Greetings from President Ron Bell

On behalf of the Directors, advisors and the Executive Secretary of the Manitoba – North Dakota Zero Tillage Farmer’s Association I welcome you to the 15^th Annual Workshop.

Over the last 15 years interest in zero tillage has grown. Workshop attendance has grown considerably. Nor only are more experienced zero tillers participating but each successful workshop also brings more beginners. At the present time we have the largest number of farmers ever considering zero tillage.

In setting up a program for the workshop we felt we had to meet the needs of both groups, hence, the "Beginning Zero Tillers" and "Fine Tuning" panels. Newcomers also have the Zero Till Production manual as a resource. This is an excellent guide to zero till and is available upon request. The greatest resources for those just beginning, however, are the long term practitioners. Many of these people have been at virtually every workshop and can be pointed out if desired.

In order for these experienced no tillers to continue to be of use to farmers in the early stages of on till our association must insure that new research and technology reaches them. In addition to providing sessions more suited for experienced no tillers, our association is supporting the Conservation Productivity Center and the Manitoba Zero Till Research Committee. The research results that will be available from these two centers will ensure that our membership is kept informed and indeed on the leading edge of soil conservation.

I am pleased that our exhibit list has grown to the extent that we can boast having the largest exhibition of conservation farming equipment on the Northern Plains. By accessing the wealth of knowledge available from the exhibitors, farmers, and researchers, the next three days could be the most productive of the new year.

Our workshop is always a time to renew our commitment to the stewardship of the land and to make connections with fellow farmers sharing these commitments. I look forward to chatting with you all.