Public Domain Picture: 20130222-OSEC-LSC-0296

Brandt Farms Conservation Farmer David Brandt, of Carroll, OH speaks about the business benefits of no-till soil nutrient management, and shows a photo of the type of radish plant he uses to naturally loosen his fields at least 15' deep, during the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 2013 Agricultural Outlook Forum, held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, VA on Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack mentions, in his opening address at the forum, how Mr. Brandt’s multi-cropping/double-cropping practices that has yielded increased soil matter, saves about $100 per acre in nitrogen, increased corn yield by 7-10 bushels per acre, and his soybean yield 8 percent. This exemplified what Secretary Vilsack said is a possible strategy for managing risk. This breakout session focused on Reducing Risks by Improving Soil Health examined the indicators of soil health, to reduce chemical inputs and apply the right techniques for sustainable production and other benefits. Soil health is defined as the capacity of the soil to function as a living ecosystem that sustains plant, animal, and human health with limited human intervention. Brandt farms 1,200 acres of continuous no-till corn, soybeans and wheat, using hairy vetch, oilseed radish, cereal rye, and Austrian winter peas as cover crops. Mr. Brandt is the modern farmer that uses education, scientific study, and commonsense observations to understand that healthy soils are the key to a productive farm. His presentation is available at www.usda.gov/oce/forum/presentations/Brandt.pptx USDA photo by Lance Cheung.

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Agoutlookforum2013, Arlington, Us, Va

May 9, 2014