculture and the innovative solutions being implemented to address these challenges.
• The role of perennial crops and other regenerative practices in building resilient farming systems.
• The economic viability of sustainable agricultural practices and the importance of demonstrating their benefits to farmers.
• The significance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in tackling complex agricultural problems and driving systemic change.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into:

• Strategies for integrating sustainable practices into conventional farming systems.
• The role of education and community-building in promoting sustainable agriculture.
• Practical examples of how farmers can leverage new technologies and practices to improve soil health and farm resilience.

Guest Information:

• Shawn Catherwood: A family grain farmer from Saskatchewan and Canada Regina Engagement Lead for PepsiCo, focusing on regenerative agriculture programs. Connect on Twitter @CatherwoodShawn.
• Dr. Joel Gruver: Professor at Western Illinois University, teaching soil science and conservation classes, with research interests in organic grain production and innovative cropping systems. Learn more about his work here.
• Brandon Schlautman: Lead scientist for the perennial legume pro

Thanks for tuning in to the Soil Network Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow farmer or agri-curious friend. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation about farming smarter, growing better, and building stronger communities.

🌾 Stay Connected:
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👉 linktr.ee/ontariosoilnetwork

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Join us for an insightful episode of the Soil Network podcast, recorded live from the Innovative Farm Association of Ontario 2024 conference in Kitchener, Ontario. Host Ian Virtue sits down with three distinguished guests: Jeff Cook, a cash crop producer from London, Ontario; Murray McLaughlin, an expert in agricultural bioeconomy; and Guillaume Tant, a French agronomist focused on plant nutrition and health and a current Nuffield Scholar.

In this episode, our guests share their perspectives on the interconnectedness of global markets and their impacts on local farming decisions. Jeff Cook discusses the influence of international trends on his crop choices and profitability. Murray McLaughlin delves into the potential of the bioeconomy and the innovative uses of biomass. Guillaume Tant provides insights into the challenges European farmers face due to the war in Ukraine and the excess grain in the market, emphasizing the need for flexibility in crop planning.

The conversation shifts to the broader implications of these trends on sustainability and resilience in agriculture. Our guests explore how Canadian farmers can position themselves to better adapt to these changing circumstances, highlighting the importance of innovation, technology, and community cooperation.

Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on:

• The effects of global market dynamics on local farming economies.
• Strategies for making farming systems more resilient and sustainable.
• The role of biomass and bioeconomy in future agricultural practices.
• The importance of building strong farmer networks to share knowledge and support innovation.

Tune in to hear real-world examples, expert insights, and practical advice that can help farmers navigate the complexities of modern agriculture.

Guest Information:

• Jeff Cook: A cash crop farmer with a strong focus on technology, profitability, and sustainability, farming near London, Ontario. Contact Info. Connect on Twitter
• Murray McLaughlin: An agricultural bioeconomy specialist with extensive experience in facilitating the commercialization of biotech innovations.
• Guillaume Tant: A French agronomist dedicated to improving plant nutrition and health, helping farmers achieve sustainability and profitability, and a current Nuffield Scholar.  Connect on Twitter

Don't miss this engaging discussion that connects the dots between global trends and local farming strategies.

Thanks for tuning in to the Soil Network Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow farmer or agri-curious friend. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation about farming smarter, growing better, and building stronger communities.

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 Innovations in Agricultural Technology and Microbiology

In this enlightening episode of The Soil Network, we delve into the transformative world of agricultural technology and microbial ecology with three trailblazers in the field: Chuck Baresich, President of Haggerty Robotics; Dr. Lori Phillips, a Microbial Ecologist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada; and Xavier Hébert-Couturier, lead at Picketa Systems.

Join us as we unpack their discussions from the recent Innovative Farmers Association conference, where they explored the frontiers of their respective fields. Dr. Phillips shares insights into the underground world of soil microbiology and the significant changes observed when switching from conventional farming to systems utilizing perennial cover crops. Learn how new tools are allowing us to better understand and measure these subterranean dynamics.

Chuck Baresich brings his expertise in agricultural robotics, discussing the challenges and breakthroughs in integrating advanced robotics into farming operations. Discover how this technology is poised to revolutionize agricultural practices by enhancing precision and efficiency on the farm.

Xavier Hébert-Couturier rounds out the conversation with an in-depth look at his team's development of real-time leaf tissue analysis tools at Picketa Systems. These innovations are revolutionizing nutrient management by providing immediate data on crop nutrient content, allowing farmers to optimize fertilization strategies on the fly. This pivotal technology supports precision agriculture by ensuring nutrient applications are tailored specifically to plant needs, enhancing sustainability and crop health.

Learn More: Dive deeper into the innovations and projects of our guests by visiting their profiles and exploring further resources. Links to detailed information and related content are available below:

• Chuck Baresich - Learn More
• Dr. Lori Phillips - Explore Lor's research 
• Xavier Hebert-Couturier - Picketa Systems

Tune in for a dynamic discussion on how technology and ecological insights are setting the stage for the next agricultural revolution, fostering a sustainable and technologically integrated approach to modern farming.

Thanks for tuning in to the Soil Network Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow farmer or agri-curious friend. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation about farming smarter, growing better, and building stronger communities.

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In this episode of "The Soil Network," Ian Virtue pulls up a chair with a trio of folks who are as deep into the soil and gears of farming as you can get. First up, we've got Alex Barrie, a fella who's part soil management guru with the Ministry of Agriculture and part hobbyist extraordinaire. Alex kicks us off with tales of tinkering and trial by fire—lessons learned not in the classroom, but out in the field and under the hood, with a side of childhood memories of building alongside his dad.

Then there's Bill Tenhove, a man who not only farms but also throws himself into the world of building and fabricating. Bill's story is all about the spark of creation and the thrill of solving puzzles that the land and machinery throw at him. He's the kind of guy who sees a problem and can't rest until he's crafted a solution from scratch, a testament to the ingenuity that pulses through the veins of those who work the land.

Larry Dyck from Niagara brings a bit of a different flavor to the mix, pouring out gratitude for the kind of security and stability that comes with farming in Ontario—a luxury, he points out, that's not afforded to everyone in this game. Larry's reflections add a layer of depth to the conversation, nudging us to think about the bigger picture and the responsibility that comes with the privilege of tilling such fertile ground.

As the coffee cools and the episode winds down, the chatter turns towards the heartbeat of farming: community and knowledge-sharing. It's a gentle reminder of the old-school notion that we're all in this together, passing down wisdom, failures, and triumphs like heirlooms. This part of the discussion is a hat-tip to the essence of what "Coffees and Combines" is all about—connecting dots, farmers, and stories in a way that's real and raw.

By the time Ian signs off, you've been taken on a journey through the fields of Ontario, side by side with folks who live and breathe the land. It's an episode that doesn't just talk farming; it feels like farming—mud on the boots, sun on the back, and all. 

Thanks for tuning in to the Soil Network Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow farmer or agri-curious friend. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation about farming smarter, growing better, and building stronger communities.

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Join us in this enlightening episode of 'The Soil Network' as we ride along with Mark Richards, a visionary in the world of sustainable farming, in the scenic fields of Dresden, Ontario. 

In today's conversation, Mark shares his insights on integrating advanced technologies like autonomous vehicles into agriculture, reshaping the way we think about farming. But there's more to Mark than just innovative farming techniques. We also dive into his approach to retirement planning, reflecting his philosophy of forward-thinking and sustainability. Plus, Mark opens up about his leadership style, his role in Ontario's agricultural community, and how he's preparing for a future that balances life on the farm with his dreams of sailing. 

Grab a cup of coffee and join us for a chat that's as rich in ideas as it is in the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. 

Thanks for tuning in to the Soil Network Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow farmer or agri-curious friend. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation about farming smarter, growing better, and building stronger communities.

🌾 Stay Connected:
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Let’s keep growing—together. See you next time!