Field and Farm Manaement

Spring means a new growing season and a time to prepare the soil for the best seed-to-soil contact and development of plant root system. To assist with soil compaction and damage, air and water movement in the soil profile, and reducing soil porosity, spring tillage is one way we can more-precisely prepare each field according to its needs. 

Managing crop residue, optimizing soil tilth and providing an ideal seedbed contribute to timely, uniform emergence, crop growth throughout the season and, ultimately, yields. This can be achieved in any tillage system with help from the right equipment, which means vertical tillage and high speed row cultivator at Runge Farms. 

Just as the crops are being harvested, it is time to prepare the seedbed once again for spring. By doing tilling in the fall, we can assist residue decomposition, manage soil moisture, aerate the soil and be a step ahead when spring arrives – wet or not. In addition, while residue will decompose eventually, sizing it in the fall can increase soil contact and speed the process. 

Good news is we have an array of fall tillage options like using the ripper, subsoiler or vertical tillage. Each one enables us to get the job done resulting in us having our own soil management practices. 

Cutting, filling, excavating, contouring, building, leveling, digging and moving are all ways we get our hands dirty on and off the farms. From tree removal, rebuilding waterways, filling ditches, leveling building sites to tile work, we have the equipment necessary to complement our farm operations. Owning and operating our own excavator, pay loader, back hoe, box blade and dirt blade, we have the flexibility to complete projects efficiently and be cost effective. Digging in the dirt is just another aspect of how farming is more than just planting and harvesting to us. 

As farmers, we have to be competent in agricultural water management that removes water from the subsurface of the soil. Because each field is unique, we design and install a drainage system that requires careful research and planning. Drainage depends on topography, type of crops, and soil variety. These factors then determine the drainage depth and spacing for optimal land improvement. 

By using our dirt and tile equipment, along with the trencher, we can implement any plan necessary for water management needs. These field drainage tile processes results in many benefits: improved crop quality and production, reduced soil evaporation, well-aerated root systems, timely field operations for early planting, enhanced productivity, and prevention of harmful salt buildup in the soil. Drainage work is just another step in our management practices.