Mike Lessiter

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Your No-Till History

Darwin’s ‘Lowly Earthworm’ Gets Its Due

In time, farmers learned their ‘underground ally’ did the soil work & would become the no-tiller’s best friend.

By Mike Lessiter posted on January 30, 2023 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101, Soil Health

The quest for no-till history research of the last couple years turned up the still-accessible web musings of the late Ed Winkle of Ohio’s Hymark Consulting. One of his “essays” suggested that no-till’s vital “tool” — the earthworm — may not have been indigenous to the U.S. The No-Till History series is made possible by Calmer Corn Heads.

Bill Richards on The Value of No-Tillage

By Mike Lessiter posted on January 7, 2023 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101

Bill Richards, Ohio no-tiller, No-Till Farmer Legend and retired chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), remains frustrated that perfection-seeking scientists haven’t been able to put a dollar value on soils under no-till, nor the economic impact of the farmers.

Influencing World’s Understanding of No-Till

By Mike Lessiter posted on January 6, 2023 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101

When asked of the global importance of the Ohio State University’s no-till research plots that marked 60 years in 2022, Warren Dick, retired Emeritus Professor of Soil Science at OSU, who had primary responsibility for the plots from 1980-2016, points to the scientific citations. The No-Till Passport series is brought to you by Martin Industries.

No-Till History

World’s Longest Continuing No-Till Plots at Ohio State Hit 60 Years

Interviews with 90-year-olds Glover Triplett, Bill Richards & others discuss the ‘ground zero’ of no-till science.

By Mike Lessiter posted on January 5, 2023 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101

Newly minted Michigan State University Ph.D.’s Glover Triplett and the late Dave Van Doren arrived at Ohio State University (OSU) in the late 1950s. The No-Till History series is made possible by Calmer Corn Heads.

Profiles in Passion: No-Till’s Proven Template for Changing Ag

By Mike Lessiter posted on December 19, 2022 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101

A necessary lining of the planets was needed to make a revolution like no-till happen. More important than the new herbicides and a no-till-ready planter were the individuals who relentlessly believed in the practice, encouraged farmers to stay the course and tirelessly evangelized on no-till to numerous camps. The No-Till History series is made possible by Calmer Corn Heads.

Profiles in Passion: No-Till’s Proven Template for Changing Ag

By Mike Lessiter posted on December 19, 2022 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101

A necessary lining of the planets was needed to make a revolution like no-till happen. More important than the new herbicides and a no-till-ready planter were the individuals who relentlessly believed in the practice, encouraged farmers to stay the course and tirelessly evangelized on no-till to numerous camps.

40-Year-Old Conservation Tillage Information Center Gave Unified Voice for No-Till

An idea for a simple no-till ‘club’ grew into a private-public clearinghouse that influenced hearts & minds on the practice.

By Mike Lessiter posted on November 6, 2022 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101

The 2022 farm season has several important no-till milestones — no-till’s first commercial plot (60 years), No-Till Farmer (50) and National No-Tillage Conference (30). We’ll add a fourth jewel to the “no-till crown” with the 40th anniversary of a public-private partnership, the Conservation Tillage Information Center (CTIC). The No-Till History series is made possible by Calmer Corn Heads.

Shortlines Filled Equipment Gaps for No-Tillers

By Mike Lessiter posted on August 16, 2022 | Posted in Equipment

While the majors scoffed or ‘looked the other way,’ shortline manufacturers stepped in to innovate. The No-Till History series is made possible by Calmer Corn Heads.

Grassroots Promotions of No-Till Practice

By Mike Lessiter and Frank Lessiter posted on August 15, 2022 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101

A big booster of no-till, Ned Trovillion designed a unique symbol designed to look like an international highway sign that publicizes the advantages of no-tilling. The No-Till History series is made possible by Calmer Corn Heads.

Dick Foell: Nothing Too Crazy to Promote No-Till

Country music, gaudy green silk jackets or a dressing his bride up as a tiger, nothing was off-limits to Dick Foell when it came to attracting attention for no-tillage.

By Mike Lessiter posted on July 28, 2022 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101

Country music, gaudy green silk jackets and the costuming of his bride up as a tiger, nothing was off-limits to Dick Foell when it came to attracting attention to the merits of no-tillage. The No-Till History series is made possible by Calmer Corn Heads.

Articles by Mike Lessiter

Darwin’s ‘Lowly Earthworm’ Gets Its Due

Bill Richards on The Value of No-Tillage

Influencing World’s Understanding of No-Till

World’s Longest Continuing No-Till Plots at Ohio State Hit 60 Years

Profiles in Passion: No-Till’s Proven Template for Changing Ag

Profiles in Passion: No-Till’s Proven Template for Changing Ag

40-Year-Old Conservation Tillage Information Center Gave Unified Voice for No-Till

Shortlines Filled Equipment Gaps for No-Tillers

Grassroots Promotions of No-Till Practice

Dick Foell: Nothing Too Crazy to Promote No-Till

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