Joe Ailts, an independent agronomist and farmer from Deer Park, Wis,believes the best agronomic decisions come from understanding your specific fields, goals and constraints. “That’s why I emphasize on-farm research to test practices and products on your farm, under your conditions, to find what truly works for you,” he says .Ailts unpacks 7 years’ worth of research data to show how farmers can boost yields and profits while elevating their soil health. He explores the correlation between early planted, early maturing soybeans, increased harvest time and better cover crop establishment. He also dives into the impacts of cover crop nutrient sequestration, nitrogen application rates, why mycorrhizal fungi are a universal silver bullet and much more!
You’ll Learn: Why early planted soybeans remain a winning strategy, the nutrient sequestration powers of cover crops, ways to dial in efficient nitrogen application rates & why mycorrhizal fungi might be the most important species on the planet.
View the full speaker agenda and topics here.
The 13th Annual National Strip-Tillage Conference is heading to Springfield, Ill. on August 6-7, 2026. Join us to experience an energizing agenda featuring inspiring general session speakers, expert-led Strip-Till Classrooms, collaborative Strip-Till Roundtables and unlimited networking opportunities.
The jam-packed conference agenda includes:
- 6 thought-provoking general sessions
- 13 expert-led classrooms on specific topics
- 14 interactive farmer-to-farmer roundtable discussions
- Pre-conference workshop
- Meals & networking events
- Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) continuing education credits
For more information about the 2026 National Strip-Tillage Conference, to register for the event and to book your hotel room visit StripTillFarmer.com/NSTC
The National Strip-Tillage Conference extends its thanks to our 2026 Title sponsors: Ag Leader, AgSynergy, Case IH, Dawn Equipment Co., Environmental Tillage Systems, ForGround by Bayer, HUMA, KUHN, Land Luvr, Lynx Ag, eKonomics, Total Farm Marketing, Unverferth Mfg. Co., Inc., Vulcan Equipment, Yetter Farm Equipment and Zimmerman Manufacturing LLC.
