Water courses are fenced off to exclude livestock. Following the SWCD recommendations, they've implemented a regimented soil fertility program, that uses extensive soil testing. The state-funded program tests the soil for phosphate, potassium and nitrogen levels and soil pH. They continue this process today, on an annual basis field by field, crop by crop. The pads are scraped and the manure stockpiled for spreading on cropland and grassland. This practice also helps reduce sedimentation from runoff, thus improving water quality.
All runoff is routed through grassed filter areas to assimilate and filter manure.
Constantly working to improve the appearance of the farm. He says the Brysons do not neglect anything on their farm. This is one reason agencies like to use the farm for total farm management demonstrations. Every year 125 round bales of clover-fescue grass hay, averaging 1,500 pounds, are gathered and stored for winter feeding. The Brysons start feeding hay in mid-October and feed through calving.