No-till and cover crops are among the most cost effective tools to reverse soil erosion and carbon loss and improve soil health. The economic, agronomic and environmental benefits of these practices are well known within the farming community. But transitioning from conventional farming to no-till and incorporating the use of cover crops requires a higher level of management. And for many farmers, lack of knowledge is a barrier to implementation. To provide farmers with the latest information on the most effective practices in use today by top leaders in no-till and cover crops, No-Till Farmer and Cover Crop Strategies are publishing a new No-Till & Cover Crops Handbook. 

The No-Till & Cover Crops Handbook was authored by Bridgett Hilshey, Christian Bench and the North Jersey RC&D, with content based upon work supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, through the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program.

“What started as a ‘train the trainer’ program to convey the merits of no-till and cover crops flourished into an outstanding 101-type primer for farmers moving into conservation ag,” says Laura Tessieri, P.E., Executive Director, North Jersey RC&D.“ No-Till Farmer recognized this book as an important lever to help farmers make this transition. Our nonprofit was excited to work with No-Till Farmer, now in its 50th year, to share this practical knowledge more broadly across its wide audience, including the National No-Tillage Conference and National Cover Crop Summit.”

The No-Till & Cover Crops Handbook offers a basic, how-to guide for implementing soil-saving practices on the farm, including field preparation, equipment requirements, how no-till and covers impact other agronomic practices and more. It includes contributions from over 20 experts, including crop consultants, agricultural equipment specialists, experienced farmers, and federal, state and non-profit agricultural service providers.

“No-Till & Cover Crops Handbook is a thorough and practical guide for any farmer new to no-till and/or cover crops. Its equipment descriptions, comparisons and uses are invaluable. The understanding of these different aspects of no-till are so vital to farmers’ success with the practice."

— Jodi DeJong-Hughes, Regional Educator, University of Minnesota Extension Service.

The Handbook's easy-to-follow format and helpful visuals offer a complete and convenient resource for anyone who is unsure if no-till and covers will work for them, as well as those already convinced of the merits of the practices but unsure how to implement them.

 Featured in the No-Till & Cover Crops Handbook are:

• 182 pages offering detailed insight into successful no-till and cover crop practices

• 400+ photos showcasing the best no-till recommendations

• 300+ charts and visuals illustrating soil-saving practices

• 85 sections focused on the most important cover crop and no-till topics

• Contributions from 20+ experts

The No-Till & Cover Crops Handbook is available for pre-order purchase for just $29.95, with the first copies being shipped to buyers in late August, 2022. No-Till & Cover Crops Handbook can be purchased online at www.no-tillfarmer.com/handbook-presale. 

If you have any questions about No-Till & Cover Crops Handbook, including questions about bulk purchase discounts, call (866) 839-8455 or email Dallas Ziebell at dziebell@lessitermedia.com.

About North Jersey RC&D Area, Inc.
North Jersey RC&D Area, Inc. is a non-profit dedicated to community needs through conservation. North Jersey RC&D promotes sustainable agriculture through partnerships, education, and innovation. Learn more at www.northjerseyrcd.org.

About the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program
The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers grants and education to farmers, educators, service providers, researchers and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region. The program serves Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The program is administered by Northeast SARE's host institution, the University of Vermont. Learn more at www.northeast.sare.org/