FARM EQUIP & LAND We Know Values !
Farm Horizons • Feb . 6 , 2017 • Page 24
Cokato family named 2016 ‘ Outstanding Conservationists ’
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Harlan Anderson uses the no-till method for raising his soybeans , which keeps the soil undisturbed and assists the crops in getting needed water and nutrients .
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By Jennifer Von Ohlen When it comes to farming , caring for the land itself is as important as harvesting the crop it produces . Harlan and Mary Anderson of Cokato are no strangers to this way of life , and were named Outstanding Conservationists of 2016 by the Wright Soil and Water Conservation District for their efforts to protect the environment while tending to their farm .
The Anderson ’ s 1,000-acre plot known as “ Idle Acres ,” located north of Cokato , was homesteaded in 1871 and is presently in its fourth generation .
Together , the Andersons , along with their two sons , Mark and Richard , farm alfalfa , corn , soybeans , and wheat , and host 160 bee hives .
Idle Acres was the first farm to be certified under the Minnesota Agriculture Water Quality program in Wright County , a recognition that distinguishes farmers who conserve water quality during their operation .
Some of the Anderson family ’ s conservation methods include fertilizing no-till / minimal-till fields with local liquid manure , using cover crops and inter-seeding for soil stability , and encouraging bee pollination plants .
For Harlan , the decline of the honeybee population , which he contributed to chemical usage , echoes the same warning dead canaries would give to miners .
“ I think it ’ s an indicator that we aren ’ t taking care of the environment ,” he said .
Harlan also linked soil erosion and water quality to signifying a damaged environment , both of which Harlan said are the “ poorest ” he has ever seen .
These observations are what motivates Harlan to keep his conservation efforts going ; to ensure his sons and grandsons will have a homestead to continue operating .
Harlan ’ s father and grandmother also strongly believed in conservation , and that agriculture should work alongside it rather than against it .
FARM EQUIP & LAND We Know Values !
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