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.
Two crucial factors are limiting weed control options and pushing no-till farmers in the Central Great Plains into a corner: herbicide resistance and water availability.
Weeds continue to be increasingly challenging each year with herbicide resistance concerns on the rise, persistent challenging environmental conditions, and further spreading across the state (particularly with waterhemp). As a result, it is not viable to rely solely on herbicides for successful weed management anymore.
The National No-Tillage Conference returns January 12-15, 2027!Build and refine your no-till system with dozens of new ideas and connections at the 35th Annual National No-Tillage Conference in Indianapolis, Jan. 12-15, 2027. Experience an energizing 4-day agenda featuring inspiring general session speakers, expert-led No-Till Classrooms and collaborative No-Till Roundtables. Plus, Certified Crop Adviser credits will be offered.
Last month I had the chance to visit with Douglas Poole on his farm in Waterville, Wash., where he is proving that no-till, cover crops and a regenerative farming system can not only work, but thrive in his part of the country.