No-Till Farming Insights from Kentucky Lecture

Veteran no-till expert shares lessons from meeting with global researchers and students

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:55am

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A highly structured abstract painting in muted earth tones, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circular patterns, and precise botanical spirals, visually representing the complex interconnected systems and natural cycles of sustainable no-till agriculture.Leading no-till experts share insights on advancing sustainable farming practices that improve soil health and productivity.Lexington Today

Frank Lessiter, a veteran no-till expert, recently presented the 'S.H. Phillips Distinguished Lecture In No-Till Agriculture' at the University of Kentucky. During his visit, Lessiter had the opportunity to discuss various no-till farming insights and techniques with faculty members and graduate students from around the world.

Why it matters

No-till farming has grown to encompass 288 million acres globally, making it an increasingly important agricultural practice. Sharing insights and best practices from leading researchers and practitioners can help advance no-till adoption and improve outcomes for farmers.

The details

Some of the key no-till farming insights discussed during Lessiter's visit include: 1) Kentucky scientists have successfully grown no-till continuous corn for 40 years; 2) Using just 1 pound of atrazine herbicide can provide effective weed control in no-till fields; 3) In parts of Asia, farmers burn crop residues for cooking and heating rather than leaving them on the soil surface; 4) Pop-up fertilizers provide mainly aesthetic benefits rather than yield improvements; and 5) Argentine graduate students report that 70% of the corn, soybeans and sunflowers in their country are grown using no-till practices.

  • Lessiter recently presented the 'S.H. Phillips Distinguished Lecture In No-Till Agriculture' at the University of Kentucky.
  • No-till farming has grown to encompass 288 million acres around the world.

The players

Frank Lessiter

A veteran no-till expert who presented the 'S.H. Phillips Distinguished Lecture In No-Till Agriculture' at the University of Kentucky.

S.H. Phillips

A pioneer in getting no-till farming started on a commercial scale in the early 1960s.

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What they’re saying

“While I was humbled to be asked to present this lecture, meeting with department members and graduate students was also a great experience.”

— Frank Lessiter, No-Till Expert

The takeaway

The insights shared during Lessiter's visit to the University of Kentucky highlight the continued evolution and global adoption of no-till farming practices, which are helping to improve soil health, reduce erosion, and boost the sustainability of agricultural production around the world.