What are we doing differently?
Tillage
In Minnesota, we utilize Salford tillage implements for every tillage pass, which supports our commitment to high performance soil management.
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We recognize the importance of soil structure, organic matter, and microbial function. The transition to 100% Salford has led to minimal soil disturbance, higher organic matter levels, and lower fuel and maintenance costs.
Row Crop Planting
On the Minnesota farm, we utilize high performance soil management by running full Precision Planting on both our corn and soybean planters.
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Precision Planting provides various tools that enable us to achieve accurate planting specifications across every acre.
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With this advanced technology, we ensure accurate downforce and precise seed delivery, allowing for consistent emergence regardless of soil type or conditions.
no-till seeding
In Montana, we utilize no-till seeding on our acres.
Given the minimal moisture climate, it is crucial for us to conserve every bit of moisture we can.
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By adopting the no-till approach, we effectively retain moisture in the soil while preserving its structure.
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We utilize a disk-drill, ensuring that the seed is placed directly where the moisture is present, without disturbing the soil and causing moisture losses.
Fertilizer & soil sampling
Every 3-4 years, we conduct grid sampling of our fields. With the results from our grid sampling, we can implement variable rate applications effectively.
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Using variable rate technology allows us to achieve precise fertilizer rates across all areas of the field. This approach maximizes our yield potential while preventing over-application.
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Additionally, we compile composite samples during the top dress season. We topdress 30-50% of our nitrogen requirements on our corn acres. This practice gives an extra mid-season boost, and helps minimize nitrogen losses.
Growing Season & Chemical Application
Throughout the growing seasons between both farms, we have trusted agronomists run across every acre, taking notes and writing up chemical recommendations.
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With these recommendations, we are able to apply chemicals in a timely fashion, ensuring we are only applying as needed in the right areas of the field. This results in lower costs and lower chemical usage.
Harvesting & Residue management
Residue has value on our farms. In the arid climate of Northeast Montana, we use stripper headers for various crops to trap moisture and shade the soil with leftover residue, which supports soil management and aids in the following year's yield.
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In Minnesota, we emphasize the importance of crop residue to enhance our organic matter levels and overall soil health while protecting our soil.
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For our equipment, we utilize tracked combines, grain carts, and tractors to minimize compaction levels and reduce our mechanical footprint on both farms.
Manure & compost
It has been over 25 years since our operations left the livestock industry, leading to a loss of access to high quality, natural fertilizer.
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Over these past few decades, we have lacked a vital component within our soil building plan. To address this, we have been partnering with local livestock producers to source various types of manure.
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We develop manure plans based on soil samples to determine the optimal fields for application and the appropriate rates.
Innovation
Over the past several decades, technology has become an essential part of our operation.
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We use Climate FieldView to log planting, application, and harvest data across every acre. This allows us to evaluate performance by field and zone, and track results year over year.
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By collecting and reviewing this data, we’re able to make informed decisions, adjust management practices, and continuously improve efficiency across our farm.