There are fields that have not been plowed for 30 years as they were converted from pasture to cropland 10 years ago. Other benefits of this system that are hard to put a dollar figure on are increased water infiltration, resistance to compaction, better harvesting conditions, and better soil fertility. Although both farms remain independent for legal purposes, Steve manages all of the field crops and Elias is in charge of marketing the produce and hay. Elias raises about 70 steers on his farm per year. This does not provide enough manure to satisfy the crop nutrient needs, so they import hog and layer manure from some nearby farms.
Soil tests indicate high levels of phosphorous and potash.
To provide the necessary nitrogen, Steve has been growing Hairy Vetch. It is used as a cover crop and even though the Groffs grow a sizable amount of vegetables, very little fertilizer is used. Through improper management it can be abused, starved, mistreated, or lost. It must be fed like a plant. Steve follows what he calls a New Generation Cropping System.