Young Farmer Embraces Conservation Ag to Boost Yields

Cover crop seeder and residue management tool deliver ROI for Illinois family farm

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:15am

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A bold, highly structured abstract painting in muted earth tones, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circular patterns, and precise botanical spirals, conveying the structural order and natural cycles of regenerative farming without any text or identifiable elements.An abstract visual representation of the interconnected systems and natural cycles that underpin the conservation agriculture practices embraced by the Schoff family farm.Walnut Today

Tanner Schoff, a young farmer in Walnut, Illinois, has embraced conservation agriculture practices like no-till and strip-till that his father James started nearly 30 years ago. The family's use of a cover crop seeder and residue management tool on their combine have helped improve soil health and boost yields on their highly erodible land.

Why it matters

As more large corporations seek out farmers using regenerative agriculture, the Schoff family's story highlights how conservation-focused farming practices can deliver real returns for growers. Their experience also underscores the challenges Ukrainian farmers have faced since the 2022 Russian invasion, which has impacted over a fifth of the country's farmland.

The details

Tanner Schoff has continued the no-till and strip-till practices his father James started nearly three decades ago on the family's farm in Walnut, Illinois. They've added a cover crop seeder for their strip-till bar and a residue management tool for their combine, which have helped improve soil health and boost yields on their highly erodible land. These conservation agriculture techniques have become increasingly attractive to large food companies seeking more transparency and sustainability in their supply chains.

  • James Schoff started no-tilling corn and soybeans almost 30 years ago.
  • The Schoff family began strip-tilling their corn not long after starting no-till.
  • Since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, 22% of the country's farmland has been occupied, impacting 28% of winter crops and 18% of summer crops.

The players

Tanner Schoff

A young farmer in Walnut, Illinois who has embraced his family's conservation agriculture practices.

James Schoff

Tanner's father, who started no-tilling corn and soybeans on the family farm almost 30 years ago.

Howard G. Buffett Foundation

A conservation-focused foundation that has provided over $500 million in humanitarian, financial and agricultural aid to Ukraine since the 2022 Russian invasion.

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The takeaway

The Schoff family's embrace of conservation agriculture, including no-till, strip-till, cover crops, and residue management, has helped improve the health and productivity of their highly erodible farmland. Their story underscores the growing demand from large corporations for more sustainable and transparent agricultural practices, as well as the challenges facing farmers in conflict zones like Ukraine.