Three individuals and one organization are being recognized as the 25th class of No-Till Innovators for their commitment to the advancement of no-till farming systems in North America and worldwide.

The No-Till Innovator Award program — sponsored by Calmer Corn Heads and No-Till Farmer — strives to honor farmers, researchers, businesses and services, and organizations for their work in assisting the growth of no-till practices, regardless of the types of crops or equipment used.

The 2020 honorees are:

• • Jeffrey Mitchell — Cooperative Extension specialist, University of California-Davis; Research & Education
• • Loran Steinlage — West Union, Iowa no-tiller, Crop Production
• • Exapta Solutions — Business & Service
• • Practical Farmers of Iowa — Organization

Loran Steinlage, Crop Production

Loran Steinlage operates Flolo Farms near West Union in northeastern Iowa. The 750-acre farm sits on the edge of the ‘Driftless Region’ of Iowa, an area known for its unique topography and coldwater streams. 

The Driftless Region is a small region of northeast Iowa, southwest Wisconsin and southeast Minnesota missed by glaciers during past ice ages, creating a unique landscape. The high-relief topography and mixture of soil types creates challenges for producers in the area, including Steinlage.

Steinlage recognized long ago that the location of his farm was unique and implementing sustainable management practices such as no-till was critical to keeping his…