Hough Family Farms Achieve Water Quality Certification

April 8, 2024 by Alyson Levig

Hough Farms, proudly operated by brothers Ryan and Michael, joins the rising number of producers becoming certified as stewards of water quality through the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) - a voluntary opportunity that certifies farmers taking the lead in implementing conservation-minded practices to protect water quality. The Hough brothers’ farm accompanies over 1,400 producers in Minnesota farming one million certified acres within the program.

The farming operation is now in its 4th generation. In 2014 Ryan and Michael took over the family farm, expanding not only their father's legacy, but also the farm's management practices. Today, Ryan and Michael farm 1,800 acres of no-till cropland with a diverse rotation of corn, soybeans, sunflowers, wheat, barley, and alfalfa while also incorporating cover crops to reduce erosion and extend their cattle's grazing season. The rest of their acreage is dedicated to pastureland for the brothers' 600-head cattle operation, which also utilizes rotational grazing.

Rotational grazing can be described as a practice that involves moving livestock to different units of pasture to encourage recovery of the previously grazed vegetation, preventing soil erosion and promoting water quality. No-till practices also accredit these same benefits because the no-till drill can plant crops without tilling the soil, which greatly decreases disturbance.

"It's just the right thing to do," Michael said. "We believe in our management practices and are seeing good progress with them."

After some local encouragement from the Wilkin Soil and Water Conservation District to become recognized for their conservation mindset and practices, Hough Farms applied for the Minnesota Agriculture Water Quality Certification Program and became water quality certified during the fall of 2022.

"Becoming MAWQCP certified provided us with recognition of the practices we were already implementing," Ryan said. "Plus, too many people are getting so far away from agriculture to the point that it's getting a negative reputation, and this certification is our way of reversing that and promoting the good in agriculture."

In the future, the Hough brothers hope to continue perfecting their current management practices, some of which still involve trying new things. This year, for example, the brothers have planted a specific corn variety that will be grazing ready after 60 days – similar to a sorghum sudan grass planting. They hope the corn will also assist in extending their grazing season while also adding another layer to their diversified rotation. Overall, the current land use and management practices of Ryan and Michael's farm result in the conservation of natural resources, where water quality is protected, and soil erosion is reduced.

"In the end, we're only borrowing the land," Ryan said. "So, these practices are making our farm – our land – better for future generations."

Posted In: MAWQCP