Reliabank

STRIP-TILLING

In the family’s farming operation today, Shawn searches for new technologies to increase efficiencies and yields. “I’m involved in Randy Dowdy’s ‘Total Acre’ program with approximately 800 other farmers from across the country. We share data and yields with each other so we all can help each other.” No information can be shared outside the group. “I consider my farm to be a giant test plot. Every field has at least one test in it to help us vet hybrids, products and practices,” he said. “My fertilizer is applied through prescriptions as a result of intensive grid sampling. For the past 20 years, I’ve utilized strip-till on 100 percent of my acres. People ask if I get a better yields with strip-till. I tell them the yields are just as good as anybody else. For me, it's also about the soil health and fertilizer efficiency.” Strip-till is a conservation system in which the soil drying and warming benefits of conventional tillage are combined with the soil-protecting advantages of no-till. The only part of the soil disturbed is the portion that contains the seed row. Fertilizer is also incorporated directly into the strip without further disruption of the soil.

FULL CIRCLE SEED BUSINESS

On the horizon for the Hofer farm is further testing for efficiency and yield, this time in the area of seed. Shawn is considering becoming a seed dealer for Beck’s Hybrids. “It’s coming full circle,” said Shawn, referring to the days when his grandfather, Jacob L. Hofer and dad, Vernon J., also sold seed. “I’ve always loved testing different hybrids and a seed dealership could be a nice fit with our operation.” Beck’s Hybrids are relatively new here and the challenge of introducing the company to the area is exciting to Shawn. While the opportunity may be new, the seed dealership feels perfectly natural; it is progressive with a nod to the family’s past.

TIME FOR FAMILY

Shawn is the youngest sibling in his family and the only one to farm. “I worked in a bank for a couple of years and then slowly started working into the farm with Dad.” He and Heather kept the cattle for a few years when they were first married. But, he said, “With Heather being a CPA, she's really busy in the winter. So I got rid of the cows to help take care of the kids while she was putting in extra hours at work.” Heather’s parents farm near Onida, S.D. She and Shawn met at South Dakota State University, then she transferred to the University of South Dakota to finish her

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