June 11, 2026
The growing season is well underway, and these recent warm temperatures have helped our crops progress beautifully over the last week. While we’ve had to dodge a few severe storms, we are managing to hang on and keep moving forward. We had some storm cleanup to tackle, dealing with downed tree limbs on buildings and clearing trees from the roads, but overall, we fared quite well, all things considered.
The rain we’ve received has come in welcomed waves, allowing the moisture to deeply soak into the ground where it’s needed most. Yes, more rain is needed as some fields have received more than others, but we are thankful for the small bouts we have been receiving.
Speaking of rain, we just completed a major conservation project on one of our farms, and we couldn’t have done it without the expertise of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
The Challenge: Battling Field Erosion
Over the years, one of our fields that is situated next to one of our apple orchards, had developed a severe erosion problem. When we would receive a heavy rain, massive washouts would occur across the field, frequently making it completely impassable with a tractor.
Part of our farm is situated right on the banks of the Crow River. While the river is a benefit to us for a variety of reasons, the erosion issues weren’t just an operational headache. They presented an environmental concern. During heavy downpours, valuable, nutrient-rich topsoil was washing away as silt and flowing directly into the river.
Our Philosophy: We are deeply committed to conservation. We operate under the firm belief that we don’t inherit the land from our ancestors; we borrow it from future generations. We want to keep our soil exactly where it belongs: on the farm, feeding our crops.
While we knew work was desperately needed, fixing a watershed issue of this scale was a bigger task than we could take on alone. That’s where the NRCS came in. Their team evaluated our erosion hot spots and developed a targeted engineering plan to eliminate the washouts and protect the river.
The Solution: Berms and Tile Drainage
To fix the issue, four earthen berms (constructed ridges of soil) were strategically built across the field. Here is how the new system works to protect our land and water:
- Slowing the Flow: When heavy rain hits, the berms act as natural speed bumps, slowing down surface runoff so it doesn't gain the velocity needed to carve out deep washouts.
- Strategic Drainage: The berms safely guide the pooling water toward underground agricultural drainage tiles that were laid during the project.
- Filtering Sediments: As the water moves toward and enters the drainage system, the soil and sediments are naturally filtered out and left behind in the field.
- Protecting the River: Clean, filtered excess water is then safely discharged into the Crow River without carrying our fertile topsoil along with it.
Now, when a storm rolls through, the water flows exactly where it's supposed to. The washouts have stopped, our field stays intact, and the river stays clean. It’s a win all the way around!
Why Land Conservation Matters to Untiedt’s
At Untiedt’s, land conservation isn't just a buzzword, it is a core value that guides every decision we make.
Taking care of the soil is a win-win for everyone. For us as farmers, healthy, intact soil means better crop yields, healthier apple orchards, and smoother field operations. For our community and neighbors downstream, our conservation efforts mean cleaner waterways, protected wildlife habitats in the Crow River, and a healthier local ecosystem. Read more about our approach to land stewardship here.
By investing in projects like this today, we are ensuring that this land remains fertile, productive, and beautiful for the generations of farmers and families who will come after us. Thank you for supporting us on this journey as we work to grow for you!
