New York Farmers Adapt to Tough Clay Soils Through No-Till and Cover Crops

Rodman Lott and Son Farms have spent decades perfecting their management approach to heavy clay soils in Seneca Falls, New York.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:20am

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A bold, abstract painting in muted earth tones depicting the intricate natural order of a healthy, regenerative soil ecosystem through sweeping geometric shapes, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, representing the innovative management techniques used by the Lott family to overcome their challenging clay soils.A conceptual illustration of the complex soil structure and biological processes that enable sustainable no-till and cover cropping practices on the Lott family's New York farm.Philadelphia Today

The Lott family farm, which has operated in Pennsylvania, Florida, and now New York, has faced significant challenges with heavy clay soils. After struggling with traditional tillage methods, they adopted a no-till, bio strip-till, and cover crop system that has allowed them to better manage their 3,200-acre operation and unlock the production potential of their land.

Why it matters

As more farms contend with challenging soil conditions due to factors like urban sprawl, climate change, and intensive farming practices, the Lott family's experience demonstrates how innovative management techniques can help growers overcome obstacles and maintain sustainable, productive operations.

The details

When the Lott family moved their farm from Pennsylvania to New York in the 1980s, they encountered heavy clay soils that proved difficult to work with their previous tillage methods. This led them to adopt the Rawson zone tillage system and transition to no-till, bio strip-till, cover crops, and other regenerative agriculture practices to better manage the soil. Over decades, they have continued to experiment with equipment and adjust their management approach to optimize performance on their 3,200-acre farm, which grows corn, soybeans, wheat, and pumpkins.

  • The Lott family moved their farm from Pennsylvania to New York in 1980.
  • They began adopting no-till, bio strip-till, and cover crops in the 1980s to better manage their heavy clay soils.

The players

Rodman Lott

Owner of Rodman Lott and Son Farms in Seneca Falls, New York.

Ralph Lott

Rodman's father, who helped establish the farm in New York after moving from Pennsylvania and Florida.

Shirley Lott

Rodman's mother, who also helped establish the farm in New York.

Ben Lott

Rodman's brother, who farms alongside him at Rodman Lott and Son Farms.

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What they’re saying

“Every farm is different. Our family knows this better than most as we've farmed in Pennsylvania, Florida and New York.”

— Rodman Lott, Owner, Rodman Lott and Son Farms

“The first years in New York, Dad tried to work the ground as he had in Pennsylvania and Florida. Tillage in slightly wet conditions, which were no problem on his previous farms, formed what he described as softballs of clay that baked in the sun and wouldn't break down all season.”

— Rodman Lott, Owner, Rodman Lott and Son Farms

What’s next

The Lott family plans to continue experimenting with new equipment and management techniques to further optimize their no-till, cover crop, and strip-till system for their heavy clay soils.

The takeaway

The Lott family's experience demonstrates how innovative, adaptive management can help farmers overcome challenging soil conditions and maintain productive, sustainable operations, even as factors like urban sprawl and climate change put pressure on agricultural land.