Father's Day is quickly approaching, and we have the ideal gift idea. Introducing the remarkable second edition of From Maverick to Mainstream: A History of No-Till Farming written by No-Till Farming, founding editor Frank Lessiter. Originally released in 2018, this captivating hardbound book takes you on a decade-by-decade journey from when scientists first toyed with no-till in the 1950s to today — including global trends and a look at the future of no-till farming.

In 2022, No-Till Farmer celebrated what we called our "Triple Crown": 60 years since the first commercial no-till plots in Kentucky, 50 years since the launch of No-Till Farmer, and the 30 years of the National No-Tillage Conference. Inspired by these milestones, Frank Lessiter, with the help of Martin-Till, decided to celebrate this history further, by printing a new edition of his sold out book Maverick to Mainstream, updated with new-found discoveries.

"This book is an amazing collection of historical articles, documents, and summaries of no-till farming. My father was an avid No-Till Farmer subscriber for over 20 years and the memories of our conversations regarding no-till farming came flooding back to me as I read this book. I wish he were still here with us to enjoy this masterpiece of no-till. This book is like a bridge linking the past to the present."

— Bob Pearson, Concordia, Kan.

What makes this second edition truly special is the updated content, including 20 revised chapters with new charts and photos; as well as, 8 all-new chapters that delve into exciting historical discoveries and memories contributed for no-till's 60th anniversary year including:

• No-Till Planter History: International Harvester & Allis Chalmers

• Bennet & Faulkner: No-Till's First Prophets

• The Famous Faulkner — Jack Debate on No-Till & the Moldboard Plow

• Memories from Milan No-Till Field Day

• No-Till Rallies Round Up

• Dick Foell: Nothing Too Crazy to Promote No-Till

• Landmark Research Works in American and Global History

• Notching the No-Till Milestones Through the Years

When you hold the book in your hand, you’ll see that this volume is much more than just a history book. It covers the people and their trials and successes. It will surely be of interest to everyone in agriculture, but also to anyone who enjoys celebrating and cheering on early adopters and underdogs who changed the world. This second edition honors those whose shoulders no-tillers stand today, and reminds future generations that true, revolutionary breakthroughs in ag are still possible, as proven by more that 110 million acres in 60 years. Whether you're looking for a special, sincere gift for a father in your life, or you're putting it on your own wishlist to share with your family, this book is sure to to bring many fond memories and elicit plenty of around-the-table discussions about no-till's past, present, and future. 

Order your copy of From Maverick to Mainstream online today for only $47.95. Or call (262) 432-0388 or (866) 839-8455 Mon. through Fri. between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT. Contact Dallas Ziebell at dziebell@lessitermedia.com for information on bulk order discounts or to request an autographed copy.

About the Author

Frank Lessiter, is also the chairman and editorial director of Lessiter Media, Inc., an agricultural based media company he and his wife Pam founded in Brookfield, Wis., in 1981. Spending his career as an ag journalist, Frank is an award-winning writer, photographer and has been the editor of No-Till Farmer since the very first issue in 1972. He has been recognized by numerous organizations for the adoption of conservation tillage in the U.S. Frank has received awards such as the Outstanding Service to No-Tillage Award in 2015, the S.H. Phillips Distinguished Lecturer in No-Till Agriculture Award in 2011, and numerous writing and photography awards from the American Society of Business Press Editors, Newsletter Clearinghouse, as well as AAEA Farm Publications Editor of the Year and Photographer of the Year.