Frank Rademacher wonders what the world will be like in 10, 20, even 30 years. With his farm legacy always top of mind, the third-generation Illinois corn and soybean grower realizes an understanding of and experience with conservation practices is key to preparing the family farming operation for the future.
“What agronomic, market and consumer, environmental and regulatory concerns will we face?” Rademacher says. “Our bet is that the future will only be increasingly focused on conservation in agriculture, and we see that by the groundwork being laid now in legislation, specialty premiums and grant opportunities.”
Rademacher and his father operate Rademacher Farms in east central Illinois, growing specialty corn and soybeans. Today the entire operation is no-till, and cover crops are planted on all acres. His grandparents purchased the family operation in the 1970s and slowly added acres over the years.
Rademacher and his father both maintain off-farm jobs while working to continue the family legacy. Although he never intended to farm, Rademacher says he fell in love with the work while in college and eventually switched his major to agriculture. When he joined the operation full-time after graduation in 2018, Rademacher and his dad expanded conservation practices to the entire operation.
Today, the farm is 100% no-till and cover crops. Using a planter-mounted crimper allows Rademacher to establish cover crops in a weed suppressing mat. Rademacher says their management regime has saved on labor, helped eliminate the need for insecticides and allowed them to reduce fertilizer and herbicide use.
“Environmental benefits have been huge as well, whether it be tile water test comparisons with neighbors or the amount of habitat we provide, we’ve built a system that has an incredible impact on what is otherwise a flat, disturbed, barren landscape for most of the year,” Rademacher says.
While every farmer has his or her own unique reasoning for using conservation practices — from labor savings and boosting soil quality to reducing erosion and weed control, Rademacher says some choose to
step up their stewardship efforts simply for environmental benefits.
Rademacher is a firm believer in cost-share programs. He credits these programs with helping shift his family’s farm operation to one that’s more conservation conscious.
“We’re strong believers in the system we’ve built and have shown that our profit levels can easily match or succeed those of conventional operations,” Rademacher explains. “Cost-share opportunities are great resources and remove some of the risk, especially for new adopters, that might have a learning curve to overcome.”
Especially true in a soil health system where it might take several years for soils to improve, Rademacher says cost-share resources are key in helping smooth over the time for poor soils to gain nutrients.
Rademacher advises other farmers to get involved and try new things.
“Having a general understanding of and experience with a multitude of conservation practices, especially when funding is available is a great way to keep a farming operation well prepared for the future.”
