Roy Pfaltzgraff III, Haxton, Colo., successfully farms where it’s “bone dry.” But with a combination of persistence and a willingness to try new things, the family operation is thriving despite the lack of moisture. 

Longtime soil conservationist Barry Fisher says improving soil health requires well-planned, step-by-step actions aimed at specific goals. However, taking those steps can seems daunting, especially if they add complexity to a system that seems to be working well.

While he’s been no-tilling and using cover crops for over two decades, traditional cropping ideas haven’t always worked for Frank Martin when soil conditions turn extremely wet in the spring. As a result, the Hallsville, Mo., no-tiller is looking at trying a different soybean seeding idea on his poorly-drained clay pan soils this spring.

No-Till Farmer’s annual benchmark survey received 480 responses from growers in the U.S. and Canada. Results showed the ongoing strength of the no-till movement as the 60th anniversary of the commercial launch of the practice will be marked later this year.