By Chad Christianson
As interviewed by Martha Mintz

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NAME: Chad Christianson

FARM: CDC Farms

LOCATION: Hooper, Neb.

YEARS NO-TILLING: 8

ACRES: 1,200

CROPS: Corn, soybeans, seed corn and seed soybeans

When I started farming with my father-in-law, John Ruwe, I thought I was at a real disadvantage to my peers who came from generations of farm families — those who had the opportunity to farm day in and day out alongside their parents and grandparents.

After speaking with some farmers on the other side of that experience, though, I’ve changed my tune.

Coming into farming with a relatively clean slate means I’m not stuck in the rut of doing things the way they’ve always been done. I’m constantly seeking education on farming techniques and management strategies, and I’m open to giving them a try if the science makes sense.

As a result, I’ve been able to make some major changes on our farm, including going 100% no-till as of 2009.

My parents made their exit from farming, like many others, in the early 1980s when I was just a young child. My uncles still farmed so I had the opportunity to ride the bean buggy or drive a grain cart at harvest, but I was never on the farm full time.

SHREDDING STALKS. Chad Christianson added the Yetter Stalk Devastator to his corn head to push root balls into the ground and lay stalks…