Martin Family Farms

Soil Aggregates We have been

Soil Aggregates

We have been using cover crops and microbial products for the past couple
of years on our farms and we are seeing increased soil aggregates and microbial
activity. We recently purchased a microscope, so that we can look at our
soil samples for soil aggregation as well as beneficial bacteria and fungi.
Check out the two links below that explain what soil aggregates are and why they
are important.

http://www.soilquality.org/indicators/aggregate_stability.html

http://www.soilhealth.com/soil-health/biology/formation.htm

Aug 14, 2017 8:53:17 PM

Derek and Renee had a

Derek and Renee had a meeting this morning with Congressman LaHood. In the meeting they discussed rural infrastructure, farm bill, and government programs like beginning farmer and rancher loans. Congressman LaHood is a strong promoter of agriculture and is also excited to hear our stories and how he can help.

Jul 26, 2017 11:03:59 AM

Derek and Renee have been

Derek and Renee have been in Washington, D.C. this week with Farm Credit promoting agriculture and importance of new farm bill. Yesterday we got to listen to Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue as well as Senator Pat Roberts who is Chair of Senate Ag Committee. They both had some very interesting things to say and agriculture is in good hands with the both of them. Senator Roberts said crop insurance will not be cut in new farm bill which is great news. It is always nice to meet individuals like this and listen to what they have to say as well as see how things work.

Sent from my iPad

Jul 26, 2017 10:59:57 AM

Both buckets have same hybrid

Both buckets have same hybrid planted same day same depth and both have no nitrogen. The only difference is taller corn has had microbial products added to it. Pretty amazing.

Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S7 active, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone

Jul 23, 2017 10:09:45 PM

Sent via the Samsung Galaxy

Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S7 active, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone

Jul 23, 2017 10:06:32 PM

Sent via the Samsung Galaxy

Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S7 active, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone

Jul 23, 2017 10:03:03 PM

Sent via the Samsung Galaxy

Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S7 active, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone

Jul 23, 2017 9:44:56 PM

Well it has been a

Well it has been a hot week here in central Illinois. Some have our farms have caught a rain or two and some have missed them. We have been busy scouting fields and doing research on how to make our soils healthier thru improving soil biology. We are currently working on improving our soil health thru cover crops and adding beneficial bacteria and fungi to our farms. In the attached pictures you can see the differences in our crops where we have implemented our soil health program and where we have not. The drone photo gives us a great overhead view between our program and the check.

Jul 23, 2017 9:39:40 PM