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. 

I was amazed by the influence, brainpower and the packed-in education I received on the 2-day tour, so I saw that we had several folks on the bus last year. And I’d encourage you to consider participating as well.

“I guarantee you’ll get outside of your own head and broaden your perspective. And each of these groups needs to learn from you, too…”

Yes, I’m moderating a panel at the Hefty Seed Morton Center Farm during the 31-hour event, so I’d naturally like to see equipment and precision companies participate. But I’ve got several other reasons for encouraging you or your team to be part of it...

  1. Great Personnel Development. The tour is a great overview for new staff you’d like to quickly “put more years on the clock” on with regard to their professional development. Just a sampling of the experience is a “behind the scenes” tour of the POET biofuels facility, a look inside the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, lunch program at the Hefty Seed Morton Center, the award-winning Stiefvater Farm, the Big Sioux River Project and the 2025 CTIC Hall of Fame induction ceremony honoring No-Till Farmer Legends Dr. Dwayne Beck and the late David Brandt (posthumous honor). 

  2. A unique cross-section of the ag business. Where else can you find – in one place – a group of producers, advisers, agribusiness representatives, elected officials, policymakers, researchers, and agencies who NEED to see the impact of decisions on crop production and all stakeholders. I guarantee you’ll get outside of your own head and broaden your perspective. And each of these groups needs to learn from you, too. 

  3. Intimate & Captive Networking. Bus-tours are unique opportunities to get to know – and pull from – the brains in the seat next to you. Just “pull up a bus seat” alongside some new friends that can help advance your and their business in numerous ways.

  4. Series of Firsts. The tour is in South Dakota – and the Plains – for the first time in its history.  Plus, it’s also the earliest tour on record. Seeing the action during planting season, rather than mid-summer, means that all will see agriculture in its natural challenges – rain (or snow – hopefully not!), wind, equipment surprises, and discussions of decision-making that growers and their support system must make “on the fly.”

The clock is ticking, so take a look at the program here today. I hope to see you in South Dakota next month. And if you’re there, pull up the bus seat next to me!

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