Standard Process Inc.
Power of Technology...and Nature
October 2007 News From The Farm SP News Article
Christine Mason,
Farm Manager
Farming has evolved technologically with the rest of the planet. Here at Standard Process we track all of our farm progress using computer programs. We can even map the exact location of a field by requesting information from a satellite in space. We have nutrient analysis for every field on this farm. And yet I believe that part of the beauty in agriculture is that no matter how modern our technology gets, we are constantly humbled by nature and reminded that, in the end, we really have limited control.
This summer the Standard Process Farm went through about three and a half weeks of very high temperatures and no rain. We would come to work and diligently try to baby the vegetables along while their growth pattern stood still, waiting for a drink.
Then, about mid-August we received 3.2 inches of rain. And it kept raining-almost every other day for 4 weeks. 1.6" here, 0.8" there…never just a trace. To top it off, over a weekend we received another 6 inches of rain with rain still expected the next 4 days. Much to my surprise, this whole situation has given me a very strange sense of peace. Somehow it has put me in my place and I smile as I am reminded that no matter how hard I plan, ultimately a higher authority is in charge (thank goodness).
As I drove around to check the fields this morning I was very proud of this farm. There is not a single field in this region that does not have standing water, including all of ours. But the cover crops and forage crops at Standard Process look awesome. Where the cover crops were recently worked in, the crop residue in the top 4 inches of soil has allowed even this much rain to percolate versus running off. The earthworms and the active soil life found on an organic farm are an obvious advantage with rain like this. Organic farming is a wholesome and natural way to farm, and when a natural challenge, such as heavy rain comes along, I believe an organic farm is ideally suited to handle it. As far as I can tell, the vegetables (that aren't under water) look really good and we are not losing precious top soil to water erosion.
It will be interesting to see what the rest of the fall harvest season brings, but I think we are going to have some really nice root crops. I am always amazed at the resiliency of this organic farm. It is truly inspiring.