2002 Conservation Family Winners
Farm Name: Evergreen Land and Cattle Co.
Family Members: Robert Krentz and Gordon Krentz (owners), Jody Krentz (Robert’s wife), Cody age 13, Denton age 12, and Winston age 10 (children of Robert and Jody)
Farm Type: Beef (grazing yearlings on pasture)
Farm Size: 4800 head of cattle
Background: Began farming 29 years ago with his father on a dairy operation. He has owned his own farm for the past 17 years.
Farm Practices: The Krentz farm covers 9 sections of land, all of which are used for grazing. Robert has implemented a rotational grazing system on all of his pastures. Robert’s intent with the rotational grazing system is to improve the efficiency of his pasture to maximize his cattle gains as well as improve the overall quality of his pasture. Robert also fertilizes his pasture with swine manure in order to increase forage amount and quality. This fertilizer is supplied by the 43 swine operations in and around the Krentz farm property. Robert wishes to manage his pasture in a sustainable way so as to preserve the integrity of his land for future generations.
The Krentz farm is a prime example of innovative agriculture. They have utilized the resources within their area to their full potential while remaining conscious of their impact on the environment. All sustainable agricultural practices implemented on the Krentz farm have been initiated exclusively by the landowners without the aid of any external organizations. These practices were started because they were the “best fit” for the Krentz farm with the land base and forage available to them. Due to their innovation and commitment to sustainable agriculture, Evergreen Land and Cattle Co. are the Seine-Rat River Conservation District Farm Family of the Year for 2002.