The Bladen Soil and Water Conservation District has a 2004 John Deere 10' No-till Grain Drill available for rent. The drill is a new, state-of-the-art, no-till implement that is used to plant crops such as soybeans, small grains, grass seeds, and wildlife plantings.

The Bladen Soil and Water Conservation District drill rental program started in 2001 when the first grain drill was purchased with grants from the NC Clean Water Trust Fund.

The purpose of the grain drill is to promote no-till and other good conservation practices such as crop residue management, cover crop management, and wildlife enhancement. The drill is a non-profit venture with all monies generated from drill rentals used for maintenance and drill replacement.

No-till drills are expensive and may be unaffordable to many small farmers and other individuals with small planting needs. Many farmers don't have the opportunity to even try no-till farming because they don't have the equipment that will plant into the existing residue.

Being able to rent this equipment instead of purchasing it is a great asset. The drill is also used by individuals for wildlife plantings, and pasture establishments and overseeding. The drill does not have to be used only for no-till. It will operate in most all field conditions and even pastures.

The drill can be rented for $7 per acre, with a minimum $50 per day charge. Use of the drill can be scheduled in advance by calling 862-3179, extension 3.

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