As I sit here at my desk, I find myself not in the countryside of eastern Oregon where my family raises dryland wheat and barley, but rather in the vast city of Quito, Ecuador.

In the Phoenix Rotary Equipment Ltd. conservation tillage essay contest, Katie Smith of Bainbridge, Ga., won first place and a $2,500 college scholarship. She attends Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Miami, Okla.

In homes all across america, casual conversations to heated discussions are held about such issues as Democrats or Republicans, right wing or left wing, college football and professional baseball. But not in my house.

Though only 17 years of age, I consider myself an experienced farmer. I have worked alongside my father on our family’s farm since I was a small child, learning the skills of agriculture and developing a desire to make farming my own life’s work. Living on a farm that has belonged to and supported our family for generations, I am acutely aware of how drastically farming techniques have changed over the years.

Students interested in conservation tillage issues can turn their thoughts into college scholarship grants. A total of $5,000 will be awarded for the top three essays in the third annual Conservation Tillage Essay Contest.

Conservation farming is revolutionizing agriculture through the adoption of new ideas, technology and practices. Direct seeding (no-tilling) is just one of these new practices that is reforming the way that we farm.

On the successful heels of last year's inaugural conservation tillage scholarship contest, Phoenix Rotary Equipment Ltd. will once again sponsor this year's essay contest. By eloquently writing about an aspect of conservation tillage, three high school or college students will earn a substantial scholarship, which will help them pay for furthering their education.