Takeaways
- Practical knowledge is gained and shared by ‘showing up.’
- A commitment to conservation ag requires passing your lessons on to the next crop of farmers
- Perspective is a journey never finished.
A lot of our messages leading up to the National No-Tillage Conference in early January highlight what longtime farmers say is the “secret sauce” of this conference, known as the “granddaddy” of all the “farmer-first” winter learning events. This farmer-directed and refined gathering, we’re told, is unlike any other, due to its focus on networking, wide-open sharing and practical problem-solving.
The conference is also differentiated by what it is not.
It is NOT a tire-kicking farm show where you and suppliers are just a number.
It is NOT a hard-to-maneuver crowd of everyone and their mother (the registration fee prequalifies attendance to make it easy to “find your people”).
And it is NOT a “woe-is-me” pity party.
In fact, a casual observer won’t be able to distinguish a boom or bust ag economy from the energy inside the Hyatt Regency ballrooms. The passion and spirit for sharing – and examining and evaluating – solutions is that powerful.
While we care deeply about the farmers moving to conservation ag practices out of economic necessity, today’s blog is directed to those of you with dozens of no-till harvests under your belt.
This 2026 National No-Tillage Conference
Our editors at No-Till Farmer are about to host what is known by conference veterans as a rare, treasure trove of knowledge on no-tillage.
When we visited St. Louis last week, Dr. Rishi Masalia, 39 North AgTech Innovation District, reminded us of the city’s significance to all of agriculture. “St. Louis is within a day’s drive of 50% of all ag activity in the U.S., and 80% of all corn and soybean production,” he says.
The conference will be fun and enjoyable for all who’ll converge on the “Gateway City,” it’s decidedly a “working meeting” – where learning is guaranteed.
Registrants from 30-plus states, 5 Canadian provinces and 9 nations are convening in St. Louis to digest ‘best of the best’ farming ideas.
As of last week, the event app showed registrants from 30-plus states, 5 Canadian provinces and 9 nations – all convening to digest “best of the best” farming ideas, and to make lasting friends and resources. Thanks to new farmer scholarship programs, we’re expecting to draw a lot of first-time attendees.
As we contemplate this time of year, we’re reminded how extraordinary things come from ordinary people, places and things. Big things happen when one shows up and answers.
Step Up & In
One of the most concerning things for historians of ag is the double-edged sword surrounding the very element that made the practice so successful – and was responsible for helping no-till hit critical mass a quarter-century ago. More than new herbicides or equipment, the Farm Bill or the cost of diesel fuel, it was the people who made the greatest difference. Its champions – the believers, the innovators and connectors – refused to let themselves or their neighbors fail with the practice for lack of knowledge.
The Result of Those Who’ve Helped Along the Way
“Almost nothing of consequence is ever accomplished alone. It is a joint effort. Nor is there any such thing as a self-made man or woman. We are all the result of the many who have helped along the way, who have taught and encouraged us, seen to our needs, enlarged our horizons, or are there for us in times of need…
“Be generous. Give of yourselves. Count kindness as all-important in life. Take interest in those around you. Try to keep in mind that everyone you encounter along the way, no matter their background or station in life, knows something you don't.”
--Late Historian & Author David McCullough, Commencement Address 2018
Yes, today’s farmers enjoy an enormously wider set of technological tools – and greater documentation and research to draw upon – than previous generations who figured it out as they went. But one could also argue a significant disadvantage. The retirements, mortalities and cuts of experienced extension and other advisors have left a void.
With their can-do spirit, “never say die” approach and commitment to “work the problems to death,” they shined the light on the solutions by keeping moving forward.
Pick Up the Lantern
This is where you come in.
You, as a more “seasoned” farmer, know what has gotten us here and are thus uniquely positioned for all to understand the path forward. You know the landmines and mistakes – and all those things that your extension agents, dealers and advisors called out for you to see. Many of you are quick to cite the care of others looking out for you – and how they “saved your bacon.”
Your tribal knowledge needs to be passed down before it's lost. The business of farming requires all to continually compound their management skillsets to survive. The next generation needs your help and guidance to refine their recipe, just as others helped you.
Light the Path
The challenges of the last few years have led to the business of farming being described in the darkest of metaphors.
Long after your 40 or so harvests are complete – when your body is tired and your days are few – it’s the people you’ve impacted that will matter most, I’m told. While the soils, the bushels and the balance sheets are critical, in your final moments, all of that becomes secondary to the what, and the who – and how you choose to pay things forward.
Here’s a sample of what I’ve been reminded of in recent weeks about the notion of “light.”
- Light dispels fear
- Light illuminates and gives direction
- Light sustains life
- Light comforts as it opposes the dark
Helping someone step into the light is where the journey of change begins. And your presence can provide that very illumination, just as someone did for you.
Paying it Forward
The Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year holidays bring a natural reflection of those who’ve helped us on our journey. Rewind the tape of your life’s journey and, if you still can, drop a note to those who made a difference.
Also consider how you, too, can pay things forward. Here are two items as you start your own action list:
First, show up in St. Louis and be there to meet and share your knowledge with others.
Second, consider bringing along a young farmer in your area. The learning experience is more impactful when shared – before, during and after the conference, including the drive home. Thanks to the help of other groups who are investing in the “knowledge quotient” of farmers, we have a scholarship fund that first time attendees can tap into.
Every trade or industry – including farming – is only as strong as the next link in the chain. You are the connector of the past to the future, and American agriculture needs you and your knowhow.
Join us in St. Louis.
Thanks to the support of several education-focused organizations, you can register today for just $249 when you use the promo code HEADLAMP – and save $330!
Also read longtime editor John Dobberstein’s thoughtful blog on re-fueling your farming commitment and a guaranteed ROI.
NEW: Farmer Mentoring Session Added to No-Till Conference Program
