View the secret underground world of soil livestock —including beneficial bacteria, mycorrhizal fungi and earthworms — that are essential to building healthy no-tilled soils and reducing your cost of production. https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/rss en-us jdobberstein@lesspub.com NRCS Chief Colton L. Buckley told No-Till Farmer he is prioritizing field staff to improve field engagement and technical expertise. No-Till Farmer he is prioritizing field staff to improve field engagement and technical expertise.]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15342 Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15342-nrcs-promises-farmers-will-see-modernized-approach Eye-on-Washington NEW.png 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, 11 Jun 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 As drought risk intensifies across U.S. farmland, the Soil Health Institute (SHI) has launched a new, science-based tool to help farmers and advisors understand how soil health management can improve water availability and crop resilience. http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15326 Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15326-free-tool-helps-growers-see-impact-of-regenerative-practices-on-drought-resilience DRC-results-1024x770.png kdowning@lessitermedia.com 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!

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15324 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 8EDE71AF-A190-4787-9DF9-48E94A8AB69F.JPG 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 jdobberstein@lesspub.com 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? http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15310 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 John-Dobberstein2.jpg 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?

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15307 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 Reeder_Randall.png USDA today announced the availability of $65 million this year for new tools, approaches, practices and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands through the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program. http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15299 Wed, 27 May 2026 13:08:22 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15299-nrcs-announces-65-million-for-conservation-innovation-grants NRCS_CIG_SocialMedia_24-3-Web Header.jpg Row-crop farmers can benefit from the ‘animal equation’ through new income streams, lowered input costs & improved soil carbon capture, says former USDA scientist Jonathan Lundgren Row-crop farmers can benefit from the ‘animal equation’ through new income streams, lowered input costs & improved soil carbon capture, says former USDA scientist Jonathan Lundgren

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15300 Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15300-boost-revenue-and-soil-health-by-integrating-livestock-with-no-till Integrating-Livestock-with-No-Till-1.jpg STOCK UP & SAVE. Increased stock density and intensive grazing management helps long-term forage production, boosts farm income, and reduces weed and insect pressure, particularly when added as a tool to diversify a crop-only farm. Research shows the “animal equation” is vital to building soils and reducing inputs — usually within the first year. Dan Crummett jdobberstein@lesspub.com Buckley told No-Till Farmer Tuesday he will continue pushing to modernize the tools farmers have available through the NRCS and ensure the agency “gets back to basics” helping them succeed with their conservation goals. Buckley told No-Till Farmer Tuesday he will continue pushing to modernize the tools farmers have available through the NRCS and ensure the agency “gets back to basics” helping them succeed with their conservation goals. 

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15298 Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15298-nrcs-chief-talks-goals-for-agency-as-ag-tech Buckley pull quote.png lessitef@lesspub.com 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.

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15294 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 Frankly-Speaking-logo_0324_1000px (1).png Through Success from the Ground Up, Cargill provides financial support to soil health organizations focused on providing access to training and technical information that can help remove barriers for row crop farmers who want to rebuild the health of their soils, plant cover crops, and make better use of their water. Through Success from the Ground Up, Cargill provides financial support to soil health organizations focused on providing access to training and technical information that can help remove barriers for row crop farmers who want to rebuild the health of their soils, plant cover crops, and make better use of their water. 

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15291 Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15291-ctic-seeking-participants-for-new-mentoring-program Cargill_CTIC.png 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 jdobberstein@lesspub.com In this No-Till Farmer podcast, brought to you by Bio-Till Cover Crops, Austin, Minn., no-tiller Tom Cotter shares how to balance the positive and negative effect of practices for weed control, make cover crops pay, coordinate livestock grazing with crop rotations and find markets for all that’s produced. Bio-Till Cover Crops, Austin, Minn., no-tiller Tom Cotter shares how to balance the positive and negative effect of practices for weed control, make cover crops pay, coordinate livestock grazing with crop rotations and find markets for all that’s produced.]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15268 Fri, 08 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15268-podcast-whats-possible-when-you-commit-to-soil-health NTF_podcastlogo_final_0816.jpg Regular registration for the Conservation in Action Tour expires Friday. Learn more about America’s premier on-farm experience before rates go up. Regular registration for the Conservation in Action Tour expires Friday. Learn more about America’s premier on-farm experience before rates go up.

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15267 Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15267-deadline-approaching-to-sign-up-for-conservation-in-action-tour unnamed.png 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 jdobberstein@lesspub.com The version approved Thursday removed controversial language that would have prohibited states and courts from, “penalizing or holding liable entities for failing to comply with requirements that would require labeling or packaging that is in addition to or different from the labeling or packaging approved by the EPA administrator.” The version approved Thursday removed controversial language that would have prohibited states and courts from, “penalizing or holding liable entities for failing to comply with requirements that would require labeling or packaging that is in addition to or different from the labeling or packaging approved by the EPA administrator.”

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15252 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15252-us-house-passes-farm-bill-20-pesticide-liability-shield-removed Eye on Washington.png jdobberstein@lesspub.com In this No-Till Farmer podcast, brought to you by Bio-Till Cover Crops, this esteemed panel will shine light on the true value of existing mentorship programs and share new ideas on where you can find real opportunities to connect, learn and grow with fellow no-tillers. Bio-Till Cover Crops, this esteemed panel will shine light on the true value of existing mentorship programs and share new ideas on where you can find real opportunities to connect, learn and grow with fellow no-tillers.]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15241 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15241-podcast-how-building-mentoring-programs-can-increase-momentum-for-no-till-adoption NTF_podcastlogo_final_0816.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 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

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15233 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 Randall-Reeder.jpg 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.   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/15209 Fri, 17 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15209-relay-cropping-new-no-till-drill-among-early-plant26-highlights Relay-Cropping,-New-No-Till-Drill-Among-Early-#Plant26-Highlights.png lessitef@lesspub.com In this edition: Conservation Agriculture: Helping to Return to Within Planetary Boundaries Soil Structure Changes Under Reduced Tillage and Cover Cropping Enhance Carbon Mineralization in Mediterranean Croplands Cover Cropping Increases the Abundance of Mycorrhizal and Endophytic Fungi Structures Associated with Ecosystem Functioning Conservation Agriculture: A Review of Plant Residue use with Zero Tillage and Crop Rotation Unlocking Climate Resilience by Exploring the Mitigation Potential of Improved Rotation with Cover Cropping In this edition:

• Conservation Agriculture: Helping to Return to Within Planetary Boundaries
• Soil Structure Changes Under Reduced Tillage and Cover Cropping Enhance Carbon Mineralization in Mediterranean Croplands
• Cover Cropping Increases the Abundance of Mycorrhizal and Endophytic Fungi Structures Associated with Ecosystem Functioning
• Conservation Agriculture: A Review of Plant Residue use with Zero Tillage and Crop Rotation
• Unlocking Climate Resilience by Exploring the Mitigation Potential of Improved Rotation with Cover Cropping

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15204 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15204-no-till-strip-till-and-cover-crops-research-journal-april-2026 nnewman@lessitermedia.com The No-Till Living Legend from Lancaster County, Pa., is internationally known for his groundbreaking work in cover crops and no-till. http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15198 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15198-steve-groff-announced-as-2027-no-till-conference-speaker Steve-Groff-in-Hemp.jpg Steve Groff’s industrial fiber hemp plants stand around 4-5 feet tall as of June 11, and he says he can count on them being 10-12 feet tall by Aug. 1. “You have to think about how you’re going to harvest a plant like this that is going to be as tall as corn,” Groff says. “It’s planted like wheat, around 1.2 million seeds per acre — a very thick planting density —which means you really have to think about what kind of equipment is going to work. If your equipment can handle sticks and bale rope, it can handle hemp.” Mackane Vogel Adding sugar increases microbial growth, creating population booms that will momentarily increase mineralization, but then immediately immobilize residual nitrogen. http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15196 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15196-the-mechanics-of-soil-fertility-use-of-sugar-in-field-crops mvogel@lessitermedia.com Tony Peirick is No-Till Farmer's 2026 Conservation Ag Operator Fellow. In this video, meet the Watertown, Wis., no-tiller as he shares some background about the history of his farm operation, the details of his day-to-day farm life and more information about the farmer-led groups he facilitates. The 2026 fellowship program is made possible with the support of Dairy Management Inc. 2026 Conservation Ag Operator Fellow. In this video, meet the Watertown, Wis., no-tiller as he shares some background about the history of his farm operation, the details of his day-to-day farm life and more information about the farmer-led groups he facilitates. The 2026 fellowship program is made possible with the support of Dairy Management Inc. ]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15236 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15236-video-meet-tony-peirick-no-till-farmers-2026-conservation-ag-operator-fellow Meet-Tony-Peirick-—-No-Till-Farmer's-2026-Conservation-Ag-Operator-Fellow.png Soil salinity is a critical concern in agriculture when excessive soluble salts restrict a plant’s water uptake, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, hindering crop growth and reducing yields on roughly 30% of U.S. irrigated land. Soil salinity is a critical concern in agriculture when excessive soluble salts restrict a plant’s water uptake, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, hindering crop growth and reducing yields on roughly 30% of U.S. irrigated land.

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15172 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15172-low-cost-sensor-system-could-warn-farmers-of-salt-stress-in-plants 15-inch-32-row-John-Deere-1795-planter.jpg IDEAL COMPANION. Axtell, Neb., strip-tiller Ty Fickenscher used a 15-inch, 32-row John Deere 1795 planter to seed corn and soybeans as companion crops. The soybeans strengthened the corn crop, reduced inputs by fixing nitrogen and controlled pests.