When I started out as an agricultural journalist, I knew I had a lot to learn. I did not grow up on a family farm, nor did I take college courses specifically related to agricultural policy or soil science. I was intimidated and nervous about the massive learning curve in front of me. But after my first two farm visits, I let out a sigh of relief. 

The first farm I visited was in Jackson, Wis., where I met longtime no-tiller Ross Bishop and his neighbor Stanley Miller. The two of them helped answer any questions I had and they did not pass any judgment on me for any “stupid questions,” which I now know do not exist in the world of agriculture. 

The second farm I visited was in Sparta, Wis., where I met Jim Leverich. He also helped me see the bigger picture of no-till and assured me that it was okay to learn on the fly and ask questions when something didn’t make sense. 

I later learned that all three farmers I spoke with had been previously recognized as No-Till Innovators — Leverich in the Research & Education category and Bishop and Miller in the Organization category as part of the Cedar Creek Farmers group. 

I was struck by how humble all three of these no-tillers had been and by their willingness to teach and educate others. If I had known more about their tenure and experience beforehand I may have been even more nervous. 

Now several years later, having done countless interviews with farmers of many different backgrounds and having attended many National No-Tillage Conferences and National Strip-Tillage Conferences, I look back and am no longer surprised at all by the way Bishop, Miller and Leverich went about teaching a young and inexperienced ag journalist about their farm operations and about agriculture and no-till as a whole. 

Because this same sentiment is what I’ve gotten from nearly every interview or interaction I’ve had with other No-Till Innovators or even just members of the no-till community in general. It is clear to me that teaching and learning never stop for no-tillers. It doesn’t matter whether they’ve been no-tilling for 10 years or 10 months — education is par for the course. 

So, in this special No-Till Innovators Tips Report, I hope you enjoy the many tips and pieces of advice that are compiled from experienced No-Till Innovators as well as some newer members of the no-till community who have had equally good ideas.