Chris Teachout is the fifth generation on his family farm, established in 1876. He gained an understanding and appreciation for soil conservation from his grandfather. He farms 1,850 acres with his wife, Kay. Chris believes cover crops can have a powerful impact beneath the soil surface. Over the years, in rebuilding the soil through cover crops, earthworms return as does the activation and enrichment of bacteria and protozoa through the stretching roots of the living plants growing within the bean stubble or decaying corn stalks. Erosion and nutrient runoff is curtailed because of the existing vegetation, along with increasing water infiltration as the soil is held in place through the strength of the plant’s root structure. As a part of the entire system, Teachout also implements modern terraces and practices no-till planting.