Paul Lanpher recently updated his Dream Machine, a strip-till unit that allows direct planting over nitrogen, as a result of an overwhelming response from farmers. Winner of a 2006 FinOvation Award, the Dream Machine features a new two-piece quick-tatch knife and sweep that loosens the seedbed while wings attached to the sweep spread the nitrogen. Lanpher designed his strip-till unit to create a good seedbed and a loose strip while controlling erosion. The knife on the unit features a stainless steel tube for spreading liquid nitrogen and can be mounted on almost any size toolbar.

Now Lanpher offers several new optional pieces to improve the two row units attached to the strip-till. The first row features an optional coulter attachment and retails for $1,221. A stainless steel bed-shaper is also available for rough soil shaping and costs $135. The second row unit features a row cleaner and rigid or double spring-loaded shank allowing easier movement over smaller rocks. It retails for $1,575. A rolling bed conditioner that attaches behind the knife and sweep costs $440. List price for the knife and 6-in. sweep is $64.06; price of the 8-in. sweep is $65.25; and the 10-in. sweep costs $66.50. Bigham Brothers manufactures the new strip-till unit, and Nichols Tillage Tools makes the knife and sweeps.

Contact Pher-Lan Co., Dept. FIN, 32598 County 309, Advance, MO 63730, 573/722-5331, www.bigrivertel.net/~planpher.