Q&A with a Farmer: Visit Coloma Farms

We visited FFTF board member and fourth-generation potato farmer Andy Diercks at Coloma Farms to learn more about production agriculture.

Andy told us about crop rotation, which is one of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly ways farmers improve growing conditions. By changing the crops that are planted each year, farmers reduce the need for pesticides and fertilizer. The alternate crops replenish nutrients in the soil and drive away destructive insects and pests who only like to feed on specific crops.

Here’s an example of a three-year rotation schedule a farm may follow:

Year 1: Potatoes

Year 2: Sweet Corn

Year 3: Peas and/or beans

Year 4: Back to the start with potatoes

Crop rotation leads to healthy soil, cleaner water and stronger crops.

---

Do you have a question about agriculture? Send us a message on Facebook or Instagram: @farmingforthefuturefoundation.

You may be featured in our next Q&A!