Below are key no-till takeaways from several of the features found in the April 2026 issue of No-Till Farmer.
Tractor Costs Are More Than You Think
- Costs to run a high horsepower tractor can reach $350 or more per hour.
- Diesel fuel prices are projected to drop by 50 cents per gallon this year.
- Machinery costs rose by as much as 35% between 2021 and 2023.
A Family Farm Aiming for ‘Regenerational’ No-Till Success
- Nurturing the passions of the next generation is essential to sustainability.
- Diverse crop rotation breaks up weed and disease cycles.
- Tissue and SAP testing allows for real-time analysis of plant needs.
Don’t Be a “More-On”: The Win-Wins Behind No-Till
- Excess nitrogen stops microbial action which supplies natural fertilizer.
- Brix measurements mark likelihood of crop pest and insect damage.
- Reducing expensive inputs now reduces their overall need later.
What No-Tillers Can Learn from 1,000 Farms
- Regenerative agriculture isn’t just about carbon sequestration or reducing chemical inputs — it’s a system of interconnected practices.
- Maximize your scouting work to be a better farmer. Your feet should touch every acre when possible.
- Don’t assume switching to a more intensive management system will cost you profits.
‘Total Team Effort’ Propels No-Tiller to Non-Irrigated Soybean Yield Record
- Manage your soil types, rather than individual fields.
- Focus on timing to improve your fertilizer ROI.
- When mulling over yield goals, remember S.T.O.P.: “Start Thinking Out your Plan.”
Change Takes Time, But No-Till is Still Growing in the U.S.
- Look for loose ends on your operation that can be tightened up: financials, scouting, etc.
- Whether you’re a no-till rookie or veteran, seek out the guidance of mentors and fellow farmers.
- FAIL means “First Attempt in Learning.”
