Successful Farming, the most successful and recognizable brand in the agricultural industry, this week released its list of “10 Successful Farmers,” part of its special “10”-themed June/July issue featuring several lists of agricultural interest.
Bryan Jorgensen of Ideal, South Dakota, is one of Successful Farming’s people to watch in agriculture. The 10 individuals profiled by Successful Farming have established thriving agricultural operations and grown their businesses with innovative approaches for and adaptations in their farming operations.
Jorgensen Land and Cattle Company’s 7,000 acres of native grass pastures are filled with moisture- and nutrient-storing rich carbon and organic matter, supporting a strong microbe community that helps plants absorb nutrients. The surface vegetation also helps lessen wind and water erosion, while keeping the soil macro-pores open for water retention. Jorgensen, who runs the farm’s crop-production arm with his son, Nick, (his brother, Greg, and nephew, Cody, run the livestock portion) mimics Mother Nature to produce high yields.
Jorgensen’s largest crop is corn, planted on around 2,500 acres. He began no-tilling in 1990, then introduced crop rotation that replicates the native vegetation. After harvest, he implements this crop rotation and incorporates livestock—akin to the buffalo which grazed on the native prairie—to ensure soil health. Nature’s cycle works as well for Jorgensen’s cropland as it does the native prairie.
“At Successful Farming, we know our audience includes some of the most innovative, forward-thinking and ambitious agricultural professionals,” said Dave Kurns, Editorial Content Director of Successful Farming. “With this special issue, we wanted to recognize some of our readers who are redefining what it means to be a successful farmer. The 10 individuals featured have built healthy agricultural operations through ingenuity and flexibility in a changing industry. They demonstrate the vitality and importance of agriculture today.”
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