Pat Duncanson

Mapleton, Minnesota

 

Name: Pat & Kristin Duncanson
Highland Family Farms

Location: Mapleton, MN

Products/Crops: Corn, Soybeans

Livestock: Hogs

Acres: 2,900

Practices: No-till, Strip-till, Cover Crops,

Grazing Cover Crops

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Why: Pat believes this is a way to farm that will leave the farm in better shape year after year, and build resiliency into the operation. Pat started hearing about farmers using cover crops and reduced tillage at some national farm conferences outside of his area. Then he heard about the benefits of cover crops from farmer friends south of him, so he decided to try it for himself. His first trial with a cereal rye cover crop led to some of the best yields on his farm.   

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Social: Pat and his wife Kirstin are the 5th generation at Highland Family Farms. Their kids will be the 6th. Building an economically an environmentally resilient farm operation through soil health is helping Duncansons prepare to pass their farm legacy on to the next generation.

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Economic: This way of farming will improve organic matter in soils which is a huge win for long term profitability. Pat has documented that the better yielding areas of their farm are the areas with higher organic matter. Improved soil health leads to economic resiliency for the business. The improved soil structure leads to better field trafficability for timely planting.

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Environmental: Duncansons value reduced tillage and cover crops for helping to keep soil and nutrients in place which benefits water quality in the Le Sueur River watershed. These practices also improve the water holding capacity of their soils for growing crops. Focusing on soil health and water quality helps Duncansons be resilient in the face of a changing climate.