The Only Thing Constant in Farming is Change

Recently I read an article where the farmer said that he “went through all seven stages of grief letting go of tillage and the smell of freshly turned soil.” For many farmers, giving up tillage isn’t just changing a field operation—it’s changing a mindset. Tillage has been part of farming for generations. It creates clean-looking fields, buries residue, and often provides a sense of control. Moving to no-till or strip-till means letting go of familiar practices and embracing a different way of thinking about soil.

A farmer no-tills beans into corn stubble and cover crops on a farm in Rice County.

So when I read that farmer’s statement, I realized that in many ways, the transition can resemble the seven stages of grief as farmers work through the emotional and management changes that come with reducing tillage.

1. Shock

“You mean I just leave all that residue out there?”

The first reaction is often disbelief. Fields look different, equipment requirements change, and long-held assumptions about what a “good-looking” field should look like are challenged.

2. Denial

“No-till won’t work on my soils.”

Farmers begin listing reasons why their farm is the exception:

• My soils stay too wet.

• Spring soils are too cold.

• I have too much residue.

• Heavy clay soils won’t work.

Many successful no-till and strip-till farmers once voiced the same concerns.

3. Anger

“Why does this field look so ugly?”

Frustrations start to emerge:

• Slower spring soil warming

• Uneven residue distribution

• Planter challenges

• Increased weed pressure

• Yield variability during the transition

At this stage, the temptation to hook up the tillage tool and “fix” everything can be difficult to resist.

4. Bargaining

“Maybe I’ll just make one light tillage pass.”

Compromises begin:

• Vertical tillage “just this year”

• Tillage after corn but not soybeans

• Tillage only on the toughest fields

• Partial adoption of conservation practices

This stage often lasts several years as confidence and experience grow.

5. Doubt

“Maybe this isn’t working.”

A wet spring, difficult harvest, or disappointing yield can test a farmer’s commitment. Questions arise about whether the transition is worth the effort, especially before improvements in soil structure and biology become obvious.

6. Testing and Learning

“Let’s figure out how to make this work.”

The mindset shifts from questioning the system to improving management:

• Better residue management

• Planter adjustments and upgrades

• Cover crop integration

• Improved nutrient placement

• Learning from experienced no-till and strip-till farmers

At this stage, farmers stop fighting the system and start learning how to make it work for their operation.

7. Acceptance

“I can’t believe I used to work the ground that much.”

Over time, the benefits become increasingly visible:

• Improved soil structure

• More earthworms and biological activity

• Better water infiltration

• Reduced erosion

• Lower fuel and labor costs

• Greater resilience during wet and dry weather

• Improved long-term profitability

Long-term no-till and strip-till farmers eventually view tillage as the exception rather than the default.

A humorous saying often shared among experienced no-tillers is:

“The hardest part of no-till isn’t changing the soil—it’s changing the six inches between your ears.”

While the quote gets a laugh, it captures an important truth. The soil often adapts faster than we do. Changing decades of habits, expectations, and management approaches can take time.

The good news is that farming has always been about adapting. Every generation of farmers has faced new technologies, new challenges, and new opportunities. Whether it’s adopting GPS guidance, variable-rate technology, cover crops, strip-till, or no-till, progress requires a willingness to learn and adjust.

No matter where you find yourself in the process of giving up tillage, an opportunity to learn and adjust is available to farmers in our area right now. Join a group of farmers on the SE Minnesota Soil Health Bus Tour to the National Strip-till Conference in Springfield, IL August 5-7. Go to Rice SWCD’s webpage (www.riceswscd.org) for details.

After all, the only thing constant in farming—and in life—is change.

Alan Kraus is a Soil Health Specialist with the Rice and Steele SWCDs. He works with producers and landowners in both counties to implement soil health conservation practices. In Rice County, he also promotes the Soil Health Incentives Program and Custom Interseeding Program. Contact Alan with your conservation questions at 507-332-5408.