TESTIMONIALS
TESTIMONIALS
Pine Creek Farm Organics-Elgin, MN
The Farm - Jonathan and Jordan are market gardeners with widespread distribution throughout SE Minnesota. They are a vibrant duo constantly in search of ways to improve yield, reduce costs and improve their soil. As a part of their program they have integrated cover crops and compost in many of their fields. They are recent recipients of a 2023 North Central Region SARE grant testing compost application techniques.
The Data - Early analysis of two plots at Pine Creek Farm showed a soil that was predominately bacterial and a history of disturbance. With the changes and applications that they have employed, the biology of each of the two plots has shown vast improvement with increased bacterial diversity, good protozoan numbers and high numbers of fungi.
Comments and Thoughts -
We recently had Erik Harris of CVRFS take soil samples to test the effectiveness of this season's composting strategy.
After carefully following a grid pattern during collection to ensure a consistent sample, the soil was tested for macro and micro nutrients, as well as the amount of bacteria and fungi living in the soil.
These samples will then be compared to the samples taken in the spring to show how tilling may or may not affect soil structure and the microbes living underneath the soil surface. For more information - https://www.facebook.com/seminnesota/
Contact Information -
30272 550th St, Plainview, MN, United States, Minnesota(507) 475-3664
pinecreekorganics@gmail.com
Bert Paris Dairy Farm - Belleville, WI
The Farm - Bert and his daughter have been rotational dairy grazers for over 30 years. They milk 80 hybrid cows that the family has developed for several years and are constantly looking for ways to improve the milk they produce, improve the health and life of their cows through better soil health management.
The Data - With one 3 acre paddock we applied 15 gallons of extract and tea per acre multiple times over the course of the growing season. Multiple measures of biology increased as did the brix of the orchard grass. For a more comprehensive review contact Erik
Comments and Thoughts -
I have been using managed grazing on our farm since 1993.We currently milk 80 crossbred cows on our 130 acre, organically certified farm. Our daughter Meagan, has been transitioning to management for the last several years. My passion for grazing has not wavered over the last 31 years. But I was fortunate to have been bitten by the soil health bug 2 years ago.
Not sure how to approach this next phase, I searched the Web and found Erik's name associated with The Soil Food Web group. Having seen many youtube videos of the group, I felt confident that their philosophy and approach would help me move my pastures forward through biology. After our initial meeting we developed a plan on how to proceed. What I enjoy about working with Erik, is that his knowledge of the microbes pushed me to learn more and together we would brainstorm ideas on how best to approach application of extract to our test plot. The other qualities that were really important to me are his microscope skills, knowledge of making compost and his desire to try alternative approaches.The working relationship that the three of us have developed is something I consider special and motivating. I'm so glad I have the chance to Work with Erik.
Contact Information -
Bert Paris
N8702 Schilt Rd
Belleville, WI 53508
608-438-1632