Though only 17 years of age, I consider myself an experienced farmer. I have worked alongside my father on our family’s farm since I was a small child, learning the skills of agriculture and developing a desire to make farming my own life’s work. Living on a farm that has belonged to and supported our family for generations, I am acutely aware of how drastically farming techniques have changed over the years.

Conservation farming is revolutionizing agriculture through the adoption of new ideas, technology and practices. Direct seeding (no-tilling) is just one of these new practices that is reforming the way that we farm.

On the successful heels of last year's inaugural conservation tillage scholarship contest, Phoenix Rotary Equipment Ltd. will once again sponsor this year's essay contest. By eloquently writing about an aspect of conservation tillage, three high school or college students will earn a substantial scholarship, which will help them pay for furthering their education.