- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Shumway Today
By the People, for the People
Retired NRCS Conservationist Reflects on Illinois' Shift to No-Till Farming
Leon Wendte, a 33-year veteran of the National Resources Conservation Service, played a key role in encouraging farmers to adopt no-till and conservation practices.
Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:37am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
An abstract visual representation of the interconnected systems and natural cycles that underpin sustainable no-till farming practices, as championed by conservationists like Leon Wendte.Shumway TodayAfter a 33-year career with the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), including 18 years in Champaign County, Illinois, Leon Wendte is reflecting on the state's shift towards no-till farming. Wendte, who retired in 2006, is pleased to see that no-till acres in Illinois have now exceeded conventionally tilled acres. He believes his efforts, along with those of other public agencies and private organizations, helped nudge farmers towards adopting more sustainable farming practices.
Why it matters
The transition to no-till farming in Illinois is significant, as it helps protect cropland, reduce chemical runoff, and improve water quality and wildlife habitat. Wendte's work as an NRCS engineer and district conservationist played an important role in encouraging farmers to adopt these practices, which have long-term environmental benefits for the state.
The details
During his time with the NRCS, Wendte spent much of his efforts encouraging farmers to adopt methods that protect cropland and reduce chemical runoff. In addition to the rise in no-till acres, Champaign County also saw a significant increase in the establishment of vegetative buffers along streams and waterways, with more than 7,000 acres protected through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Wendte provided coordination for these efforts, which involved collaboration between the Soil and Water Conservation District, Pheasants Forever, Farm Bureau, and other NRCS specialists.
- In late 2006, the Illinois Department of Agriculture reported that no-till acres in the state had, for the first time, exceeded the number of conventionally tilled acres.
- Wendte retired from the NRCS in 2006 after a 33-year career, 18 of which were spent in Champaign County, Illinois.
The players
Leon Wendte
A 33-year veteran of the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), including 18 years as an engineer and district conservationist in Champaign County, Illinois.
Illinois Department of Agriculture
The state agency that reported the shift in Illinois towards more no-till acres than conventionally tilled acres.
National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
A federal agency that Wendte worked for, where he spent much of his time encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices.
Soil and Water Conservation District
A local organization that collaborated with Wendte and other agencies to increase the establishment of vegetative buffers along streams and waterways in Champaign County.
Pheasants Forever
A conservation organization that worked with Wendte and others to increase wildlife habitat through the Conservation Reserve Program in Champaign County.
What they’re saying
“I was pleased when the Illinois Department of Agriculture reported in late 2006 that no-till acres in the state had, for the first time, exceeded the number of conventionally tilled acres.”
— Leon Wendte, Retired NRCS Engineer and District Conservationist
The takeaway
Wendte's work as an NRCS conservationist played a crucial role in encouraging Illinois farmers to adopt more sustainable no-till farming practices and conservation efforts, which have had long-lasting environmental benefits for the state. His retirement in 2006 coincided with a significant shift towards no-till agriculture, demonstrating the impact that dedicated public servants can have in driving positive change in the farming community.