Farmers are assessing cropping practices and operational processes that minimize impact on the environment while improving farm profitability.

More than ever, farmers know that their operations and the world’s natural resources can all thrive within the same living ecosystem.  FS Member Companies, along with their cooperative supplier, GROWMARK, named the 2019 Enduring Farms awards to acknowledge those farmers who have adopted best management practices that optimize nutrient utilization, leading to long-term soil and water quality while enhancing ROI.   

To be considered for the Enduring Farm award, FS companies nominate farmer-customers who use certain sustainable best management practices on their farms. Growers that earn a combined score of 150 points or greater for nutrient management activities are designated as Enduring Farms.   

88 Enduring Farms, including 17 Evergreen FS customers, were recognized for implementing nutrient management practices during the 2019 growing season, as well as their commitment to preserving and improving their land and natural resources for future generations.  All Enduring Farms received two N-WATCH™ sites, utilizing three samples at the sites to measure results of a MiField™ Applied Research trial on nutrient management. 

GENERAL PRACTICES 

• Utilize 4R practices for all nutrient application                                               
• Soil Sampling, minimum every four years                                                       
• MiField Applied Research Nutrient Management Studies                              
• Utilize the Field Print Calculator   

PHOSPHORUS MANAGEMENT 

• VRT Lime, P and K applications or utilize a 590 nutrient management plan in Wisconsin
• No applications on frozen or snow covered ground                                        
• Utilize cover crops for phosphorus management                                              
• Utilize buffer strips for phosphorus management 

NITROGEN MANAGEMENT   

• Utilize MRTN for a base N rate 
• Apply fall nitrogen when soil temps are below 50 degrees at the 4 inch level 
• Two or more nitrogen applications 
• Nitrification and/or Urease inhibitor use 
• Utilize soil sampling to monitor nitrogen levels  
• Utilize cover crops if harvest soil sample nitrate levels are above 10 ppm