Jeff Martin and his sons Doug and Derek believe in the power of healthy soils to deliver healthy crops – and healthy returns – for their farm in Mount Pulaski, Illinois.

“We got started in improving soil health to raise a better quality and nutritionally valuable crop,” says Jeff Martin.

Photo submitted by ADM.

Building healthy soil

A willingness to test and adopt different conservation practices has put Martin Family Farms at the forefront of regenerative farming and brought multiple benefits, starting with the quality of their soil.

“In a conventional-type system, you can take the spade out in the field and it’s like hitting concrete,” Derek Martin explains.

“With regenerative farming and the soil structure we have, you can sink it in without any effort.”

Photo submitted by ADM.

Long-term payoff of regenerative ag

The Martins enrolled in ADM re:generations™ in 2022 when local ADM Climate-Smart Origination Manager Jenny Poling helped them figure out which incentive options were the right fit.

“I was able to bring our program to them, and they get not just the benefit of starting something new or putting new cover crops on new ground, they also get the benefit from having done it in the past,” says Poling.

New research also suggests that improvements to soil health from conservation practices like no-till and cover crops bring other long-term payoffs.

A University of Missouri study highlights no-till farming's high returns for corn and soybeans due to lower labor and equipment costs. An Indiana University study finds cover crops increase yields by 2.6 percent.

Change is hard, but ADM makes it easier

The Martins believe that ADM re:generations™ helps farmers curious about regenerative ag embrace change on their own terms.

“Change is hard,” Derek admits.

And reaping the full benefits of adopting regenerative ag practices takes time. But the simple, flexible, and generous incentives offered by ADM make it easier for farmers to experiment with conservation farming methods. It also rewards farmers like the Martins who already use these practices.

“Take 40 acres, take 80 acres, take 200 acres and put it in the program and do it for three to five years,” he suggests.

“Let the results speak for themselves.”

Photo submitted by ADM.

A range of benefits

The Martins’ expanded adoption of conservation practices thanks to ADM re:generations™ has already brought a range of benefits, including reduced synthetic fertilizer use, better water infiltration, and reduced herbicide and fungicide use.

“We’re just at the tip of the iceberg but have already seen great results,” Derek says.

After two years in the program, the Martins are ready to re-enroll in 2024. And they’re not alone.

A recent survey shows 96 percent of 2023 ADM re:generations™ participants plan to re-enroll, and 87 percent would recommend the program to others.

Enroll now and earn more than $35/acre

This year, ADM is rewarding farmers with incentives over $35 an acre for implementing cover crops, no-till, and other conservation practices.

“Whether you’re a seasoned no-tiller or on the fence about starting with cover crops, we have different ways for you to get paid for your efforts,” Poling explains.

Farmers who want to learn more or are ready to enroll should contact their local ADM representative or visit ADMregenerations.com.

“We want to make change easier. We offer a wide range of incentives with no long-term commitment,” she adds.

“Talking to me or my colleagues is a great start, but ultimately, it’s up to the farmer to decide what works best for them.”