We're talking to Hawkan Cornia and you're from Randolph, Utah?

The outmost of the land in Woodruff, Utah, which is about 10 minutes south of Randolph.

And that Bear River that goes down on through Cache Valley and on out this great salt lake, right?

That's another fight over water because it starts in Wyoming and it's Wyoming's water and then they built the reservoir right on the border from the reservoir. It runs into Utah, which is where we irrigate out of. And then from Utah it goes back into Wyoming, then into Idaho, and then it loops around and comes and dumps into the Salt Lake. So it's kind of a big fight there because the people in Salt Lake are wanting to fill the lake up because they're getting dust on their cars. And meanwhile we're fighting to keep all the water we can here so we can grow crops and make a living and feed all the people we need to. That's another blessing too. You know this bare river running through our place is good because like I say we always have a place to water. There's some guys who if they don't own right on the Bear River and they're off, you know they only have water so many months of the year so they've either got a whole water to those places or dig a well. But like I say we're pretty fortunate to where we don't really have to worry about stalk water because the bare river runs right through that. They do say that Woodruff is a well-drillers dream because they find water more often than they don't. If you go down 300 feet pretty much anywhere you can get water. The problem is is how much and how good you know if you're trying to drill a well for a pivot and you're needing a couple second feet that's kind of hard to do but if you're just wanting to house well or like I say 30 gallons a minute to put cows on that's pretty easy to find here especially in the low bottoms most of the wells on my dad's place are only 30 or 40 feet deep.

Community Garden Management: The conversation revolves around Andy Puskas and his role in the community garden in Taber, Alberta, which is associated with the Taber Food Bank. Andy functions as a manager and liaison, organizing activities such as preparing soil and planning for the planting season. The garden utilizes compost from GFL and has volunteer and community involvement with personalized plots for individuals. The initiative aims to engage families and educate children about gardening.

Challenges and History: The garden, developed on virgin prairie land, has faced challenges like hail damage in the past but has seen improved yield each season due to enhanced soil treatment techniques. The site, previously an unused open pit mine, has been transformed into productive agricultural land.

Cowboy Poetry Gathering: Andy is also involved with the Taber Area Cowboy Heritage Society, organizing cowboy poetry gatherings as a cultural event. These gatherings offer a platform for cowboy poets and musicians to perform their original works in a welcoming environment. The society aims to revive and celebrate the history of cowboy poetry and its cultural significance through these events, promoting community involvement and education for younger generations.

Community and Cultural Significance: The efforts in both the community garden and the cowboy poetry gatherings reflect Taber's commitment to fostering community spirit, preserving cultural heritage, and providing educational opportunities, all supported by local businesses and generous donors.

First of all, a quick report on that farm rescue effort; equipment, and two incredible volunteers rolled out of Boone, Iowa, yesterday morning with a load of hay, headed south to support families impacted by the Ranger Road Wildfire in northwest Oklahoma and southwest Kansas. They are delivering hope, relief, and a reminder that no farm family stands alone in times of crisis.

Let's take a look at what's going on in the harvest world starting with the Nebraska Wheat Board. Leah Kristin, a Nebraska State FFA officer, shares more about what the State FFA Officer Team has been working hard on and the impact of businesses supporting FFA during the upcoming State FFA Convention in March. You can hear her on the Nebraska Wheat Report podcast. Visit that link on our Facebook page at Harvest USA Report.

Our co-host David Woodruff and Bancroft, Idaho producer Kip Campbell discuss the option of canola as forage. Let's listen in...

More from our co-host, David Woodruff, with Kip Campbell...

The discussion highlighted the use of equipment like John Deere 8870 and chisel plows for farming and replanting crops such as alfalfa hay, oats, wheat, and barley. 

The challenges of dealing with soil salinity, foxtail overgrowth in alfalfa fields, and effective farming techniques, including the transition to speed discs, were extensively discussed. The conversation also touched upon equipment like Vibra-shanks, traditional discs, and 24-foot chisel plows specific to dry land farming in the area.

The discussion underscored a blend of traditional animal husbandry and contemporary farming practices in maintaining sustainable farm operations.

The interview with Kansas Custom Harvester Shorty Kuhlanek discusses the unusually warm winter weather in Kansas and Texas, impacting agricultural conditions. The wheat in these areas has received some moisture, promoting growth, although there is concern about potential late freezes affecting crops. The early greening up of wheat is observed positively in Kansas, but there are worries about it becoming too big in the south, where a freeze could harm it. Despite recent cold spells causing some damage, the crops are recovering, though there is a noted need for more moisture due to insufficient rain or snow retention.

Fire hazards remain a persistent issue, notably in southern Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, due to typical dry and windy spells. The fires burn significant pastureland needed for livestock, posing a risk to cattle, and are often sparked by carelessness or electrical issues. While high winds exacerbate fire spread, occasional shifts to more humid winds can help dampen the fires’ intensity, providing some relief.

The conversation concludes with reflections on the unpredictable nature of agricultural work, where positive developments are rare but appreciated, and underscores the importance of continuous vigilance against environmental misfortunes such as fire and adverse weather conditions.

David Woodruff of Hale Broadcasting conducted an interview with Kip Campbell, a resident of Bancroft, Idaho, focusing on agricultural practices in the region. The discussion highlighted the use of equipment like John Deere 8870 and chisel plows for farming and replanting crops such as alfalfa hay, oats, wheat, and barley. The challenges of dealing with soil salinity, foxtail overgrowth in alfalfa fields, and effective farming techniques, including the transition to speed discs, were extensively discussed. The conversation also touched upon equipment like Vibra-shanks, traditional discs, and 24-foot chisel plows specific to dry land farming in the area.

We apologize for calling Kip by his older brother's name earlier. This interview was with Kip.

Farm Operations and Crop Types: Jensen Farms, located in Finn Castle, covers approximately 5,000 acres and cultivates a variety of crops including potatoes, sugar beets, canola, silage corn, grain corn, and wheat. Previously involved in sweet corn production, the farm discontinued it due to labor intensity and logistical challenges associated with direct sales and distribution.

Crop Performance and Management: The farm has observed favorable yields this year across its various crops. Silage corn yields were reported to be around 25 tons per acre, contributing positively to local feedlots despite logistic complexities. Roundup-resistant corn has helped manage weed control efficiently. Grain corn yields surpassed regional averages, performing at approximately 180 bushels per acre. Canola yields were good, with a preference for swathing to aid uniform drying. The management strategy also involves selecting varieties for shell resistance due to local wind conditions.

Sugar Beets and Wheat Production: Sugar beets yielded around 38 tons per acre this year, above the average yield of 30 tons. Sugar content was lower than the factory average, illustrating a trade-off between yield and sugar concentration. Wheat yields were slightly above average with different varieties cultivated, such as hard red spring and durum wheat. Straight cutting is preferred for wheat harvesting as it offers faster operations, utilizing a 45-foot header combine.

Potato Cultivation and Soil Management: Potato yields were considered satisfactory, typically ranging from 16 to 20 tons per acre. Early potatoes yield less than those harvested later, emphasizing the importance of timing in harvest operations for better yields. Efforts to prevent wind erosion include post-harvest cover crops like oats. Land characteristics vary from sandy to heavier soils, with measures in place to handle soil differences, such as speed discing with oats for ground leveling.

Interview Background: The interviewee highlighted their background from Montana, indicating familiarity with diverse soil types similar to those they manage at Jensen Farms. The conversation reflects a well-rounded approach to crop management, adapting to local environmental conditions and market demands.

The interview demonstrates an in-depth understanding of farm operations, challenges faced, and strategic choices made to enhance productivity and manage resources effectively at Jensen Farms.