Mindful Change for a Row Crop Farm

Mindful Change for a Row Crop Farm: Cover Cropping, Crimping and Composting

Bailey and Mike HobbsSaturday, June 21
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Location

437 40th Ave.
Dunnell, MN 56127

Hosts

Bailey & Mike Hobbs, Sunsprout Farm

RSVP

After several years of livestock and horticulture experience in Pennsylvania and Hawaii, Bailey and Mike Hobbs returned to Bailey’s family farm in 2021. In the following years, they and their three kids have worked hard to meld Sunsprout Farm’s established row crop rotation of corn and soybeans with pastured pigs, microgreens and garlic to echo their past farming experiences. This year, they are also experimenting with a small test plot of oats and field peas.

Bailey and Mike are excited to show how they are diversifying the farm with cover crops and multiple composting methods in an effort to end chemical use while maintaining crop and soil quality. Come learn how they use a roller-crimper to tame their perennial cover crop as corn grows, and take a close look at the microbial activity in their compost.

Meal

Light refreshments will follow the field day.

See & Discuss

  • A perennial cover crop mix of Dutch white clover, Boston plantain and oats
  • Roller-crimping to minimize perennial cover crop competition with cash crops
  • Compost produced on-farm using a bioreactor, vermicompost and thermophilic methods
  • Microbial activity in the soil using a microscope
  • Diversifying a row crop farm with pastured pigs and vegetables

Location Notes

All are welcome to attend Sunsprout Farm’s small musical festival, Cornstalk, which will follow the field day and continue through the weekend.

Farm Info

Website | Instagram

Sponsor

  • Grain Millers