Magazine and Website for No-Till Farmers https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/rss/articles We have an ag appropriations bill and Farm Bill 2.0 coming down the pike. For these programs to operate well locally we need farmers involved in the decision making. Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15348-your-golden-chance-to-improve-farm-programs-locally http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15348 Hop in the cab, hit shuffle and enjoy these songs that all have something to do with farming. Some of them are directly farming related like Luke Bryan's "Rain Is a Good Thing." Other's might be more subtle like Jason Isbell's song "Grown," which isn't necessarily about agriculture but the title involves things (or people) that grow. Mon, 15 Jun 2026 13:11:11 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15344-listen-to-the-2026-growing-season-farm-playlist http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15344 An innovative approach that offers major Farm Bill conservation and environmental benefits is really built around tripling the current no-till acreage. An innovative approach that offers major Farm Bill conservation and environmental benefits is really built around tripling the current no-till acreage.

]]> Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15332-what-if-a-no-tiller-wrote-the-farm-bill http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15332 One of our 50 states has decided to ban the herbicide that got no-till started in the early years before glyphosate came along. One of our 50 states has decided to ban the herbicide that got no-till started in the early years before glyphosate came along.

]]> Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15325-vermont-is-first-state-to-ban-paraquat http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15325 Hi! My name is Kendra Downing and I am working as the editorial intern for the Lessiter Media grower division this summer! I’m excited to work with the Lessiter team, provide quality information to farmers and grow as a writer! Hi! My name is Kendra Downing and I am working as the editorial intern for the Lessiter Media grower division this summer! I’m excited to work with the Lessiter team, provide quality information to farmers and grow as a writer!

]]> Wed, 03 Jun 2026 09:45:55 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15324-growing-on-and-off-the-farm http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15324 If you are a white male farmer who has been received EQUIP funds from the JU.S. Department of Agriculture, the feds may have been costing you dollars. If you are a white male farmer who has been received EQUIP funds from the JU.S. Department of Agriculture, the feds may have been costing you dollars.

]]> Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15321-many-no-tillers-may-have-been-victimized-on-equip-funding http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15321 “For the first shovel out of the ground to find an earthworm, that’s just unheard of in Arizona,” Robert Boyle says. Editor Noah Newman shares more observations from his visit with the Strip-Till Innovator in Coolidge, Ariz. “For the first shovel out of the ground to find an earthworm, that’s just unheard of in Arizona,” Robert Boyle says. Editor Noah Newman shares more observations from his visit with the Strip-Till Innovator in Coolidge, Ariz. 

]]> Sat, 30 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15301-cover-crops-bring-soil-back-to-life-in-dry-country http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15301 Ask a neighbor who continues to till the ground 2-3 times a year: if all federal payments were eliminated, would you switch to no-till? Ask a neighbor who continues to till the ground 2-3 times a year: if all federal payments were eliminated, would you switch to no-till?

]]> Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15307-give-up-the-soil-loss-still-increase-your-income http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15307 So here’s a thought — why not invest in a no-till system and cover crops that are appropriate for the climate and KEEP SOIL IN PLACE? And improve nutrient cycling and water infiltration while you’re at it? Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15310-ditching-common-sense-causes-local-dust-bowl http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15310 The same highly sophisticated seismic tools and methods used to measure the severity of earthquakes show promise in determining the impact tillage has on soil moisture and water retention. The same highly sophisticated seismic tools and methods used to measure the severity of earthquakes show promise in determining the impact tillage has on soil moisture and water retention.

]]> Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15294-quake-sensors-show-tillage-weakens-soil http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15294 Time flies during planting season, and this year has been no exception. But let’s pause for a moment and talk about something that doesn’t get covered enough in agriculture throughout the year — mental health. Time flies during planting season, and this year has been no exception. But let’s pause for a moment and talk about something that doesn’t get covered enough in agriculture throughout the year — mental health.

]]> Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15273-shining-a-light-on-mental-health-in-agriculture http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15273 Is government interference stalling the regenerative movement? Frank Lessiter examines the challenges faced by researchers like Jon Lundgren when it comes to soil health and scientific censorship. Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15271-more-on-the-interference-of-government-congress-and-industry-standing-in-the-way-of-releasing-unfavorable-science http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15271 "To date, farmer uptake of these programs has been very slow, in spite of the promise to pay farmers for participation. I believe a lot of the reluctance stems from the uncertainty about these programs," says Todd Janzen in his latest blog. Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15256-should-your-farm-sign-a-carbon-contract http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15256 Legumes do have the ability, when conditions are right, to fix large amounts of nitrogen, no doubt about that. To capture the most of that fixed nitrogen, the legume should be cycled back into the soil through plant decay or by grazing and cycling through the animal and back to the soil. Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15255-forage-matters-cover-crops-grazing-and-nitrogen-fixation http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15255 70 Years Later, Massey-Ferguson 35 model tractors are still being built and working on farms around the world. Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15250-same-low-cost-technology-offered-25-years-later-more-like-70-years-later http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15250 Two weeks ago, the No-Till Farmer editors surveyed no-tillers regarding their thoughts on seeding rig and other equipment purchases this year. The 2-minute survey asked growers for their opinions on equipment buys based on recent President Trump reports. Two weeks ago, the No-Till Farmer editors surveyed no-tillers regarding their thoughts on seeding rig and other equipment purchases this year. The 2-minute survey asked growers for their opinions on equipment buys based on recent President Trump reports.

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15248-whats-the-likelihood-no-tillers-will-order-seeding-equipment http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15248 A research team from the University of Illinois has developed a dynamic framework that combines satellite imagery and machine learning — including residue indices from remote sensing data and environmental factors — to detect tillage practices over large areas and long time periods. Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15246-eye-in-the-sky-tracking-no-till-adoption http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15246 In recent years, our No-Till Farmer editors have shared numerous conversations with no-tillers interested in finding new ways to expand farm income past traditional cash crop, milk and meat production. While we’ve seen many opportunities for developing a direct-to-consumer business, many growers maintain it seems like too much work. In recent years, our No-Till Farmer editors have shared numerous conversations with no-tillers interested in finding new ways to expand farm income past traditional cash crop, milk and meat production. While we’ve seen many opportunities for developing a direct-to-consumer business, many growers maintain it seems like too much work.

]]> Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15239-no-tillers-cashing-in-on-direct-sales-to-consumers http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15239 Whether you turn to Grok, Gemini or any other tool, it’s clear that even faceless algorithms can see reducing or eliminating tillage is better for nutrient management & soil health Whether you turn to Grok, Gemini or any other tool, it’s clear that even faceless algorithms can see reducing or eliminating tillage is better for nutrient management & soil health

]]> Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15233-using-ai-to-settle-the-no-till-vs-strip-till-challenge http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15233 If you’re no-tilling and seeding cover crops, you’re in a much better position to deal with higher nitrogen (N) prices than many other growers. If you’re no-tilling and seeding cover crops, you’re in a much better position to deal with higher nitrogen (N) prices than many other growers.

]]> Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15224-nobody-likes-high-nitrogen-costs-but http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15224 Through his journey he touched many lives with his wisdom, humor and an unwavering spirit of perseverance. Through his journey he touched many lives with his wisdom, humor and an unwavering spirit of perseverance.

]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15208-dick-foell-was-a-true-no-till-promoter-believing-in-its-many-benefits-to-save-soil-toil-and-oil http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15208 Used in the right way — as a decision-making tool rather than a crutch — AI has the potential to help younger farmers, who typically are far less skeptical about technology, find ways to bridge the knowledge gap and take some of the grind out of decision making. Used in the right way — as a decision-making tool rather than a crutch — AI has the potential to help younger farmers, who typically are far less skeptical about technology, find ways to bridge the knowledge gap and take some of the grind out of decision making.

]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15201-would-you-trust-your-farm-to-chatgpt http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15201 The problem of tillage and wind erosion isn’t just one of the Southern Plains, but a liability agriculture shares wherever the soil remains unprotected. Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15162-dust-in-the-wind-is-more-than-a-song http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15162 Twenty years ago, when I was leading sales and marketing at Spray-Air Technologies Canada, the pull-type sprayer market didn’t just soften — it imploded. Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15143-20-years-ago-self-propelled-sprayers-became-a-necessity-with-canadian-no-tillers http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15143 No-tillage is still awaiting the discovery of a “silver bullet” before it will become cemented as the irreversible replacement for conventional tillage on a global scale. Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15141-boosting-soil-pore-space-humidity-key-to-no-till-success http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15141 No matter how you say it, no-till has many common principles & your neighbors & the world need to know what they are No matter how you say it, no-till has many common principles & your neighbors & the world need to know what they are

]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15145-no-till-gut-check-question-what-do-you-stand-for http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15145 What does what “regenerative agriculture” really mean? Everyone has an opinion. Googling it provides endless nuances. It’s another example, in my humble opinion, of how buzzwords sometimes stifle progress rather than promote it. What does what “regenerative agriculture” really mean? Everyone has an opinion. Googling it provides endless nuances. It’s another example, in my humble opinion, of how buzzwords sometimes stifle progress rather than promote it.

]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2026 12:07:01 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15133-bringing-some-context-to-the-regenerative-farming-debate http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15133 At this year’s 34th National No-Tillage Conference in St. Louis, I heard the real story behind a federal controversy I’ve wondered about for 10 years. This revelation came during a classroom session presented by Jonathan Lundgren. At this year’s 34th National No-Tillage Conference in St. Louis, I heard the real story behind a federal controversy I’ve wondered about for 10 years. This revelation came during a classroom session presented by Jonathan Lundgren.

]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15132-usda-fought-regenerative-agriculture-now-theres-a-700-million-turn-around http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15132 Despite the founders’ complementary talents, there was no reason to think the business — with its untimely start with the ag depression of the 1980s — would ever see 45 years. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15128-45-years-later-and-were-still-the-same http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15128 It’s hard to grow anything where there is little or no moisture. But scientists in China are trying to change the paradigm with lab-grown bacterial microbes and straw checkerboards. Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:29:20 -0500 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15104-straw-checkerboards-bacteria-turn-desert-sand-into-soil http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15104