Ray McCormick Named Lessiter Ag Media’s 2024 Conservation Ag Operator Fellow

Feb 22, 2024

Initiative aims to broaden the practical understanding of how growers can find economic and sustainability success through Conservation Ag practices

Brookfield, Wis - Lessiter Media (parent company of Farm Equipment and Precision farming Dealer magazine) has selected Ray McCormick of Vincennes, Ind., as its 2024 Conservation Ag Operator Fellow. Launched in 2022 to mark the start of No-Till Farmer's second 50 years, the annual Conservation Ag Operator Fellowship program visits a leading no-till farmer throughout the year and shares the real-time decision-making and solutions needed to make no-till and conservation ag practices work in real-world conditions.

“It's a great honor to be selected to be the 2024 Fellow,” McCormick said. “Anything I can do today to further the cause of no-till, cover crops, conservation practices and sustainability will help agriculture have a brighter future for the next generation using the resources of this great country.”

Lessiter Media editors and industry advisors selected McCormick due to his extensive experience with no-till and innovative approach to implementing a diverse spectrum of conservation practices. McCormick is a 2010 No-Till Innovator Award recipient, was honored as a No-Till Living Legend in 2011 and is a frequent National No-Tillage Conference speaker. He has been no-tilling his 3,200-acre operation for more than 30 years.

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Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.