Greetings from a soggy Iowa. Our snow cover is basically gone now, with the exception of drifts and piles, and we are anxiously awaiting some fieldwork. We have a couple of new exciting additions this spring.

The first is a new employee. My brother, Brandt, will be joining the farm next week. He has had a desire to join the operation and now seems to be a good time to get him up to speed. The extra help will be greatly appreciated.

The second is the purchase of a Gold Digger tile plow. We know that one of our major limiting factors in yield and profitability is drainage. There were two main reasons driving this purchase. One is the availability of tiling contractors; the other is the cost of tile to our landlords.

Being able to tile on our own schedule and exactly where and how we want it done will be a major advantage. We will also be able to offer land improvement to landlords at a lower cost than hiring it out. This will not only benefit them with the added value to their farms, but it will help us by getting everything that we know good drainage accomplishes.

Like everyone, we are getting equipment ready for the spring season. Planters will be in the shop soon, some fertilizer still needs to be spread and we have about a day and a half of strip-till left. Of course, there is the tiling we want to get started on with no end to the list of “wet spots” to start with.

Good luck to all this spring and please remember to stay safe.