Heiniger is a fourth-generation Iowa farmer, wildlife biologist, and has been a non-profit leader for more than two decades. CTIC board chair Mark White of Syngenta says Heiniger's combination of on-the-ground conservation experience and history of leadership in conservation-oriented organizations made him the perfect choice for the role.

Data from a recent cover-crop survey offers solid evidence that no-tillers are ahead of many other farmers when it comes to recognizing the value of keeping their ground covered throughout the year.