Farming Practices


No Till

This planting method uses a special seeder implement designed to get the seed into the ground without plowing.  Rather than several passes with the tractor to [1] plow (break up the soil), then [2] disc (break down the large clods), then [3] harrow (break down everything else to make a fine seed bed), and then [4] actually planting the seed, “No Till” plants the seed the first time right in the stubble of the last crop.  All the organic matter and crop residue is left on top of the ground to decompose naturally helping to conserve  moisture and making a friendly environment for earthworms which loosen the soil and allow irrigation water to penetrate.  “No Till” method does require some minimal herbicide use to control weeds as the crops first emerge.  The overall result is less compaction of the soil by fewer heavy tractor passes on the field and thus less fuel used; better water reception of the soil and more moisture retention due to the mulching effect of the old crop residue; better soil conservation due to more protection from wind erosion; higher earthworm population; all while producing crops that yield comparably to traditional farming practices.

We have been practicing "No Till" farming for the past three years.

Check back with this page
 to see footage showing
  No Till planting
  on our farm
 this past fall
 (2008)


Irrigation

As a conservation measure we have installed three center pivots which water our fields with special low pressure sprinklers that water the crops much like a natural rainfall.  Low pressure irrigation allows the water to actually penetrate our fine volcanic soil instead of running off and causing harmful erosion to the seeded areas and beyond.

Hawk Perches

On our ranch there are a number of specially built landing places for birds of prey.  We regularly view Red Tailed Hawks, Harris and Swainson Hawks, Kestrels and others using our perches.   See our Birds of Prey page for more details and pictures of a few of our unusual sculptured perches.

Biofuels

All of our farm equipment use earth friendly biodiesel fuel from Blue Sky in New Plymouth, Idaho.  We have found this to be cleaner for both our engines and the environment.  We highly recommend it!