McCormick’s farm balances soil, wildlife and crop performance 

By Amie Simpson 

“Why wouldn’t you want to farm the land in a way that builds soil biodiversity, delivers a return on investment and restores wildlife habitat?” Ray McCormick asked, looking out over his operation. 

The Vincennes, Ind., farmer has spent nearly 40 years demonstrating that no-till farming and related conservation practices can do just that. McCormick manages more than 3,000 acres that include corn, soybeans, and wheat; Simmental cattle; and a mix of woodlands and wetlands. 

Every acre on his farm serves multiple purposes with farming, conservation, and wildlife habitat all working together. 

McCormick doesn’t rely on just one conservation practice. Among the rolling hills and river bottoms of southern Knox County, he plants cover crops on 100 percent of his land and maintains conservation buffers along every stream. 

“Cover crops help reduce nutrient loss, improve water infiltration, and boost weed control and yields,” he said. “We are also able to raise cattle because of cover crops. There is an economic and environmental benefit to integrating cattle grazing into our operation. We feed them cover crops and then return nutrients to the soil by recycling their manure.” 

The conservation buffers along his streams feature native prairie grasses and pollinators. The buffers also keep nutrients out of the water and provide wildlife habitat. 

McCormick uses both innovative and time-tested conservation practices. 

“The reason I went with that combination is because I wanted to provide habitat for bobwhite quail and monarch butterflies and help the local bee population,” he said. “I try to incorporate conservation strategies on every acre. I flood cornfields in the winter for migratory birds. We’ve seen wading birds, shorebirds, and occasionally whooping cranes.” 

“Instead of seeing a tilled field eroding away, I get to drive down the road and see a hawk working the field, hear bobwhite quail calling, or watch ducks fly out of the cover. Conservation is also a wonderful tool for mental health.” 

Lifelong learner, innovator 

McCormick recalls getting started with no-till and cover crops in 1986 with the help of a friend, Fred Klein. 

“It was such a blessing that I had someone telling me exactly what to do: spread wheat as a cover crop into the newly harvested corn and then rent a no-till drill to plant soybeans in the spring,” he said. “I had a great start because I took the advice from a mentor.” 

Through the years McCormick said he’s learned from mistakes and adjusted conservation methods. Today, McCormick uses a 35-food wide John Deere Draper Platform and Gandy Air Seeder to seed cover crops during harvest. 

He experiments with new practices on his farm. This year, he used roller-crimper to terminate cereal rye and plant soybeans as part of his no-till system. 

“This is my first experience crimping it down in the field going into soybeans,” he said. “Also, a neighboring corn field was planted into a cover crop mix that’s about 60 percent annual ryegrass, 20 percent crimson clover, and 20 percent balansa clover.” 

Return on Investment 

The fourth-generation farmer believes nothing pays bigger dividends than investing in conservation. He has seen reduced input costs and increased yields from long-term conservation strategies on his farm. 

“In a year with soaring fertilizer prices we’re able to drastically pull back on those costs,” McCormick said. “We’re focused on growing our yields at the best rate of return.” 

“I’m not in a contest to reach 300-bushel per acre corn yield. I’m in a contest to break even, and that means I’m making my land payments. I’ve been able to acquire land and do it by getting the best return on investment to make those payments as efficiently as possible.” 

His ability to balance profitability with sustainability is no accident. It’s the result of decades of learning and adapting. 

Getting started 

For farmers looking to begin their own conservation journey, he offers simple, field-tested advice. 

“One of the best ways to start is to plant cereal rye at about 60 pounds an acre in the fall, and plant no-till soybeans into it during the spring. Cereal rye suppresses weeds and is easy to terminate,” he says. “Over time it should result in a nice stand of beans and a boost in yields. From there, gradually move into corn and add planter equipment to optimize results.” 

McCormick has served as a mentor for farmers with the goal of helping them step into a lifetime of conservation. 

“Not only will farmers reap the reward of putting in that work, but future generations will benefit as well,” he said. 

He acknowledges that every farm is different, and there isn’t one silver bullet solution for adopting conservation practices. He encourages farmers to attend local field days, participate in the national no-till conference and find a mentor. 

Indiana farmers interested in adopting conservation practices can get connected with a peer who has experience implementing similar practices. Find out more about Farm Advisors at: farmadvisors.ag/.  

McCormick’s farm is living proof that conservation pays in yields, resilience, and peace of mind.  

“The land gives back when you take care of it,” he said.