(AP) — Philanthropist Howard Buffett says seeing the challenges farmers in the developing world face made him realize how important conservation practices are for all farmers.

Buffett changed some habits on his own farms after that, and now he’s encouraging more farmers to plant cover crops in between their main crops to improve soil health.

Buffett, who is the son of investor Warren Buffett, is co-sponsoring an invitation-only conference focused on the benefits of cover crops in Omaha. The U.S. Agriculture Department also sponsored the event.

Planting cover crops between growing seasons helps control weeds, prevent soil erosion, and promote soil health. That reduces the need for fertilizer while improving crop yields.

Buffett says getting American farmers to improve their practices can help change practices worldwide, and it would help preserve resources.