As we celebrate 250 years of America’s independence, we recall that independence did not happen instantly. It took several years after July 4, 1776, for independence to be won. 

The Constitution was confirmed in 1790, and the Bill of Rights (the first 10 amendments) was adopted a year later. In the 235 years since, only 17 more amendments were passed as our country progressed as a civilization. 

Among those amendments, the right to vote was extended to former slaves, American Indians, women, and 18-year-olds. 

GETTING BETTER. No-tillers (l-r) Jim Moseley of Clarks Hill, Ind.; Michael Thompson of Almena, Kan., and Loran Steinlage of West Union, Iowa shared tips for succeeding with no-till operations at the National No-Tillage Conference. John Dobberstein

Why am I reminding you of this history? It’s a reminder that significant change can take time. And for farmers that includes changing tillage practices. Consider these statements: 

• In 1840, Daniel Webster declared, “Let us never forget that the cultivation of the earth is the most important labor of man. When tillage begins, other arts follow. The farmers, therefore, are the founders of human civilization.”
• In 1937, President Franklin Roosevelt warned, “The nation that destroys its soil destroys itself.”
• In April 1935, Will Rogers took a shot at the old Pioneers on…