Uncover the latest information on different species of cover crops and their benefits; tips on the equipment used to seed them; and how no-tillers are using covers on their farm operation to improve their no-till systems. https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/rss en-us Each week our editors will bring you data from our 2025 No-Till Farmer Operational Benchmark Survey. Continue reading and check back weekly for the next set of valuable data. 2025 No-Till Farmer Operational Benchmark Survey. Continue reading and check back weekly for the next set of valuable data.]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/14342 Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/14342-no-till-cropping-and-business-insights NTF_No-Till Cropping & Business Insights_1080x567.png nnewman@lessitermedia.com Robert Boyle, the 2026 Strip-Till Innovator Award recipient, uses strip-till & cover crops to revive soil & slash inputs in ‘dry country’ Robert Boyle, the 2026 Strip-Till Innovator Award recipient, uses strip-till & cover crops to revive soil & slash inputs in ‘dry country’

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15403 Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15403-proving-strip-till-can-work-anywhere-even-in-the-desert Robert-Boyle-the-2026-Strip-Till-Innovator-Award-recipient-1.jpg TRAILBLAZER. 2026 Strip-Till Innovator Robert Boyle captures strip-till success in Coolidge, Ariz., where his farm receives less than 7 inches of rain annually. Noah Newman Severy, Kan., grower Gail Fuller & his partner, Lynette Miller, explain how focusing on building the soil & growing healthy food on their new farm feeds their souls, not just the bottom line Severy, Kan., grower Gail Fuller & his partner, Lynette Miller, explain how focusing on building the soil & growing healthy food on their new farm feeds their souls, not just the bottom line 

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15399 Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15399-a-no-tillers-road-to-redemption A No-Tillers Road to Redemption-1.jpg DIGGING DEEP. Although Gail Fuller is no longer focused on production agriculture, soil health is still at the center of what happens at Circle 7 Farms. More than 100 people a year attend The Fuller Field School to learn more about soil biological processes and the link between healthy soils and healthy food. Gail Fuller mvogel@lessitermedia.com Despite unpredictable weather conditions, Wisconsin no-tiller remains optimistic about strong crops for 2026 growing season Despite unpredictable weather conditions, Wisconsin no-tiller remains optimistic about strong crops for 2026 growing season

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15390 Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15390-no-till-and-cover-crops-shine-during-dry-growing-season 2026-Conservation-Ag-Operator-Fellow-Tony-Peirick-1.jpg Watertown, Wis., no-tiller Tony Peirick is No-Till Farmer’s 2026 Conservation Ag Operator Fellow, chosen for the honor due to his extensive experience with no-till and cover crops, his innovative approach to conservation practices and his inspiring leadership to help other farmers adopt no-till practices through farmer-led groups. John Dobberstein lessitef@lesspub.com An analysis of 11 years of in-depth data shows no-till and cover crops are a good choice for Corn Belt soybean and corn growers. An analysis of 11 years of in-depth data shows no-till and cover crops are a good choice for Corn Belt soybean and corn growers.

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15388 Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15388-less-tillage-more-covers-consistently-leads-to-lower-costs-and-higher-returns Frankly-Speaking-logo_0324_1000px (1).png mvogel@lessitermedia.com Robert Saik, founder of T1 Technology Corp., knows a thing or two about AI. I caught up with him at the visorPRO AI workshop in Rosemont, Ill., the other day and asked him about some of the latest AI trends and how they’ll affect no-tillers. http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15373 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 01:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15373-video-of-the-week-what-excites-me-about-ai-in-ag Video-of-the-Week--‘What-Excites-Me-About-AI-in-Ag’-.png mvogel@lessitermedia.com More strip-till news now. Compeer Financial and PepsiCo partnered on a pilot leasing program to help farmers interested in strip-till offset the costs of new equipment. We caught up with Landon Frye from Compeer Financial for more on this new initiative. Compeer Financial and PepsiCo partnered on a pilot leasing program to help farmers interested in strip-till offset the costs of new equipment. We caught up with Landon Frye from Compeer Financial for more on this new initiative. ]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15372 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 01:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15372-compeer-financial-teams-up-with-pepsico-on-strip-till-financing Compeer Financial Teams Up with PepsiCo on Strip-Till Equipment Financing.jpg mvogel@lessitermedia.com A few weeks ago I visited my home state of Maryland and had the chance to chat with Finksburg, Md., no-tiller and soybean yield champ Chris Weaver. Check out this clip as he introduces himself and his farm while giving you a sneak peak of his upcoming presentation at the 35th annual National No-Tillage Conference in Indianapolis this coming winter. http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15371 Mon, 29 Jun 2026 01:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15371-soybean-yield-champ-previews-upcoming-national-no-tillage-conference-presentation Soybean-Yield-Champ-Previews-Upcoming-National-No-Tillage-Conference-Presentation.png nnewman@lessitermedia.com From innovative equipment to an innovative farmer. Let’s head out to Coolidge, Ariz., now to check out one of Robert Boyle’s more action-packed fields. Robert Boyle’s more action-packed fields.]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15370 Sun, 28 Jun 2026 01:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15370-arizona-farmer-uses-5-way-cover-crop-mix-ahead-of-corn Arizona-Farmer-Uses-5-Way-Cover-Crop-Mix-Ahead-of-Corn.png nnewman@lessitermedia.com On this episode of Conservation Ag Update, brought to you by Titan International, a big piece of equipment is unveiled at the Kinze Product Innovation Day in Williamsburg, Iowa. Titan International, a big piece of equipment is unveiled at the Kinze Product Innovation Day in Williamsburg, Iowa.]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15362 Fri, 26 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15362-kinze-innovation-day-showcases-no-till-strip-till-equipment Kinze-Innovation-Day-Showcases-No-Till,-Strip-Till-Equipment.png Three stalwart individuals and organizations who dedicate their time and passion to farm conservation were recently inducted into the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) Hall of Fame. Three stalwart individuals and organizations who dedicate their time and passion to farm conservation were recently inducted into the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) Hall of Fame.

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15356 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15356-new-members-of-ctic-hall-of-fame-inducted 2.png nnewman@lessitermedia.com In preparation for the 35th Annual National No-Tillage Conference, we are counting down to the event by sharing 35 stories before our 35th anniversary takes place in Indianapolis, Ind., in January 2027. http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15350 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15350-video-steve-groff-shares-why-hes-excited-for-the-35th-annual-national-no-tillage-conference Steve-Groff-Shares-Why-He's-Excited-for-the-35th-Annual-National-No-Tillage-Conference.png nnewman@lessitermedia.com In this video, Noah Newman checks in with an update on the 2026 National Strip-Tillage Conference, which takes place Aug. 6-7 in Springfield, Ill. Newman catches up with Coolidge, Ariz., strip-tiller Robert Boyle, who explains why the conference is a must-attend for him every year. In this video, Noah Newman checks in with an update on the 2026 National Strip-Tillage Conference, which takes place Aug. 6-7 in Springfield, Ill. Newman catches up with Coolidge, Ariz., strip-tiller Robert Boyle, who explains why the conference is a must-attend for him every year. 

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15347 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 14:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15347-why-this-lone-wolf-keeps-returning-to-the-national-strip-till-conference mvogel@lessitermedia.com As you can see, we are at the birthplace of the tillage radish. Yes, I'm on Steve Groff's farm in Holtwood, Pennsylvania. And speaking of which, we're going to toss it off to Steve right now for some cover crop action. http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15340 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 01:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15340-steve-groff-bringing-cover-crop-knowledge-to-no-till-conference Steve-Groff-Bringing-Cover-Crop-Knowledge-to-No-Till-Conference.png nnewman@lessitermedia.com On this episode of Conservation Ag Update, brought to you by Titan International, we catch up with young Kentucky no-tiller Quint Pottinger to see how he autonomously planted his entire crop in 2026. Titan International, we catch up with young Kentucky no-tiller Quint Pottinger to see how he autonomously planted his entire crop in 2026.]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15334 Fri, 12 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15334-no-tiller-plants-entire-corn-crop-with-driverless-tractor No-Tiller-Plants-Entire-Corn-Crop-with-Driverless-Tractor.png nnewman@lessitermedia.com “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. 

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15301 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 Boyle Soil.png nnewman@lessitermedia.com On this episode of Conservation Ag Update, brought to you by Titan International, we pay a visit to Strip-Till Innovator Robert Boyle’s farm in Coolidge, Ariz., for an up-close look at how he’s transforming his soils with cover crops and diverse rotations. Titan International, we pay a visit to Strip-Till Innovator Robert Boyle’s farm in Coolidge, Ariz., for an up-close look at how he’s transforming his soils with cover crops and diverse rotations.]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15304 Fri, 29 May 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15304-cover-crops-strip-till-spark-desert-soil-revival Cover-Crops,-Strip-Till-Spark-Desert-Soil-Revival.png Interseeding cover crop mixes between corn rows at early vegetative stages helps Ryan Ribbs create extra forage, eliminate a herbicide pass & improve soil health for row crops Interseeding cover crop mixes between corn rows at early vegetative stages helps Ryan Ribbs create extra forage, eliminate a herbicide pass & improve soil health for row crops

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15309 Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15309-no-tiller-builds-planting-tool-to-serve-regenerative-goals No-Tiller Builds Planting Tool to Serve Regenerative Goals.jpg REPURPOSED ROTARY HOE. Ryan Gibbs bought this used Hiniker rotary hoe and seeder to convert it to a twin-row interseeder to plant cover crop mixes between 30-inch corn rows. Drill units from a Great Plains planter spaced 7.5 inches apart will seed covers between corn rows at V2 and V3 stages to improve soil health and provide fall and winter livestock grazing. Ryan Gibbs Cutting tillage & focusing on regenerative practices helped Greg Woll reduce expenses, boost crop yields & protect the soil. Cutting tillage & focusing on regenerative practices helped Greg Woll reduce expenses, boost crop yields & protect the soil.

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15308 Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15308-no-till-regenerative-practices-fit-the-retirement-bill What I've Learned from No-Tilling-Greg Woll-1.jpg PLANTING OPPORTUNITY. At planting, biologicals are applied in furrow. They're also applied in season and to corn stubble in fall. The biology, amino acids and micronutrients work to break down residue and free nutrients from the soil. Phosphorus hasn't been necessary for years. Greg Woll An on-farm study utilizing cereal rye ahead of corn and soybeans in Wisconsin found improved yields when the cover was managed properly, says independent research agronomist Jim Stute An on-farm study utilizing cereal rye ahead of corn and soybeans in Wisconsin found improved yields when the cover was managed properly, says independent research agronomist Jim Stute

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15302 Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15302-cover-crops-managed-properly-can-bring-immediate-benefits on-farm study utilizing cereal rye ahead of corn and soybeans.jpg COVERS ON TRIAL. An on-farm study utilizing cereal rye ahead of corn and soybeans in southeastern Wisconsin found improved yields and better weed suppression when the cover was seeded and terminated early. Jim Stute nnewman@lessitermedia.com Meanwhile, over in Mt. Sterling, Illinois, young farmer Wade Yingling and his dad, Bruce, are capturing success with strip-till and cover crops, with a little vertical tillage mixed in as well. http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15280 Sun, 17 May 2026 01:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15280-young-farmer-saves-soil-crushes-weeds-with-strip-till-and-rye Young-Farmer-Saves-Soil,-Crushes-Weeds-with-Strip-Till-&-Rye.png nnewman@lessitermedia.com On this episode of Conservation Ag Update, brought to you by Titan International, we share some #Plant26 highlights from across the U.S., including a young strip-tiller in Nebraska, a cutting-edge no-till drill in Pennsylvania and an innovative intercropping system in Indiana. Titan International, we share some #Plant26 highlights from across the U.S., including a young strip-tiller in Nebraska, a cutting-edge no-till drill in Pennsylvania and an innovative intercropping system in Indiana.]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15274 Fri, 15 May 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15274-farmers-slash-inputs-by-170-per-acre-with-no-till-and-neighborly-grazing Farmers-Slash-Inputs-by-$170-Per-Acre-with-No-Till-&-‘Neighborly-Grazing’.png A 2025 study in eastern Nebraska found higher insect abundance and diversity in cover crop areas compared to adjacent seed corn, including both beneficial species and potential pests. A 2025 study in eastern Nebraska found higher insect abundance and diversity in cover crop areas compared to adjacent seed corn, including both beneficial species and potential pests.

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15272 Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15272-how-do-full-season-cover-crops-affect-insect-populations butterfly-painted-lady-red-clover-field-shutterstock.jpg 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. http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15255 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 image.jpg nnewman@lessitermedia.com The program has engaged 43 farmers in Idaho, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin, covering 50,000 acres and 43,000 cows so far. The program has engaged 43 farmers in Idaho, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin, covering 50,000 acres and 43,000 cows so far. 

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15254 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:09:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15254-farmers-share-key-takeaways-from-feed-in-focus-sustainability-program feed in focus.jpg A long-term investment in labor-saving grazing technology joins Greg Thoren’s efforts to cut farm input costs & build soil health A long-term investment in labor-saving grazing technology joins Greg Thoren’s efforts to cut farm input costs & build soil health

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15234 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15234-virtual-fencing-helps-no-tiller-cut-costs-boosts-grazing-operations Virtual-Fencing-Helps-No-Tiller-Cut-Costs-Boosts-Grazing-Operations-1.jpg DITCH MAINTENANCE. By programming an invisible geo-fence along the roadway, Greg Thoren crowds his neck-band clad cattle down a ditch to graze “free forage” without having to assemble a labor-intensive hotwire system. Likewise, he says various headlands and waterways on his northwest Illinois farm are grazed instead of grazed or mowed. Greg Thoren nnewman@lessitermedia.com “The networking is one of the things I love most about the Strip-Till Conference,” says Zack Smith, who strip-tills in Lake Mills, Iowa. “The farmers attending this conference are some of the most innovative folks you’re going to find." “The networking is one of the things I love most about the Strip-Till Conference,” says Zack Smith, who strip-tills in Lake Mills, Iowa. “The farmers attending this conference are some of the most innovative folks you’re going to find."

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15232 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15232-most-innovative-folks-youll-find-gathering-at-2026-strip-till-conference Strip-Till-Innovator-Chris-Perkins-will-return-to-the-Strip-Till-Conference-stage-in-2026.jpg MONEYMAKING IDEAS. Otwell, Ind., Strip-Till Innovator Chris Perkins will return to the Strip-Till Conference stage in 2026. Perkins and soil test data analyst Chris Kasten will share how they’re rethinking the traditional approach to nutrient management and plant testing.   Groundwater is close at hand in Karst geography creating more urgency for intentionally careful farming practices Groundwater is close at hand in Karst geography creating more urgency for intentionally careful farming practices

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15230 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15230-oats-no-till-and-covers-deliver-benefits-above-and-below WILFNT_Oats-No-Till-and-Covers-Deliver-Benefits-Above-and-Below-5.jpg BOOSTING PROFITS. Cover crops and oats serve up savings and yields. Residue gives Larsen the upper hand with glyphosate resistant waterhemp and the crop rotation has eliminated the need to purchase expensive corn rootworm protection in his traited corn hybrids. Corn and soybean crops in rotation with oats also see yield bumps up to 11%. Martin Larsen Research studies have shown certain cover crops can adjust soil properties & help soybeans mitigate IDC issues & protect plant health Research studies have shown certain cover crops can adjust soil properties & help soybeans mitigate IDC issues & protect plant health

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15228 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15228-no-tiller-intercropping-to-fight-issues-with-iron-deficiency-chlorosis Seeding-flax-and-oats-in-the-row-in-soybeans.jpg WORKING TOGETHER. Seeding flax and oats in the row in soybeans following soybeans has proven to help manage water and excess nitrogen that can contribute to increased impact of iron deficiency chlorosis. Soybeans perform well as long as the interseeded crop is terminated prior to soybeans flowering. Joe Breker lbarrera@lesspub.com From cereal rye with higher levels of weed-controlling allelochemicals to hairy vetch that germinates in the first year, scientists are working to breed better cover crops From cereal rye with higher levels of weed-controlling allelochemicals to hairy vetch that germinates in the first year, scientists are working to breed better cover crops

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15225 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15225-researchers-breeding-covers-for-targeted-benefits-specific-environments map-represents-the-current-cover-crop-variety-testing-sites.jpg TESTING SITES. The map represents the current cover crop variety testing sites. The location pins in purple are university testing sites and the ones in blue are on-farm sites. The Center for Regenerative Agriculture hopes to continue expanding its variety testing efforts across the nation. CRA