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West Union Today
By the People, for the People
National No-Tillage Conference Goes Virtual, Draws Hundreds
The 29th annual event adapts to the pandemic with a successful online program.
Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:56am
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The National No-Tillage Conference adapted to the pandemic by transitioning its signature networking and learning opportunities to a successful virtual format.West Union TodayThe 29th National No-Tillage Conference (NNTC) transitioned to a virtual format this year, attracting hundreds of attendees from across North America and internationally who wanted to learn about boosting their no-till farming knowledge. The streamlined 4-day online program included over two dozen general sessions and classrooms, as well as 15 virtual roundtables covering a variety of no-till topics to allow attendees to address specific challenges. While the in-person networking was missed, the conference still facilitated virtual 'meet and greets' and 'happy hours' for attendees to connect.
Why it matters
The National No-Tillage Conference is a premier annual event for no-till farmers to learn the latest techniques and connect with their peers. Shifting the longstanding conference to a virtual format during the pandemic was a major challenge, but the organizers were able to deliver an engaging online experience that maintained the event's educational value and community-building aspects.
The details
After deciding in November to hold the 29th NNTC online instead of in-person in Indianapolis, the No-Till Farmer team organized a streamlined 4-day virtual program. This included over two dozen general sessions and classrooms, as well as 15 virtual roundtables covering topics like no-tilling in the future, small-acreage farms, best takeaways, planting green, and soil health. While the in-person 'hallway networking' was missed, attendees still flocked to virtual 'meet and greets' on the Whova app used to host the conference. Evening 'happy hours' were also organized by Iowa no-tiller Loran Steinlage to allow attendees to 'shoot the bull' and discuss the day's highlights.
- The 29th National No-Tillage Conference took place virtually from April 13-16, 2026.
- The decision to hold the conference online was made in November 2025.
The players
No-Till Farmer
The organizer of the National No-Tillage Conference, a publication focused on no-till farming techniques and best practices.
Loran Steinlage
An Iowa no-tiller who organized evening 'happy hour' networking sessions for NNTC attendees.
What they’re saying
“Hallway networking is a major benefit of NNTC. But even without a live event, attendees still flocked to 'meet and greets' on the Whova app used to host the conference.”
— No-Till Farmer, Publication
What’s next
No-Till Farmer is already planning the 30th National No-Tillage Conference, which they hope will return to an in-person format in 2027 if pandemic conditions allow.
The takeaway
The successful virtual adaptation of the National No-Tillage Conference demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of the no-till farming community, who were able to maintain the event's educational value and networking opportunities even in the face of the pandemic's disruptions.
