2026 VANTAGE Winter Conference
The 2026 Virginia No-Till Alliance (VANTAGE) Winter Conference was held on February 18, 2026, at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The one-day event brought together farmers, agronomists, conservation professionals, and industry leaders from across the region to share practical strategies for improving soil health and advancing no-till farming systems.
The conference featured a strong lineup of speakers, including Dr. Ray Weil of the University of Maryland, who presented on nutrient cycling and the role of cover crops in building healthier soils. Jim Hoorman of Soil Health Services discussed real-world challenges and solutions for improving soil biology and long-term productivity. Attendees also heard from Eric Finkenbinder, meteorologist with ABC27, who provided insights on weather patterns and how changing climate conditions impact farm management decisions. Andy Flinchbaugh of Flinchbaugh Farms shared perspectives on farm diversification, regenerative practices, and creating additional revenue streams.
Throughout the day, sessions focused on practical, field-proven approaches to:
Improving soil structure and organic matter
Implementing and managing cover crop systems
Reducing input costs while maintaining yields
Adapting to weather variability and climate challenges
Integrating regenerative practices for long-term sustainability
The conference emphasized farmer-to-farmer learning, giving attendees the opportunity to connect, share experiences, and learn from both research-backed insights and real-world applications.
Overall, the 2026 Virginia No-Till Winter Conference reinforced the importance of building resilient farming systems that improve soil health, increase efficiency, and support the long-term success of agricultural operations across the region.