No-TillFarmer's top-performing content in 2025 highlighted the latest industry developments, practical no-till solutions, inspiring farmer stories, and innovative technologies shaping modern agriculture.
This year, we featured video interviews with leading no-till innovators, including Franck Groeneweg, Marion Calmer, and Ross Bishop, showcasing cutting-edge composting systems, residue management strategies, and approaches to achieving even corn emergence. Our podcasts offered deep insights into soil biology, conservation trends in Europe, and glyphosate resistance management, while webinars covered critical topics like biological seed treatments, nutrient management, and precision planting solutions.
Among the year’s most-read content was a viral video critiqued in Frank Lessiter’s #FranklySpeaking blog, “Why Farmers Believe This Video Should Embarrass John Deere,” which drew a significant readership. The piece provided industry context around misconceptions related to modern corn production and no-till practices. Other top-performing stories included coverage of hybrid wheat breakthroughs, landowner workshops and innovative aerial application technology, reflecting the expanding scope of issues important to the no-till community.
Most Read Blogs
These blogs captured the attention of No-Till Farmer readers by covering timely debates, innovative crop developments, and personal insights from farmers and experts, addressing both practical and community aspects of no-till farming.
Why Farmers Believe This Video Should Embarrass John Deere By Frank Lessiter posted on August 30, 2025 Frank called out a viral YouTube video for distorting modern corn production practices, saying it misrepresented no-till farming and falsely promoted outdated moldboard plowing to millions of viewers.
‘Resetting’ the Soil Profile, or a Recipe for No-Till Disaster? By John Dobberstein posted on January 29, 2025 John examined why a long-time no-till farmer returned to occasional plowing, exploring concerns about carbon saturation, nutrient tie-up, soil stratification and declining yields.
A Look at Corteva’s Revolutionary Hybrid Wheat By Shane Thomas posted on October 25, 2025 Shane explained how Corteva’s nuclear male sterility breakthrough moved hybrid wheat closer to a 2027 commercial launch, overcoming long-standing biological and production barriers.
What My Sons Taught Me about the No-Tillage Conference By Mike Lessiter posted on January 13, 2025 Mike reflected on attending the National No-Tillage Conference with his sons, sharing how their first-hand experience deepened his appreciation for the no-till community, stewardship mindset and the mission of Lessiter Media.
Educating Landowners on the Merits of No-Till & Cover Crops By Mike Lessiter posted on February 26, 2025 Mike reported on a first-ever landowner workshop that brought non-farming landlords into the farm shop to learn how no-till and cover crops can improve soil, water and long-term land value.
Most Read Print Articles
Print readers gravitated toward stories highlighting the history, innovation, and profitability of no-till, including breakthroughs in equipment, regenerative farming practices, and lessons from industry leaders.
50 Years of No-Till — and Still Going Strong By Martha Mintz posted on January 21, 2025 Farmer & equipment dealer Paul Dotterer helped spread no-till success throughout his farming community.
Domestic Autonomous Aerial Applicator Comes to Midwest By Dan Crummett posted on March 18, 2025 Regional aerial service Heinen Brothers is part of the commercialization process of Pyka, a young California startup’s global reach into unmanned aerial application platforms.
Regenerating Your Profits: No-Till, Covers & Livestock By John Dobberstein posted on March 17, 2025 Using diversification & data to inform his management decisions, Mac Kincaid proves regenerative no-till is paying off on his 1,000-acre Missouri farm.
9 Things Learned from No-Till Innovator Dwayne Beck. By John Dobberstein posted on February 18, 2025 Some of the most important tips shared by the former manager for the Dakota Lakes Research Farm to help growers turn their modern-day operation into one that is sustainable and profitable
Most Read Web Articles
Our readers engaged with articles offering timely news, policy updates, and practical insights, including USDA developments, business trends, and sustainable farming practices shaping modern agriculture.
Reports: USDA Closing Washington D.C. Office, Laying Off Thousands By John Dobberstein posted on April 10, 2025 Multiple media reports said the U.S. Department of Agriculture planned to close one of its headquarters buildings in Washington D.C. and lay off potentially thousands of workers.
No-Till Cropping & Business Insights By No-Till Farmer Staff posted on November 26, 2025 Weekly data from our 2025 No-Till Farmer Operational Benchmark Survey.
New USDA Secretary Lays Out Priorities on First Day By John Dobberstein posted on February 14, 2025 U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins delivered opening remarks at the Department of Agriculture to more than 400 USDA employees, stakeholders, and congressional members and staff in her first full day on the job.
Activists Take Aim at ‘Pesticide Soaked’ No-Till, but Industry Disagrees By John Dobberstein posted on April 29, 2025 A Washington D.C.-based environmental group published a lengthy report criticizing no-till systems across the U.S. for their dependence on chemicals and demanding the industry shift toward “regenerative” systems that focus on organic farming methods. But farm industry stakeholders interviewed by No-Till Farmer said the report contained much misinformation and suggested the group behind it does not have a full understanding of the benefits of no-till systems.
Most Listened to Podcasts
Listeners tuned in to podcasts offering in-depth discussions on soil health, conservation practices, and global no-till trends, gaining expert analysis and practical advice to apply on their farms.
Unlocking the Hidden Powers of Your No-Tilled Soils May 9, 2025 A “green and growing crop” is often perceived as a visual validation of a healthy no-till system. But subsurface investigation is wise to truly understand the biological stability of your soils for long-term success, says Brad Forkner. Brought to you by NewFields Ag
Taking a Trip Down the Wormhole of Soil Health April 11, 2025 Jill Clapperton, a world-renowned soil biologist and rhizosphere ecologist, helps farmers better understand what lives — and must thrive — below the soil surface to regenerate and maintain healthy soil structure. Brought to you by NewFields Ag
The Big Picture of Glyphosate Resistance in the U.S. and United Kingdom April 25, 2025 Associate Editor Mackane Vogel talks with John Cussans, a weed biology and weed management specialist with the ADAS — provider of agricultural and environmental consultancy, policy advice, and research and development. Brought to you by NewFields Ag
Most Viewed Videos
Videos that drew the most attention demonstrated innovative no-till techniques, equipment solutions, and farmers’ responses to policy or environmental challenges, offering visual, real-world insights.
No-Tiller Franck Groeneweg Details Composting System March 31, 2025 Franck Groeneweg, who no-tills a variety of crops on more than 12,000 acres near Three Forks, Mont., shares how his massive Johnson-Su bioreactor system allows him to apply compost extract in furrow during planting season. David C. Johnson, molecular biologist and research scientist at the Univ. of New Mexico, developed a system billed to “bring lifeless soils back to life” by reintroducing beneficial microorganisms to the soil with biologically enhanced compost.
A Farmer's Reaction to Ongoing Federal Cuts February 24, 2025 Brownsburg Ind. no-tiller Mike Starkey shares his initial reactions to the agricultural funding cuts and federal freezing that the U.S. Government has executed on.
Getting Compost Extract to the Planter March 31, 2025 Three Forks, Mont. no-tiller Franck Groeneweg explains how his John Deere air seeder is equipped to carry compost extract from his saddle tanks to the crop at planting time to provide an extra boost for plants, and to improve soil health. Groeneweg no-tills more than 12,000 acres in central Montana.
PTI Farm Money Losers: Banding vs. Broadcasting & Corn Planted Too Early September 16, 2025 We caught up with Jason Webster, PTI Farm Manager, at the 2025 Farm Progress Show to discuss some key takeaways from this year’s research, including how to save money on fertilizer and avoid the pitfalls of planting corn too early.
Treating Compaction for Better Cropping Results June 26, 2025 Michael Thompson uses this Aerway vertical tillage machine to fix compaction issues that build up in end rows and turn rows due to grain cart and tank traffic.
Most Viewed Shorts
Farmers responded most to short videos offering quick, actionable tips and demonstrations on residue management, cover crops, and soil health.
Our audience gravitated toward updates highlighting practical strategies for improving soil health and profitability, including cover crops, residue management, and comparisons of different tillage systems.
Farmer Shares Formula for Better No-Till Corn Emergence April 18, 2025 Longtime no-tiller Ross Bishop shares some of the keys to achieving even corn emergence with no-till. Plus, Chuck Gruenberger from John Deere dealer Riesterer & Schnell explains why fields without cover crops are like rebellious teenagers! Brought to you by Yetter Farm Equipment.
4 No-Till Truths for 2025 & Beyond January 17, 2025 No-Till Innovators Allen Berry, Barry Fisher, Ray McCormick and Loran Steinlage share 4 tips for the upcoming growing season. Brought to you by Sound Agriculture.
Our readers attended webinars that offered actionable insights on soil biology, biological seed treatments, and precision planting, applying these strategies to boost productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in their no-till operations.
How Microbes Enable Successful and Profitable No-Tilling [Webinar] March 11, 2025 This webinar examines how tillage practices affect soil biology and farm profitability, highlighting the role of soil microbes in nutrient cycling, soil structure, and crop resilience.
Conventional Corn Seed for No-Till Farms [Webinar] September 4, 2025 This webinar examines corn genetics and breeding strategies for no-till farming, highlighting methods to optimize crop performance, reduce inputs, and enhance return on investment.
Posts that resonated most with the social media audience highlighted innovations, community engagement, and practical advice, sparking discussions among no-till farmers and enthusiasts.
Most Popular Facebook Reels
Farmers engaged most with reels that offered quick, practical tips, hands-on equipment demonstrations, and smart conservation techniques, sparking thousands of shares, comments, and conversations across the no-till community.
Monica has been working in digital & web production since 2000. She earned certificates in Social Media Marketing and Digital Marketing, as well as a Technical Diploma in Digital Marketing Promotions from Waukesha County Technical College, and began working at Lessiter Media as a Digital Media Intern in the fall of 2024.
Get full access NOW to the most comprehensive, powerful and easy-to-use online resource for no-tillage practices. Just one good idea will pay for your subscription hundreds of times over.
On this episode of Conservation Ag Update, brought to you by Titan International, a big piece of equipment is unveiled at the Kinze Product Innovation Day in Williamsburg, Iowa.
We have engineered and developed the most advanced concave system that threshes all crops, eliminates rotor loss, improves grain quality, gives you a cleaner sample – all with one set of XPR concaves.
At Titan International, our product portfolio reflects our commitment to innovation and high-quality products. Titan International offers a full line of solution-focused wheel, tire, and undercarriage products for a wide variety of off-the-road equipment in agriculture, construction, forestry, mining, power sports, high-speed trailers, and outdoor power equipment segments. As one of the largest North American manufacturers, with a network of dealers all over the world, Titan is an industry leader that original equipment manufacturers and operators can count on for durable products and quality service.
