Ohio Dairy Farmers Boost Diversity and Cut Costs with Cereal Rye, Manure

The Ayers family has embraced no-till and cover crops on their 700-acre dairy operation over the past three decades.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:22am

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A highly textured, geometric abstract painting in muted tones of green, brown, and blue, depicting interlocking circular patterns and sweeping botanical forms that conceptually represent the complex, sustainable farming system of a multi-generational dairy operation.An abstract visualization of the synergistic relationship between cover crops, manure, and no-till practices that have enabled an Ohio dairy farm to thrive for generations.Perrysville Today

In the early 1990s, brothers Steve and Carl Ayers were early adopters of no-till and cover crops on their 650-cow dairy farm in Perrysville, Ohio. Today, their 700-acre operation includes the next generation, and they continue to utilize cereal rye cover crops and manure to increase diversity and reduce costs.

Why it matters

The Ayers' farm serves as a model for other Midwest dairy operations looking to improve soil health, reduce input costs, and transition to more sustainable farming practices through the use of no-till, cover crops, and manure management.

The details

The Ayers brothers first started no-tilling in 1969 after seeing the benefits on a neighbor's hilly field during heavy rains. They converted their entire 700-acre farm to no-till within 3 years. Over the past 30 years, they have also incorporated cereal rye cover crops across their corn, soybean, and wheat fields, using the rye for grazing, forage, and to improve soil organic matter. The family also utilizes their dairy manure to fertilize the crops, reducing the need for synthetic inputs.

  • The Ayers brothers started no-tilling in 1969.
  • They converted their entire 700-acre farm to no-till within 3 years.
  • The Ayers have been using cover crops and manure for over 30 years.

The players

Steve Ayers

A dairy farmer in Perrysville, Ohio who, along with his brother Carl, was an early adopter of no-till and cover crops on their 650-cow operation.

Carl Ayers

Steve Ayers' brother and co-owner of the 700-acre dairy farm in Perrysville, Ohio that utilizes no-till, cover crops, and manure.

Deb Ayers

Steve Ayers' wife who is involved in the family's dairy farming operation.

Jesse Ayers

Steve Ayers' son who is part of the next generation working on the family's dairy farm.

Janet Ayers

Carl Ayers' wife who is involved in the family's dairy farming operation.

Kathy Davis

Carl Ayers' daughter who is part of the next generation working on the family's dairy farm.

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What they’re saying

“When we went past our bowl-shaped no-till field that funneled into a drainage area, water running off that field was clear, but everywhere else, there was just mud.”

— Carl Ayers, Co-owner

What’s next

The Ayers family plans to continue their sustainable farming practices, passing on their knowledge and techniques to the next generation to ensure the long-term viability of their dairy operation.

The takeaway

The Ayers' multi-generational dairy farm demonstrates how embracing no-till, cover crops, and manure management can improve soil health, reduce input costs, and create a more sustainable farming system, even on challenging hilly terrain.