Since 2010, the Limestone County farmer has improved efficiency, diversification and his bottom line by trading equipment, fine-tuning planting, and investing in on-farm storage and out-of-state cropland.
“I like all parts of growing things, whether it’s a crop, a business, growing personally or trying to help the people that work for us grow,” said Brady, 30.
He and wife Anna, a teacher, annually farm 2,000 acres across Lauderdale and Limestone counties — one of Alabama’s fastest-growing areas. To preserve their ability to farm, the Peeks have gradually bought land, maintained healthy relationships with landlords and cleared timberland. They’ve also purchased land in Nebraska, which they rent to Corn Belt farmers.
“Being a farmer at heart, I’ve got a strong connection to land,” Brady said. “Land here sells for commercial prices. That led me to looking toward somewhere I could buy farmland with the hopes of keeping it farmland.”
Back around Elkmont, the Peeks have improved yields on corn, cotton, soybeans and wheat through nutrient management, cover crops, GPS technology and increased irrigation.
Source: alfafarmers.org
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jacqueline-nix
Categories: Nebraska, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle