Using 60-inch Row Space in No-till Corn Inter-seeded with Cover Crops and Rotational Grazing

Come along as Luke Bergler of Ridgeway, Minnesota, and Lance Klessig discuss and personally showcase the results of inter-seeding a diverse cover crop mix into Luke's 60-inch no-till corn.

See for yourself, how interseeding cover crops can be profitable, dramatically extend the grazing season, while simultaneously improving the health of your soil. By using cover crops and implementing the six soil health principles, Luke’s soils are improving in several measurable ways. His soils are much better able to infiltrate heavy rains and he has exponentially increased his soils biological activity as measured by the Haney Soil Health test. He’s also noticed improving soil structure and many more earthworms, insects, birds, and other wildlife which are all great indicators of healthier soils.

Lance and Luke also further discuss the economic and numerous soil health benefits of using wide row corn (60-inch) row spacing with inter-seeding cover crops. Luke also explains how he reduces feed costs for his cattle by rotational grazing them in his corn fields after harvesting the corn. Finally Luke provides an up close look at the seeding equipment of a Gandy Air box and rotary hoe, that he’s successfully using for inter-seeding.

Luke has worked with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on several projects over the years. The NRCS provided Luke with financial assistance for installing a grazing system including fence and livestock watering components, a grassed waterway and grade stabilization structure. He used the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

The Bergler family grows several crops including corn, soybeans, hay, a variety of cover crop forage mixes, and cover crop grain to feed their chickens and hogs. Luke's daughters enjoy helping out with raising the laying hens and moving the cattle by horseback.

They are farming regeneratively and building topsoil by following the soil health principles and farming within their context. Luke prioritizes armoring the soil, minimizing disturbance, incorporating livestock grazing, increasing diversity and having live roots 24/7. They have multiple farm enterprises including cattle, hogs, bees, goats, laying hens, corn, soybeans, hay, and cover crops.

Luke has also had the privilege of becoming good friends with Gabe Brown, who farms outside of Bismarck, North Dakota. Luke, Lance and a handful of friends spent a June day in 2019 on the Brown’s family ranch that spans 5,000 acre. Networking and attending educational field days along with workshops are critical for those wanting to further journey into soil health. Luke was also attended a Soil Health Academy three day workshop with Lance and good friend, Mike Steinfeldt at Ray Archuleta’s farm in Missouri. Luke definitely values learning, networking with like minded farmers and being willing to think outside the box.

For additional related videos on Luke’s journey into soil health and cover cropping check out the following videos:
https://youtu.be/o46K1uvrpRU
https://youtu.be/I7FONzPuenI
https://youtu.be/VFK9tWsTiSU
https://youtu.be/6dj6eBG82qc
https://youtu.be/ilhUa0yX5vw
#SoilHealth
#Interseeding
#Covercrops
Videography by Dan Balluff.
For more information about the NRCS in Minnesota please visit our YouTube channel at: Minnesota NRCS - YouTube
And website at: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/...

Видео Using 60-inch Row Space in No-till Corn Inter-seeded with Cover Crops and Rotational Grazing канала Minnesota NRCS