Conservation district’s no-till drill available for rent
SMETHPORT – In 2022, the McKean County Conservation District purchased a no-till drill for McKean County landowners to rent. During the past two years, the drill has been used to plant more than 220 acres of no-till crops.
Using no-till farming will improve soil health by lowering dust levels, reducing soil compaction and decreasing erosion. This promotes conservation of water resources, while also decreasing equipment, fuel and labor costs.
‘Every farmer in McKean County knows the value of keeping the soil on the land. This no-till drill does just that,’ said Conservation District Chairman Jeff Larson.
Landowners can use the drill to establish a cover crop after harvesting corn silage, rotate or convert annual crop land to hay or pasture, improve hay or pasture or establish legumes (i.e. soybeans) or cereal grains without primary tillage.
The drill can be rented from the district for $12 per acre or $24 per acre if used on conventional tilled ground. It can be used at no cost if the drill is used to plant up to 30 acres of a non-harvested cover crop.
The district will transport the drill; however, landowners leasing the drill will pay a $25 delivery fee within McKean County.
Contact the district to schedule a rental date. Once scheduled, the district will deliver equipment to your operation. Upon delivery, a lease/ rental agreement will need to be signed by the landowner. If assistance is needed, the district will help with proper setup of the machine.
When completed with the drill, clean all seed from the machine. Failure to clean the drill will result in a $25 clean out fee. Once cleaned, contact the district to let them know the equipment is ready to be picked up. An invoice will be mailed out after planting acreage has been determined.
Rental is available on a first come, first served basis. Contact Adam Causer, watershed specialist, at (814) 887-4003 or accauser@mckeancountypa. gov to schedule your anticipated use.
McKean County Conservation District Chairman Jeff Larson demonstrates the district’s Great Plains no-till drill.
MCCD
