Regenerative Trials Hamill Farms
Managed 10-acre regenerative winter wheat trial and successfully gathered a snapshot of increased biological diversity in the ground through iterative soil testing. Integrated smother crop of buckwheat and bio-stimulant tea blends made with worm castings, fish hydrolysate, and liquid kelp that yieled 500 bushels of wheat with 0% vomitoxin, 8.6% protein, and 16.0% moisture. Collaborated with local farmers and sold the harvest to a local malt house to promote regional value chain development.
Key Takeaways
Pre and post biological soil test yielded increase of fungus to bacteria ratio and an increase of nutrient availability. However, having only one year of results, this trial needs to be performed over a 3-5 year period for further proof-of-concept.
"I believe one of the biggest burdens in our area is the cost of inputs. To invest anymore in assets such as equipment or technology will not pencil out. As you can imagine it's hard to sit back and not do anything to correct the projection.
The other option is to look to regenerative or self-sustaining agriculture."
— Michael Spurdute, project collaborator, elaborating on the current costs of agricultural production and a potential solution.