Exploring the Future of Conservation Tillage: Insights from the No-Till Legend Randall Reeder

I recently had the privilege of attending the Conservation Tillage & Technology Conference held in Ada, Ohio. Organized by No-Till Legend Randall Reeder and the Ohio No-Till Council, this two-day event took place on the campus of Ohio Northern University. This year’s lineup of speakers was nothing short of impressive, and here are my top three moments from the conference.

Warren Dick, a retired professor and soil health scientist, gave a fascinating presentation on the effects of climate change on soil carbon and health. After his talk, I had the opportunity to ask him some questions, and he shared insights about the rich history of no-till farming and his contributions to it.

A panel of no-till farmers including Barry Fisher, Les Seiler, and Kent Sonnenburg was moderated by No-Till Innovator Jim Hoorman. Fisher’s discussion about intentionally managing for improved organic matter resonated with the audience and sparked further conversations among attendees.

Lastly, Alyssa Essman, an extension weed specialist at Ohio State University, highlighted the importance of cover crops in managing herbicide resistance in agriculture. This is a pressing issue for many farmers, and Essman’s presentation shed light on how cover crops could help overcome this challenge.

As a bonus, Reeder discussed the history of the Conservation Tillage & Technology Conference and shared highlights of this year’s program. Overall, attending this conference was an incredible opportunity to learn from industry experts and connect with fellow enthusiasts of conservation tillage and no-till farming techniques.