No-till farming, much like agriculture as a whole, has evolved a lot over the last several decades. From new machinery and technology to scientific solutions for weed suppression, there is always something new being introduced to no-tillers. But according to Robert Saik, an agricultural technology expert, he thinks that there is one major obstacle keeping new technologies from being smoothly implemented into the agriculture industry

“It’s called confidence,” Saik says. “The only way to get the confidence level up is to talk to people who have been there and done that. I argue that the best expert to help your farm is probably somebody you don't know yet.”

But Saik also believes that making no-till successful in the future is not only the responsibility of the farmer. He thinks that consumers and politicians also need to recognize their role. 

“My main concern for the future of no-till and agriculture as a whole is the disconnection of consumers, and in particular, politicians from the pragmatism of agriculture,” Saik says. 

One key trait that almost every farmer possesses, according to Saik, is the ability to adapt and change on the fly. Saik believes this is crucial for the success of no-till in the future. 

“People make mistakes in their career, but you learn from them,” Saik says. “People seem to forget that we are pretty good at learning, unlearning and relearning in agriculture.”

Ag History

To understand where no-till is headed in decades to come, it’s important to take a look at…