CTIC Hall of Fame Ceremony Celebrates Exceptional Lifetime Achievements

The CTIC Hall of Fame welcomed two remarkable individuals during the 2025 Conservation in Action Tour on May 7 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Dwayne Beck, Ph.D., and David Brandt (awarded posthumously) were the first farmers inducted into the CTIC Hall of Fame. Their lifetime of work has advanced conservation agriculture and inspired generations of producers to be more efficient, profitable, and sustainable.

CTIC Executive Director Ryan Heiniger recognized Beck and Brandt for their leadership in improving soil health, controlling erosion, and maximizing rain capture, largely through the use of no-till systems combined with cover crops and diverse rotations. Their farmer-led research, outreach, and mentoring have helped countless farmers.

“We all stand on the shoulders of giants,” Heiniger said during the induction ceremony, “those whose dedication and achievements accumulate over a lifetime to form a body of work that has a lasting impact and inspiration for their contemporaries and those who come after. We’re proud to recognize two of those legendary leaders here today.”

Beck and his wife, Ruth, accepted his award during the ceremony. Brandt’s award was accepted by his children, Jay Brandt and Amy Brock.

About Dwayne Beck

Beck is renowned for his pioneering work developing soil-saving and water-efficient cropping systems at South Dakota State University experiment stations James Valley Research Center and Dakota Lakes Research Farm.

Beck developed no-till systems for both irrigated and dryland areas, emphasizing the critical role of cropland rotation in minimizing weed, disease, and insect issues while enhancing profitability. Under his leadership, the 1,320 acres at Dakota Lakes have been entirely managed using no-till techniques. Beck’s innovative approach has significantly influenced agricultural practices, particularly in the Great Plains and prairie. His work has been instrumental in promoting soil health and sustainable farming practices across various ecosystems, and his work has contributed to farm profitability and rural development in the regions served by James Valley and Dakota Lakes.

About David Brandt

David Brandt, a pioneering farmer from Carroll, Ohio, was a nationally recognized leader in no-till farming, cover crops, and soil health advocacy.

His legacy continues to inspire the agricultural community following his passing on May 21, 2023, due to an automobile accident. Brandt began practicing no-till in 1971 and quickly became a sought-after expert in regenerative agriculture. He frequently shared his knowledge at conferences and workshops across the country. His interest in conservation stemmed from the challenges of farming highly erodible soils. For 30 years, he played a vital role in the Ohio No-Till Council, serving as president for 14 of those years. Nationally, Brandt was affectionately known as the “Godfather of Soil Health” for his generosity in mentoring fellow farmers and advancing conservation practices.

See the CTIC Hall of Fame induction ceremony at No-Till Farmer for Dwayne Beck and David Brandt, and learn more about the inductees, including expanded biographies, by downloading the 18th-annual CTIC Conservation in Action Tour Guide. Photos available upon request.