“This is a man who loves what he does and is open-minded and willing to try new conservation techniques with the ultimate goal of preserving the natural resources on his farm.” states Tritapoe. Smoak has worked with NRCS for many years and was enrolled in the Water Quality Incentives Program (WQIP) and other cost-share programs that preceded today’s Farm Bill programs. He has received nearly $15,000 of cost-share funds for natural resource protection on his farm. But there’s one thing in particular that Smoak is known for in his community--no-till. Don’t be surprised if some people only refer to him as “Dr. No-Till,” because Smoak has been perfecting no-till for the past 12 years and is the local authority on the subject.

“I heard some other farmers talking about this no-till practice at a farm supply store and thought it sounded interesting--so I tried it,” remembers Smoak. Since then, he has only gone back to conventional tillage when absolutely necessary, but 90 percent of his corn and soybean fields are no-till. “I have some nice equipment that makes no-till easier, and I keep the machinery in excellent condition,” says Smoak. “In the long run, no-till pays off with less labor and less wear and tear on my equipment.”

He started practicing no-till because he believed it would improve the condition of his soil. After just a few years, he noticed an increase in his yields and assumed that no-till must be working. “It didn’t take too long before I noticed a difference in the soil health and an increase in crop yields,” says Smoak.  Immediate benefits associated with no-till include saving time and reducing water and wind erosion. Conservation tillage can cut down on tractor trips across the field, save money, and lessen the potential for soil compaction. No-till is the purest form of conservation tillage with no mechanical soil preparation before planting. Smoak’s equipment, such as a 14-foot bushhog that covers four rows at a time, helps him get the job done. Following corn harvest, the stalks are chopped to the ground and the residue is left over winter for planting the next spring. He also praises no-till as a benefit during the drought. He believes that the residue holds moisture in the ground and protects the topsoil from the harsh sun. “I think no-till pays off during a drought and that’s what I’ve been telling people,” he says.

Smoak, who is a fifth generation farmer, has a lot of advice for other farmers. “If you can help it, don’t borrow money to buy your land and do most of the work by yourself,” he suggests. Good advice coming from someone who has proven himself successful. “Most people come to me and ask why in the world I am still farming,” he says. “Some people have advised me to sell some of my land and plant it to timber, but I tell them you can’t eat pine trees!” he chuckles.

Smoak’s farming success hasn’t gone unnoticed. His ‘Wall of Fame’ is full of awards. He was presented with the Colleton County SWCD Outstanding Conservation Farmer-of-the-Year Award in 1995 in addition to being recognized many times for outstanding crop yields. “I have been farming all my life, and I tell people that’s all I know how to do and that’s why I do it so well!” he says with a smile. Tritapoe praises Smoak for his dedication and is amazed by his relentless motivation and energy. “He is really remarkable because he works so hard, and I think he is an inspiration for a lot of people in Colleton County—both farmers and non-farmers,” says Tritapoe.
Smoak is concerned about conservation and has worked closely with NRCS for many years. He is working just as hard today as he was 20 years ago, and he is proud of the work he does. “I live alone, and I work like I have got a house full of children. I have my land, my equipment, and I love farming—it’s in my blood,” he says. Despite the long hours, hot days, and hard work, Smoak continues his successful career as Dr. No-Till, a nickname he is proud to have.