Two Sundays ago, my pastor, Matt Morton, devoted his sermon to an examination of Hebrews 10:24. His message delved into the importance of getting together personally — and encouraging, spurring and provoking each other toward the lives we were all meant to live. 

Each of us, we learned, has much to contribute to the larger collective via different strengths, gifts and perspectives. Most of us also emerged from the other side of great challenge and lived to talk about it. Thus, we have something priceless to offer others having to navigate uncharted territory.

The Promised Land of Strip-Till Learning 

This had me thinking about the 13th Annual National Strip-Tillage Conference coming this August in Springfield, Ill. Under the guidance of our advisory boards, the speakers, topics and special events are outstanding as always. But the magic of the event is observing the farmers, advisors, researchers and suppliers “walking together” in search of a finding a better way to farm more profitably.

Showing Up for Others

Success in conservation agpractices is not, as they say, a “solo sport.” I can’t think of any successful farmer that did so in isolation; it requires contributions from every corner of the surrounding ecosystem.

This reminds me of a favorite talking point of the father of a friend of mine. The late Larry Elton imparted on us, his family and his equipment leasing employees his maxim that “life is about showing up.” 

Most “gray hairs” like me can point to the specific lessons and relationships that came from getting together with peers, and being present enough to hear their wisdom. 

Yet the knee and hip creaks and cracks, the never-finished chores, the doctor appointments and the preference for own’s bed are cited as “reasons not” for things that take planning.

The Next Generation Hasn’t Learned It … Yet

Meanwhile, the next generation — who will face different challenges than did their forefathers — grew up in an era that marginalized natural in-person connection. Most don’t readily see the same value of joining up with those passionate about making things work. 

Some have not yet experienced how one encounter can solve myriad problems —and avoid new ones. Lives and livelihoods do get changed at these events.

Once they experience it for themselves, we’ll see them again. That’s why we have a half-dozen farmers who’ve come back every year for one of our  conferences — 30-plus years in a row.

For those of you just getting going or evaluating what could be the biggest change in farming in a generation, the 2 days in Springfield, Ill. is guaranteed to help you get actionable answers. That’s right, a 100% guarantee that affords you 6 months to decide if the experience ROI’d for you.

The Greater Good

Here’s something else to ponder …

None of you accomplished what you did on your own, right? Someone walked with you on your farming journey — perhaps a farmer-mentor, extension agent, agronomist, equipment dealer or ag retailer — who workshopped your problems WITH you and kept you out of trouble by calling out the landmines. And who encouraged you to keep going, especially on the days the deck felt stacked against you.

Many of you, in fact, have told our team that you gained farm-saving advice and solutions at one of our 70-some national ag events over the last 32 years.

It’s true that most humans are motivated by self, so the question “What’s in it for me?” naturally get asked.

To that question, I’d add that we are meant to be “in community.”  Some years the experience may your needs, and you certainly get what you put into any conference.

But another year, perhaps, you’re meant to show up for someone else, just like someone else for you when you, not they, needed it most.

Award-winning farmer and Conservation Ag Foundation Loran Steinlage comes to mind. If you have ever been to any of our events, he’s the big Iowa farmer always wearing shorts, even at the January meetings. Loran is a connector and sharer, and often misses entire conference sessions if someone needs help that his experience can provide, mistakes and all. Most of his time is spent in the hallways, but makes himself available to help is part of his calling. 

Loran Steinlage, Flolo Farms, West Union, Iowa

Knowledge Always Pays Unmeasurable Dividends

So if you can accept that, there is zero risk for a few days of your time to make new, perhaps lifelong friends, in a fascinating, city of great historical significance.

And you can contribute to  less soil loss, a more informed farm operator and smart management acumen that always pays off — in every community and every ag economy.

Are you willing to show up in the Land of Lincoln? 

Use the special discount code, TEAM, on your registration.  It’s our way of saying thanks for being part of the solution — on your ground and others.