No-Till Farmer Celebrates 50 Years of Organic Practices

Erin Silva shares tips for successful organic no-till production at National Cover Crop Summit

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:40am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a carefully arranged composition of premium organic farming tools and materials, such as a wooden seed drill, a bundle of cover crop seeds, and a jar of organic fertilizer, all set against a clean, monochromatic background with sharp, dramatic lighting creating deep shadows to symbolize the strategic considerations and challenges of transitioning to organic no-till farming.Organic no-till farming tools and materials arranged in a premium, conceptual still life, highlighting the strategic considerations and challenges faced by no-till farmers exploring the transition to organic production.West Union Today

Erin Silva, a University of Wisconsin Extension specialist in organic agriculture, will be a featured speaker at the 2019 National Cover Crop Summit, where she will share her expertise on successful organic no-till production techniques. With growing demand for organic grain and the challenges of herbicide-resistant weeds, more no-till farmers are exploring the potential of organic no-till systems.

Why it matters

As more no-till farmers consider transitioning to organic production to meet market demands and address weed management issues, Silva's insights on organic no-till practices can provide valuable guidance. Her participation at the National Cover Crop Summit also highlights the increasing integration of organic and no-till farming approaches.

The details

Silva, a leading expert in organic agriculture, will draw on her research and work with organic no-till farmers to discuss key components for weed control, cover crop management, and other critical factors for successful organic no-till production. Her presentation will cover topics such as establishing thick cover crop stands, proper termination timing, and the role of practices like roller-crimping.

  • The 2019 National Cover Crop Summit will take place in the spring.

The players

Erin Silva

A University of Wisconsin Extension specialist in organic agriculture who will be a featured speaker at the 2019 National Cover Crop Summit.

Loran Steinlage

A 2023 Conservation Ag Operator Fellow from West Union, Iowa, who hosted a No-Till Farmer webinar series featuring Ukrainian no-till farmers.

Olexiy

A Ukrainian no-till farmer who participated in the No-Till Farmer webinar series to discuss organic no-till and farming challenges during wartime.

Konstantin

A Ukrainian no-till farmer who participated in the No-Till Farmer webinar series to discuss organic no-till and farming challenges during wartime.

Marion Calmer

A no-till legend who is celebrating a wedding.

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The takeaway

As more no-till farmers explore the potential of organic production to meet market demands and address weed management challenges, Erin Silva's expertise on successful organic no-till techniques can provide valuable guidance for the industry.