Soil Conservation Service

Mentorship Programs Passing the Torch for No-Till

By Dan Crummett posted on February 3, 2026 | Posted in Cover Crops, Soil Health

Long-time no-tiller and conservation leader Jim Moseley says mentors are key to keeping no-till’s poignant success stories alive for future generations to learn from.

The Dust Bowl, 90 Years Later

A guest perspective by Mitch Hagney, Director of Food Resilience for the San Antonio Food Bank reprinted from the Offrange newsletter

By Mitch Hagney posted on August 30, 2025 | Posted in Agriculture Policy & Programs, Soil Health, Water Management

Source: Offrange

Massive federal action stopped the Dust Bowl in its tracks. Will policy changes erode the progress we’ve made?

Legendary No-Till Advice

From Good Ground to Gullies & Gunk

More farmers are “dipping their toes” in the water. Let’s build momentum for erosion prevention and improve soil health. Don’t let destruction of our soil contribute to destruction of our nation.

By Randall Reeder posted on July 15, 2025 | Posted in Residue Management, Soil Health

Last month I wrote about wind erosion. And right on cue, Illinois suffered a major dust storm in May for the third straight year, losing several tons per acre of topsoil from tilled ground.

The Legacy of ‘Big Hugh’ & New Challenges for Saving the Soil

An evolution in thinking, precision technology and science has given us new ways to farm more sustainably and efficiently without punishing the soil. The enemy, of course, is apathy.

By John Dobberstein posted on May 1, 2025 | Posted in Precision Agriculture, Soil Health

An evolution in thinking, precision technology and science has given us new ways to farm more sustainably and efficiently without punishing the soil. The enemy, of course, is apathy.

Honoring a No-Till Legend

Online Coverage: No-Till Innovator, Mentor Bill Richards Passes

By John Dobberstein posted on November 20, 2024 | Posted in Equipment, Seeding & Planting, Soil Health

Here's is digital coverage of the life and accomplishments of Bill Richards, the 93-year-old Circleville, Ohio no-tiler and former NRCS chief who passed away recently. Richards was one of the first farmers in the U.S. to no-till an entire farm operation. He inspired countless growers across the country and internationally to adopt and evolve no-till practices.

‘Grandfather of No-Till’ Bill Richards Passes, Leaving Behind Conservation Legacy

By John Dobberstein posted on November 13, 2024 | Posted in Residue Management, Seeding & Planting, Soil Health

After pioneering no-till practices on his Circleville, Ohio farm – becoming one of the first to do it on an entire farm operation – Richards was tapped to serve as chief of the NRCS, then known as the Soil Conservation Service.

Your No-Till History

No-Till Legends Recall USDA's Role in 'Revolution on the Land'

'Grandfather of No-Till' Bill Richards & retired Ohio State ag engineer Randall Reeder discuss how Richards increased no-till acres as chief of the Soil Conservation Service

By Landon Swan posted on September 4, 2024

Staying true to the impact that farmer-to-farmer education has on encouraging adoption of no-till, the USDA changed the course of ag history by appointing a no-tiller to a key position in the early 1990s. The No-Till History series is made possible by Calmer Corn Heads.

Phillips & Young: Beyond the Grave

Kentucky’s dynamic duo set the table for a pending ag revolution in their seminal book on no-tillage.

By Shirley H. Phillips and Harry M. Young Jr posted on October 23, 2022

The plow is as American as the Fourth of July. Such famous farmers as Thomas Jefferson and Daniel Webster helped perfect it, and today’s politicians still speak of realigning our national priorities in terms of “swords into plowshares.”The No-Till History series is made possible by Calmer Corn Heads.

From The Archives: No-Till Boosts Income While Saving Soil

(July 1983 No-Till Farmer)

February 25, 2022

Peter Myers, the chief of the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), is a genuine farmer (cropping 1,100 acres at Matthews, Mo.) who believes in the many benefits of no-tillage. We think you’ll find his answers to our No-Till Farmer questions of special interest. The No-Till History series is made possible by Calmer Corn Heads.

From The Archives: No-Till Gets More Attention Among Soil Conservationists

(August 1982 No-Till Farmer)

February 25, 2022

Washington’s interest in no-till increased dramatically in the 1980s and 1990s as several veteran no-tillers took over the role of Chief of the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), which is now known as the Natural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS) in Washington. The No-Till History series is made possible by Calmer Corn Heads.

Items Tagged with 'Soil Conservation Service'

ARTICLES

Mentorship Programs Passing the Torch for No-Till

The Dust Bowl, 90 Years Later

From Good Ground to Gullies & Gunk

The Legacy of ‘Big Hugh’ & New Challenges for Saving the Soil

Online Coverage: No-Till Innovator, Mentor Bill Richards Passes

‘Grandfather of No-Till’ Bill Richards Passes, Leaving Behind Conservation Legacy

No-Till Legends Recall USDA's Role in 'Revolution on the Land'

Phillips & Young: Beyond the Grave

From The Archives: No-Till Boosts Income While Saving Soil

From The Archives: No-Till Gets More Attention Among Soil Conservationists

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