Exploring the Impact of Climate Change on Soil Health at the Conservation Tillage & Technology Conference

I recently had the pleasure of attending the Conservation Tillage & Technology Conference in Ada, Ohio. Organized by No-Till Legend Randall Reeder and the Ohio No-Till Council, this 2-day event is held annually on the campus of Ohio Northern University. This year’s lineup of speakers was nothing short of impressive. Here are my top 3 moments from the conference.

Firstly, I was thrilled to hear retired professor and soil health scientist Warren Dick speak about the effects of climate change on soil carbon and health. Dick shared his wealth of knowledge and experience with no-till farming, and his contributions to it were truly inspiring. After his presentation, I had the opportunity to ask him some questions and learn even more about his work.

Secondly, a panel of no-till farmers including well-known names like 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. It was fascinating to hear from farmers who have successfully implemented no-till techniques in their own operations.

Lastly, Alyssa Essman, an extension weed specialist at Ohio State University, highlighted the importance of cover crops in managing herbicide resistance in agriculture. Cover crops are becoming increasingly popular among farmers as they can help overcome this pressing issue. Essman’s presentation shed light on how cover crops can be used effectively in no-till systems.

As a bonus, Reeder discussed the history of the Conservation Tillage & Technology Conference and shared highlights of this year’s program. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn from industry experts and connect with fellow enthusiasts of conservation tillage and no-till farming techniques. Overall, I highly recommend attending this conference if you have an interest in sustainable agriculture practices!