Smart Farming: How Healthy Soil Can Save You Money

Soil health is not just good for the planet; it's also good for your wallet. Recent research shows that farmers who adopt soil health practices can save money and even boost their income. This is big news for those who thought improving soil health would only cost more. The study looked at 20 farms in Southcentral Nebraska. It found that farmers who used soil health practices saved money on things like labor, equipment wear and tear, and inputs. These savings often covered any extra costs, like buying new seeds or hiring help for custom applications. But the benefits don't stop there. Farmers also saw increased yields for corn and soybeans, especially on irrigated land. This meant more revenue for them. And it's not just about crops. Many farmers also raised livestock and leased grazing land, creating new income streams. Take Zach Mader, a farmer from the Grand Island area. He grows a variety of crops, not just for profit, but also to feed his cattle. He even grows milo, which isn't a big money-maker, but it keeps his cattle fed during winter. Mader's vet bills for the whole herd are only about $300 a year, and he rarely needs to feed his cattle hay. The study also showed that improved soil health led to better water infiltration. This meant farmers used less water for irrigation, saving even more money. On irrigated farms, the net income increased by $152. 94 per acre for corn and $89. 73 per acre for soybeans. On non-irrigated farms, the increase was even higher. So, how long does it take to see these benefits? It varies. Some farmers see changes in two to three years, while others take up to five. But the key takeaway is that improving soil health is not a one-time fix. It's an ongoing process that can keep evolving and benefiting farmers in the long run.