From only 3.3 million acres in 1972 to an estimated 90 million acres today, there’s been plenty of progress as more farmers shift to no-till. Yet, we’re still a long way from the estimated 54% of U.S. row-crop ground U.S. Department of Agriculture economists predicted back in 1975 that would be no-tilled by now.

Guy and Mort Swanson played key roles in developing no-till in a unique region that both desperately needed — and could easily live without — the practice.

As no-till farming celebrates its 50th year in the U.S., it’s important to remember how its acceptance and growth came about.