Johnson Farms Tour
Thursday, August 9, 2018
Madison, SD
Schedule:
8:30 – 9:30 Registration with coffee and muffins (St. Peters on the Prairie)
9:30 – 10:00 Presentation by SD Soil Health Coalition
10:00 – 12:00 Field tour
12:30 Lunch
Johnson Farms
Johnson’s organic process begins with a six-year crop rotation, which includes two years of hay, one each of soybeans, corn, again with soybeans and finally oats planted along with alfalfa. This attention to detail has led to Johnson Farms being certified organic by the International Certification Service (FVO/ICS). Johnson’s crops are sold through and represented by National Farmer’s Organization (NFO) Organics.
Johnson’s care for the land does not stop at crops. They keep their 200 head of Black Angus Gelbvieh hydrated with rural water, which keeps the cattle out of creeks and dugout ponds, thus preventing soil erosion and water contamination. The Johnson’s also maintain the tree-belts, sloughs, meadows and grass waterways on their property. This land stewardship led to the farm being honored by the South Dakota Soil and Water Conservation Society in 1996. Beyond the farm, family members have served many different institutions and organizations. This work has included leading many farming studies at South Dakota Sate University. Charlie has been on several boards such as Dakota Rural Action and was a former board member of NPSAS. He currently serves on the board of the Midwest Organic & Sustainable Education Serves (MOSES).
This event is brought to you by:
Directions:
To St. Peter’s on the Prairie, 24311 452 Ave. From Madison, S.D. – St. Peter’s Lutheran Church is 8 miles south of the corner of Hwy. 34 and US Hwy 81. (Super 8 and Pizza Ranch are at that corner) on 454th Ave. At the stop sign (241st St.) go west 2 miles, turn left (south) on 452nd Ave., and go 2 miles south on gravel road. Charlie’s farm is approximately 1/4 miles west of the church.