An extended drought created a very challenging 2025 growing season for Almena, Kan., no-tiller Michael Thompson, but through long-term, soil-based management decisions, he still harvested crops while many neighbors were terminating them or plowing them under. Thompson, No-Till Farmer’s Conservation Ag Operator Fellow for 2025 and an NNTC Most Outstanding Speaker, details the long-term gains he’s seen through investments made in soil health, crop rotation and livestock integration. He also shares the importance of keeping a positive outlook and taking a long-term approach to no-till success.

You’ll Learn: How to build resiliency into your farm ground & improve your prospects in tougher years.

The 34th Annual National No-Tillage Conference returns to St. Louis, Mo. on Jan. 6-9, 2026. Whether you're new to no-till or refining your system, this event delivers fast-paced learning from top no-till farmers, agronomists and experts. With 2 Pre-Conference Workshops, 13 No-Till General Sessions, 22 No-Till Classrooms and 40 No-Till Roundtables to choose from, plus opportunities to earn CCA credits, the 2026 No-Till Conference is a must-attend event for anyone looking to enhance their no-till farming practices.

View the full speaker agenda and topics here.

For more information about the 2026 National No-Tillage Conference, to register for the event and to book your hotel room visit NoTillConference.com. Use code SPEAKER50 for $50 off your registration.

The Conference extends its thanks to our 2026 sponsors: Ag Leader, Martin-Till, Yetter Farm Equipment, Bio Till Cover Crops, Copperhead Ag, The Andersons, HORSCH, Titan International, Midwest Bio-Tech, Vulcan Equipment and Total Farm Marketing.