While scrolling X (formerly known as Twitter) the other day, I came across an interesting discussion between a few longtime strip-tillers from different regions. 

Beaver Dam, Wis., strip-tiller Ryan Nell, who spoke at the 2025 National Strip-Tillage Conference about his “crazy early” strip-tilled soybeans, drew up the following scenario:

“What would happen if all corn and soybean acres in the U.S. went to 1-pass strip-till? Which industries, besides strip-till manufacturers, would benefit the most and which ones would suffer the most?

“I’m thinking equipment manufacturers would be hit hard, with strip-till greatly lowering the number of hours put on tractors. Chemical companies would benefit from more potential herbicide applications in the short term. The need for airflows and spinners would be gone.”

The post caught the attention of Cambridge, Ill., farmer and Ag Solutions Network founder, Monte Bottens. He brought Grok into the conversation, asking the X AI assistant to weigh in on the scenario. 

“What’s the overall impact on soil loss, nutrient loss and yield should conventional tillage acres switch to strip-till, and the no-till guys keep no-tilling?” 

Here’s how Grok responded to Bottens’ prompt:

“Switching conventional tillage to strip-till on U.S. corn/soy acres would cut soil erosion by 50-87% and nutrient runoff (especially P & sediment) by similar margins, per USDA/university extension studies, thanks to 30-70% more surface residue and better infiltration. 

“Yields hold steady or rise slightly long-term (often matching or beating chisel-plow systems) with fewer field passes and lower costs. Soil health improves without hurting no-till acres. Solid win for conservation.”

Otwell, Ind., Strip-Till Innovator Chris Perkins responded to the AI analysis. 

“Pretty impactful after Grok mines all the data to come to a conclusion like this,” he says. 

Less erosion and runoff, more residue, better infiltration, higher yields and improved soil health. What’s not to like? Yet another reminder of the many benefits strip-till has to offer. 

I look forward to having this discussion in person Aug. 6-7 at the 2026 National Strip-Tillage Conference in Springfield, Ill. We hope to see you there! 

In the meantime, flip the issue over to check out the program and speaker lineup, which includes one of the strip-tillers mentioned in this article.