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What is Sustainable Agriculture
In simplest terms, sustainable agriculture is the economical production of food, fiber, or other plant or animal products using farming techniques that protect the environment, public health, human communities, and animal welfare. This essentially means we are trying to accomplish several goals:
So what are some of the practices TriAg is using to achieve these goals? |
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No-till
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 weeds and diseases that can arise in conventional tillage methods. |
Cover Crops
There have been numerous studies conducted and articles written about the benefits of cover crops. These benefits include enhanced soil biology, improved soil structure and organic matter, reduced compaction, increased water infiltration, reduced erosion and run off, weed suppression, and nutrient cycling. These benefits provide a positive environmental and economical impact, maintaining the longevity and increasing the potential return from every acre we farm. |
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Rotational Grazing
Rotational grazing is a process whereby livestock are strategically moved to fresh paddocks, or partitioned pasture areas, to allow vegetation in previously grazed pastures to regenerate. This encourages an even distribution of grazing throughout a paddock, allowing resting periods that help maintain the health of the grazed plants. This also helps prevent competition from unwanted species that might otherwise invade overgrazed areas. With rotational grazing we have been able to increase our stocking rates by 10-20%. |
Buffer Strips
Conservation buffer strips are small areas or strips of land in permanent vegetation, designed to slow water runoff, provide shelter and stabilize riparian areas. Strategically placed buffer strips in the agricultural landscape can effectively mitigate the movement of sediment, nutrients, and pesticides within farm fields and from farm fields. Buffer strips can also enhance wildlife habitat and protect boidiversity. |