Frank Lessiter

Brookfield

Editor and Publisher, American Farriers Journal at Rural Lifestyle Dealer

Editor at Strip-Till Farmer

Chairman and Editorial Director at Precision Farming Dealer

Chairman and Editorial Director at No-Till Farmer

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Articles

CTIC’s 'Conservation in Action Tour’ a Worthwhile Investment in Knowledge Capital

2 weeks ago | precisionfarmingdealer.com | Mike Lessiter |Frank Lessiter

While my dad, Frank Lessiter (No-Till Farmer founding editor) -- who was part of the Conservation Technology Information Center’s (CTIC) founding meeting 43 years ago -- has attended numerous “Conservation in Action Tour” in his career, I attended my first a few years ago. And I quickly realized that our company, and our new nonprofit group, the Conservation Ag Foundation, ought to be supporting the organization.
Good or Bad Time to Start No-Tilling?

2 months ago | no-tillfarmer.com | Frank Lessiter

For growers still using intensive tillage and facing less income and more costs, the question is when the best time is to shift to no-till. A major worry is the fear of a yield drag and its impact on income. While many growers have not experienced a yield drag when shifting to no-till, others find it takes a few years before yields and profits are comparable with former tillage practices.
The Strip-Till Farmer Origin Story

2 months ago | striptillfarmer.com | Frank Lessiter

Editor's note: the following is an excerpt from "From Maverick to Mainstream: A History of No-Till Farming." I don't recall when we wrote our first No-Till Farmer article on strip-tilling, but it was soon after Cliff Roberts first used this no-till spin-off on his Kentland, Ind., farm in 1987.
A Trip Down Strip-Till Memory Lane: Pioneers, Breakthroughs & More

2 months ago | striptillfarmer.com | Frank Lessiter

Editor's note: This article is an excerpt from Frank Lessiter's book, "From Maverick to Mainstream: A History of No-Till Farming." While growers were moving toward no-tilled soybeans in a big way during the 1990s, no-tilled corn acres remained somewhat flat. Many farmers feared problems when they tried to no-till corn into cold, wet ground covered with residue. As a result, strip-till, which is a modified form of zone tillage, soon emerged as a compromise.
Long-Term No-Tillers Deserve a Fair Shake

Jan 21, 2025 | no-tillfarmer.com | Frank Lessiter

Whether it’s due to government policies or carbon credit incentives, veteran no-tillers are getting the short end of the stick. With most carbon credit companies refusing to accept veteran no-tillers in their programs, you can see why I think the current rules are unfair.
Yes, He's a Regenerative Agriculture Skeptic

Jan 16, 2025 | no-tillfarmer.com | Frank Lessiter

Reading one of the items in a recent issue of the Upstream Ag Insights newsletter produced by Shane Thomas, I was intrigued by what he had to say about regenerative agriculture. As a result, I felt his viewpoints were worth sharing with you. I especially liked his concept that regenerative agriculture is more of a mentality than a process. Thomas says he is asked all the time about regenerative agriculture Is it good. Is it bad? Is it valid?
Nothing Goes to Waste on This Highly-Diversified 6,000-Acre No-Till Operation

Jan 10, 2025 | no-tillfarmer.com | Frank Lessiter

The Allred family was practicing regenerative agriculture long before they even had first heard of the term. Austin Allred and his two brothers, Derek and Tyson, grow potatoes, cherry and apple trees and produce honey, while also running 10,000 beef cattle and milking about 6,000 dairy cows around Royal City, Wash. With 6,000 acres, the family has also added a worm farm and beef processing facility as reported in a Drovers Journal article.
Three French, British & South African Growers, Educators Named 2024 International No-Till Legends

Jan 7, 2025 | no-tillfarmer.com | Frank Lessiter

Back in 2017, we recognized 43 North American farmers and educators as No-Till Legends. In addition, 11 honorees from seven countries outside of North America were recognized as International No-Till Legends. Since that time, we’ve been asked numerous times why we haven’t added to the list of international farmers and educators who are well deserving of this recognition. As a result, we introduced a program in 2023 to honor the accomplishments of international no-tillers and educators.
Hey AGCO, Don’t Forget North America

Dec 6, 2024 | no-tillfarmer.com | Frank Lessiter

While AGCO seemingly has good intentions when it comes to promoting conservation practices, it also looks like they have little interest in promoting numerous soil-saving concepts in North America. Could it be because the major-line OEM is more interested in selling intensive tillage tools and big horsepower tractors to what is perceived as “big-walleted” U.S. farmers?
Multiple Sprayer Tips Pay Off

Dec 3, 2024 | no-tillfarmer.com | Frank Lessiter

A no-tiller cropping 2,500 acres and doing his own chemical application work could run a sprayer over 10,000 or more acres during the growing season. Recognizing the need for pinpoint accuracy, timing and dealing with critical crop conditions, most no-tillers handle this work themselves rather than working around a custom applicator’s schedule. Data from a recent No-Till Farmer survey of 266 no-tillers showed only 26% relied on custom applicators for even a small portion of their spraying needs.