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Farming
Prior to the early 2000’s wheat was our primary crop and, therefore, that was where we allocated most of our energy and attention. Most fields had a history of continuous wheat, without much crop rotation to break weed or disease cycles. We used chemicals to control the weeds and tillage to bury the wheat residue that could harbor the diseases until the following wheat crop. These practices were expensive with regards to time, fuel, equipment, and the environment. In 2004, after much examination and on-farm research, TriAg made the switch to 100% no-till, with the exception of a couple of landlords. No-till helps to reduce evaporation, diminish soil erosion from wind and heavy rain events, and build soil structure to increase water infiltration and support wheel traffic better. It also helped us manage the issues that were previously mentioned regarding a continuous monoculture-weeds and diseases. Our dryland rotation now includes wheat, grain sorghum, soybeans, alfalfa, corn, rye, oats, sorghum sudan, and a myriad of cover crops. We don’t have a dryland rotation carved in stone but prefer wheat->wheat->grain sorghum->soybeans. The other crops listed above are substituted or added into the rotation when we need to manage a weed/disease/agronomic problem, can add value to the system via cattle feed, or planted as a cover crop between wheat and grain sorghum. |
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TriAg farms approximately 550 acres of irrigated land. All of the irrigation wells are small, between 400-650 gals/min. Therefore, we no-till our irrigated land as well. Crop rotation is a priority on our irrigated land for the same reasons as it is on dryland, to manage disease, weeds, and enhance profitability. The rotation is more relaxed and includes wheat, soybeans, corn, milo, and rye for grazing.
TriAg believes in employing modern technology and management practices to get the most from every acre. Learn more here.
TriAg believes in employing modern technology and management practices to get the most from every acre. Learn more here.
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CattleTriAg has incorporated a cow/calf herd into our operation for over 3 generations. Our cow herd is predominantly an Angus based herd. We are currently using Simmental and SimAngus sires to increase heterosis in the calf crops. Our herd is a spring calving herd with a 60 day calving period starting March 1.
The cows give birth in calving pastures with plenty of clean grass to facilitate a strong start to the calves’ lives without the disease challenges that come from drylot situations. At weaning, the pairs are fenceline weaned to reduce stress and increase calf performance. The calves are preconditioned and then put on rye/wheat pasture until sale time. We work closely with our local veterinarian and certified nutritionist to ensure our cows and calves maintain good health. |
Custom ServicesWe offer custom services wherever opportunity arises and we have the equipment and manpower to handle it. This includes all of the ordinary farming operations of spraying, planting, harvesting, and alfalfa production.
We also have a large manure/litter spreader for the quality application of animal waste from local feedlots and Cal-Maine egg farm not only on our own land, but also as a custom service for others. |
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