Drought as a new reality
They say that lightning never strikes twice in the same place.
But with the climate, everything is different: for the second year in a row, we are again experiencing drought.
This year, I see dried-up fields again, especially in the south and east. Sunflowers are burning, corn is curling its leaves. Farmers are not fighting for records, but to save at least something.
But there are other stories. Where cover crops are sown, crop residues are left, and the soil is less disturbed, the picture is different. Yes, it’s still not easy. But it’s better. And on farms that have been working according to these principles for a long time, it’s sometimes much better.
And for me, this is the main sign: even in the most difficult conditions, there are practices that really help to keep going.
How it all began
The drought in Ukraine was only getting worse, and the topic of moisture conservation was constantly on my mind.
And at that very moment, an international organization approached me with an offer to help organize a training course on sustainable agriculture in Moldova.
For me, everything fell into place. I immediately suggested that moisture conservation be the main topic. Because this is a matter of survival for farms in the new reality.
We prepared the program and gathered the speakers, but due to various circumstances, we were unable to hold the event in Moldova.
And then I thought: why not hold this training in Ukraine?
After all, we have every reason to implement this idea.
The drought is most acute here. And if there is a place where we need to talk about moisture conservation, it is here.
And then it became clear: we cannot wait any longer. We need an open conversation here, in our country. That is how the idea of organizing a training session where farmers and experts could honestly share their experiences and solutions came about.
Training “Drought ≠ Sentence”
When I shared this idea, it was supported by the Regenerative Agriculture Association of Ukraine and Mykolayiv National Agrarian University.
Together, we decided to hold this training course in Mykolaiv, in the heart of the area that is most affected by drought.
We deliberately chose not to organize a large conference with numerous presentations.
The format will be different—smaller and more intimate, allowing for genuine communication.
This will ensure that everyone has the time and opportunity to ask questions to the speakers and discuss their ideas and experiences.
Who will be sharing their experiences:
- Vadym Drobytko – for the second year in a row, his farm is experiencing drought. He will share his conclusions: what really helps to remain effective when there is no rain.
- Andriy Chycheta– has been working with no-till technology for a long time, sowing cover crops in conditions where there may be no rain for months.
- And I will share the experience of farmers from different countries who conserve moisture and survive even in the driest regions.
And after the presentations, there will be an open discussion: “What works against drought on my field?”
This is a chance to hear not only the speakers, but also each other.
I really want this conversation to be lively. Because its value lies not only in what the speakers say, but also in what each participant brings to the table.
And, of course, there will be time for simple human conversations over lunch and in the corridors.
Because the most valuable ideas are often born there.
This will not be just a training session.
It is a chance to feel that we are not alone.
And even in a drought, there is always a solution.
📅 When: September 11, 2025
📍 Where: Mykolayiv National Agrarian University.
👉 Details and tickets here: https://no-tiller.com/lp/reagro/
For me, this training is not just another event. It is an attempt to find answers where there are none in textbooks.
Drought is a challenge. But it is definitely not a sentence.