Farming isn?t just about doing things a certain way. It is doing what you feel is right in your gut. Many farmers feel a responsibility to the land and to the heritage of the family operation. The ones that get recognized for doing great things are generally humble. They don?t do these things for rewards, they do them because they feel it is the right thing to do.
That is the story of Justin and Lacie Robbins of Robbins Land & Cattle LLC. They are the 2021 Iowa Cattlemen?s Association Environmental Stewardship Award winners.
Justin Robbins tells us about the family operation along the North Racoon River. They farm row crops with cover crops, and the cow-calf operation. They also sell meat direct to customers.
Robbins talks about what they are doing to protect the land around them. The pasture, woods, and soil management techniques they use are commonsense to Justin. He doesn?t think what they are doing is all that special, it is just responsible.
The Raccoon River has been the subject of much contention in regard to environmental stewardship in Iowa. While he can?t control everything that happens in the watershed, Robbins says they are doing what they can for their little corner of the world. They are being responsible stewards of the river and the land the touches it. They carefully handle any fertilization and weed management near the water.
Robbins says much of his pastureland has a buffer before it gets to the river, and where it doesn?t, he doesn?t use fencing. Robbins says he doesn?t want to add to the pollution problems or create hazards for those who use the river recreationally.
Robbins says the work they have done on rotational grazing and timber management has not only helped the quality of the land and pasture, but it has also allowed them to increase their herd size and weights, without being a burden on the land. Robbins says the proof of their success is ?on the scale.?
For Robbins, he says that the herbicide savings that has seen since he has introduced cover crops to the operation are what keep adding more acres every year. He says that farmers who are on the fence about using them, should really take these input savings into consideration.
Robbins says at first, he didn?t think they were doing anything special enough to justify the award from the Iowa Cattlemen?s Association. However, the more he talks with producers and tells his story to consumers, the prouder he has become for the opportunity.
Our full interview with Justin robbins will be aired this weekend on Weekend Ag Matters. You can find it on your local affiliate, under our podcast tab, or find it on Podbean and wherever you download your podcasts.
