Tree Farming with Adaptive Cattle Grazing, No-till, Cover Crops, Fencing, & Pollinators in Minnesota

At the Iverson Tree Farm in Belleview, Minnesota, the Nelson family has cultivated a unique agricultural operation that blends traditional farming with innovative conservation practices. Purchased in 2019 by Melanie and her husband Ron Iverson, the 72-acre farm dedicates 52 acres to trees, split between Christmas trees and transplant trees. Beyond trees, the Nelsons maintain a robust Shorthorn cow-calf operation, a legacy passed down through generations of both families. They manage about 100 registered Shorthorn cows, focusing on low-input, grazing animals. The farm also includes nearly 300 acres of row crops including corn, soybeans, and wheat, showcasing a diverse and integrated approach to agriculture. A significant shift in the Nelson's farming philosophy has been the adoption of no-till practices and cover crops, starting around 2015. This transition, initially inspired by a friend fifteen years ago, was driven by a desire to extend the grazing season and improve soil health. They now aim to cover crop 100% of their acres annually and no-till everything, finding these two practices to be mutually beneficial. Cody Nelson highlights the importance of using diverse cover crop mixes, typically including grass, legume, and brassica, tailored to specific field goals and resource concerns. This approach mimics natural ecosystems, fostering a living root system and minimizing soil disturbance to enhance growing conditions. The benefits of no-till and cover crops are substantial for the Nelsons. Nutrient cycling is a primary advantage, allowing them to unlock nutrients in the soil and significantly reduce their reliance on expensive P and K fertilizers, with expectations of cutting nitrogen usage as well. This translates directly to increased profitability. Beyond financial gains, the improved soil structure from no-till allows for quicker field access after rain, and enhanced water infiltration helps retain moisture and nutrients. From an operational standpoint, the reduction in tillage means significant time savings, freeing up the Nelsons to focus on other aspects of their diverse farm, including the tree business and their direct marketing efforts. The integration of livestock with cover crops has yielded remarkable results, particularly in extending the grazing season and improving herd health. By letting their Shorthorn cows graze cover crops well into winter and starting as early as late April, the Nelsons have seen a dramatic decrease in vet bills due to a healthier, more diverse diet for their cattle. They practice adaptive rotational grazing, moving cows frequently, which further optimizes the use of their pastures and cover crops. This strategy even allowed them to go an entire winter without feeding hay in 2019. The family also markets their beef directly through their fall festival and Christmas season, selling quarters, halves, and whole animals. The Nelsons actively collaborate with Jeff Kjorness, District Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), utilizing programs like EQIP for fencing, pollinator strips, and cover crop implementation. A recent fencing project, supported by NRCS, allowed them to fence all 72 acres of the tree farm, enabling rotational adaptive grazing of cattle among the trees and in open areas—a practice that even aids in natural pruning. Their commitment to sustainable farming is deeply rooted in their desire to preserve and improve their land for future generations, ensuring clean water and healthy soil. They hope their success with these practices will inspire other farmers to adopt similar conservation-minded approaches. Videography by Dan Balluff. For more information please visit the Minnesota NRCS website at: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservatio... And for more videos about other NRCS conservation-related projects, please visit the Minnesota NRCS YouTube channel at:    / @minnesotanrcs   https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/   / nrcs_mn   #shorthorn #cattlegrazing #rotaionalgrazing #adaptivegrazing #covercrops #notill #cropmaze #treefarm