WOYM – Plum Creek Farms

In just a few years, the Ochs family of Syracuse, Kansas, transformed Plum Creek Farms from a small operation to over 15,000 acres, far exceeding the county average of 1,500 acres. 
Heat how they did it!

Start Small: Begin experimenting with regenerative practices on a small scale. Test different methods to see what works best for your farm before scaling up.
Adapt Crop Rotations: Shift from traditional crop rotations to include alternative crops like Camellina. This helps cover the ground, reduces weed pressure, and minimizes fallow periods.
Utilize Technology: Embrace new technologies, such as autonomous farming equipment. These tools can enhance efficiency and reduce reliance on labor.
Seek Reliable Labor: Use the H2A visa program to find necessary labor. Connect with other farmers for referrals to ensure you find trustworthy workers.
Focus on Sustainability: Implement residue management and regenerative agriculture practices to maintain soil health and moisture retention.
Monitor Weather Patterns: Stay informed about rainfall and weather conditions. Recent beneficial rainfall can significantly impact your growing season.
 

What You Will Learn

- The origins and growth trajectory of Plum Creek Farms
- Innovative crop management strategies, including alternative crops
- Labor challenges and the role of the H2A visa program
- The impact of technology on farming efficiency
- Sustainable practices for soil health and moisture retention

Farm Origins and Growth

Plum Creek Farms, established in 2007, has grown from a small operation to over 15,000 acres, far exceeding the county average of 1,500 acres. This growth reflects the Ochs family's deep-rooted legacy in farming and their commitment to expanding their operations sustainably.

Innovative Crop Management

The Ochs have shifted their crop rotations to include alternative crops like Camellina, which helps cover the ground and reduce weed pressure. This innovative approach not only enhances soil health but also minimizes costs associated with fallow periods.

Labor Challenges

Utilizing the H2A visa program has been essential for the Ochs, but they face challenges with wage regulations and the unpredictability of worker arrival. This uncertainty raises concerns about the future availability of labor in agriculture, highlighting the need for sustainable labor solutions.

Technological Integration

The Ochs brothers are optimistic about the future of technology in farming, particularly with the potential of autonomous farming equipment. This technology could significantly enhance efficiency and reduce dependency on labor, which is crucial in today’s agricultural landscape.

Sustainability Practices

Emphasizing the importance of residue management and regenerative agriculture practices, the Ochs are committed to maintaining soil health and moisture retention. Their approach serves as a model for other farmers looking to implement sustainable practices in their operations.

Important Quote

“Start small and experiment with regenerative practices to find what works best for your operation.” - Jason Ochs
 

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