Direct seeding refers to farming systems that fertilize and plant directly into undisturbed soil in one field operation, or two separate operations of fertilizing and planting. Only narrow strips of soil are disturbed by the equipment openers used to place fertilizer and seed in the soil without full width tillage. Much of the residue from the previous crop is retained on the soil surface. The reduced soil disturbance and retention of surface crop residues with direct seed systems improve environmental protections while maintaining or increasing soil productivity, and reducing production costs for farmers. Foster Creek Conservation District can help with free technical assistance and cost-share opportunities to implement this practice on your farm.