Equipment

We farm using John Deere equipment, the Orthman 1tRIPr, and pivot and drip-tape irrigation.

 

Technology

We use Precision agriculture, RTK (Real Time Kinematic) GPS mapping, pivot irrigation, drip-tape irrigation, yield mapping, swath control (minimizes chemical overlap), and Auto Steer technology.

 

With GPS technology we are able to fertilize in a zone in the fall or early spring and then plant in the same zone in spring. This system delivers fertilizer in the most efficient method as well as giving the plant the best start possible. This allows us to reduce passes in the field and save hours on tractors, labor and fuel by combining applications.

 

We collect yield data off our combines that we are able to process and make detailed prescription maps for fertilizer and planting so we can adjust the rates of application in specific producing areas and vice-versa.

 

Fertigating (fertilizing through the pivot) has changed our fertilizing approach from one application of nitrogen to split applying our nitrogen through the pivot.  This has shown benefits in yields and overall plant health as well as being a better utilization of fertilizer and better for the environment.

 

We live over the largest aquifer in the world, the Ogallala Aquifer. On average, we run 5-12 inches of water through the pivots annually.

 

We use pre-emergent herbicides at safe, recommended rates with low-pressure nozzles that lower drift as well as drift retardants in the spray mix.  When plants are knee-high, we apply post spray to clean up any weeds that have emerged and to prevent new weeds from emerging.  GPS and section control technologies help minimize overlap, which helps cut costs and is environmentally responsible.

 

What We Value

Faith

We are Christians who seek to know God and His Word while reflecting that in our personal and business lives.

 

Family

We treat our family members with love and respect and are teaching our children to do the same with the skills necessary to be productive members of society.

 

Others

We value relationships and treat others with kindness, honesty and reliability.

 

 

Landowner Relationships

We are grateful to the landowners who entrust their land to our care. We treat their land as if it were our own and seek to maintain open lines of communication.

 

Farm Practices

We run our operation using good conservation techniques like strip-till, and no-till, and environmentally responsible prescription fertilizer and chemical application. The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is a program through the USDA Natural Resources District (NRD) that rewards producers who practice minimum tillage as well as technologies that promote safe, efficient use of fertilizer and water resources.  We have been in this program since the program began 10 years ago and will continue in the future.