For Calumet County farmer David Geiser, farming is more than a job — it’s a way of life.
Geiser grew up on Gold Star Farms and now runs the family farm with his wife. Over the years, they have seen their operation evolve. About ten years ago, they started using cover crops and no-till practices. These steps helped improve soil health and made the land more resilient.
In 2023, they made another big change. They sold their dairy herd and began renting out some cropland. While this decision was not easy, Geiser said it allowed them to focus more on conservation and soil management.
“I’ve learned a lot through the Calumet County Ag Alliance,” Geiser said. “It’s helped me understand how different cover crops work with our soil.”
Cover crops are not a one-size-fits-all solution. “Cover crops can be tricky because they’re ever-evolving,” he said. “You have to consider crop rotations, farm goals, and weather.”
Geiser joined the Calumet County Ag Stewardship Alliance (CCASA) about three years ago. Since then, he’s become a board member and an active voice in the group.
“It’s great to be around like-minded farmers,” he said. “We’re all trying new things to see what works for us and our community.”
He stressed that each farm is different. “What works one year may not work the next,” he said. “That’s why it helps to share ideas and keep learning.”
This year, Geiser’s farm took part in CCASA’s 2024 Member Conservation Practice Survey. The annual survey tracks conservation work and its impact on the environment.
This marks the fifth straight year CCASA has collected data on member practices. The group includes 20 farmers and two community members. Together, they are making a big impact.
In 2024, members:
- Planted 10,125 acres of cover crops
- Used no-till and strip-till on 11,865 acres
- Planted green on 3,142 acres
- Followed nutrient management plans on 25,047 acres
These practices help protect the land and water. According to Houston Engineering, Inc., and Farmers for Sustainable Food, the results include:
- 1,737 tons fewer greenhouse gas emissions — equal to taking 414 cars off the road
- 18,260 tons less soil lost to erosion — the same as 1,826 dump trucks of dirt
- 18,271 pounds less phosphorus runoff — which could stop 9.1 million pounds of algae growth
“As farmers, we’re the boots on the ground,” Geiser said. “It’s our job to care for our land so it stays healthy.”
