Beyond Farming: Sharing Our Agricultural Adventures

My wife and I had the pleasure of running a farm in Maryland until 2015, where we tried various farming techniques including rotational grazing and experimenting with bermuda grass. Though we had to part ways with our farm, our adventures continue to inspire and inform our approach to agriculture in southern Minnesota.

Experiments with Bermuda Grass

Back in Maryland, we were always looking for something new. We once experimented with planting bermuda grass with the help of USDA/NRCS, using their special seeder. The grass grew wonderfully, but we faced some challenges when a warm winter spell broke dormancy, followed by a cold snap that killed about 85% of it. Despite the setback, the experience was valuable and instructive.

After the bermuda grass sprouted and began to grow, we captured some photos to document the process. Here, you can see the stark contrast between the experimental patch before and after the warm spell and resulting freeze. The resilience of the plants is truly remarkable.

Rotational Grazing and Horses

One of the methods we utilized on the Maryland farm was rotational grazing, which we continue to use in southern Minnesota. This technique helps to manage our livestock's impact on the land, keeping them healthy and the land sustainable. In the past, there were horses on the farm, both quarter horses and my father's standardbreds. Without a doubt, the landscape was dotted with fencing as we rotated our livestock to different pastures.

Some of the features of the farm include a long gravel lane leading to the farmhouse and barns, which is a pleasant drive through the property. During a transitional period, we had a few cows as we shifted from Hereford to Angus breeds. We also maintained a freeze-proof watering station with a concrete pad, ensuring the animals stay safe from creeks and ponds and reducing erosion and nutrient runoff to the Chesapeake Bay.

Modern Farming Practices in Minnesota

Today, we operate a farm in southern Minnesota where we raise pigs and grow corn and soybeans. Our pigs are weaned from their mothers at about 3 weeks old, weighing around 13-15 pounds, and we raise them to market weight of 280 pounds, selling them to Hormel Foods. We utilize the corn we grow to create their feed, with 95% of their diet consisting of a mixture of corn and soybean meal. The remaining corn is sold to Valero for ethanol production, and our soybeans are processed by CHS into soybean oil, vegetable oil, and soybean meal, which is again consumed by livestock.

We are proud to be part of a sustainable and modern agricultural system that utilizes both cutting-edge technology and traditional farming methods to ensure that our farm is not only productive but also environmentally responsible. We hope these insights into our agricultural journey inspire others to explore new ways of farming and to find solutions to the challenges faced by modern agriculture.

Conclusion

It may have been a bittersweet experience to leave our Maryland farm, but the knowledge and experiences gained have enriched our current farm in southern Minnesota. We continue to seek new ways to improve our practices and share our journey with those interested in agriculture. Join us on this exciting adventure in agriculture!