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Local No-Tillers Join to Create Research Farm
New facility in North Dakota enables farmers to test no-till practices for their region
Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:28am
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The Conservation Cropping Systems Project's research farm enables local no-till farmers to experiment with innovative crop rotation and soil management practices tailored to their region.Pierre TodayA group of no-till farmers in southeastern North Dakota and northeastern South Dakota have come together to establish the Conservation Cropping Systems Project, a farmer-owned research facility that will study 10 different crop rotation sequences to determine the best no-till practices for their local conditions. The project received a 5-year, $70,000 per year grant from the EPA's Clean Water Act 319 program to fund the research farm and outdoor classroom where producers can learn about conservation farming.
Why it matters
The new research farm fills an important gap, as the closest no-till research facilities are 150-250 miles away in Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota. By creating a local hub for no-till experimentation and education, the farmers can develop practices tailored to their specific climate and soil types, rather than relying on research from distant locations.
The details
The Conservation Cropping Systems Project was established in 2000 after a group of no-till farmers in the region discussed the need for a local research facility. They applied for and received a 5-year, $70,000 per year grant from the EPA's Clean Water Act 319 program through the Wild Rice Soil and Water Conservation District. The grant funding allows them to operate the research farm, which is studying 10 different crop rotation sequences to identify the most effective no-till practices for the local area.
- The Conservation Cropping Systems Project was established in 2000.
- The project received a 5-year grant starting in 2000.
The players
Conservation Cropping Systems Project
A farmer-owned research facility in southeastern North Dakota that is studying 10 different crop rotation sequences to determine the best no-till practices for the local region.
Wild Rice Soil and Water Conservation District
The local conservation agency that helped the farmers apply for and receive the EPA grant funding to establish the research farm.
Kelly Cooper
The crop consultant who manages the operations of the Conservation Cropping Systems Project research farm.
The takeaway
The creation of the Conservation Cropping Systems Project research farm demonstrates how local farmers can come together to address their specific agricultural needs and develop innovative solutions tailored to their region. By establishing this hub for no-till experimentation and education, the farmers in southeastern North Dakota and northeastern South Dakota can advance no-till practices that improve soil health and water quality in their communities.
