Andy Benson and Ryan Frieders operate in vastly different environments, from the thin glacial till of west-central Wisconsin to the deep prairie soils of northern Illinois. Despite these differences, both producers are prioritizing soil health to maximize the efficiency of their inputs and protect long-term productivity. Benson manages 3,500 to 4,000 acres of corn, soybeans, and wheat, focusing on conservation to prevent the erosion of his limited topsoil resources.
Nitrogen and Cover Crop Management
In Wisconsin, Benson utilizes a rotation that includes wheat followed by diverse cover crops like legumes and brassicas to build root mass and suppress weeds. This biological approach provides a significant nutrient boost, as Benson typically receives 60 to 80 pounds nitrogen per acre from the cover crops. He further protects the soil by strip-tilling directly into living clover, which places fertilizer precisely while leaving the majority of the root system undisturbed. This system performs multiple tasks simultaneously by competing with weeds and reducing the total amount of nitrogen required for the following corn crop.
Ryan Frieders manages approximately 1,800 acres across DeKalb, DuPage, and Kendall counties in Illinois, where the priority shifts from building soil to maintaining its high quality. His operation has utilized 25 years of grid testing to improve nutrient efficiency and reduce runoff into local waterways. To handle heavy rainfall on long slopes, Frieders has invested in permanent filter strips and maintained grassed waterways that provide controlled paths for field drainage.
Precision Testing and Tillage Control
Frieders has also scaled back conventional tillage to improve soil structure and increase biological activity, which helps the ground retain moisture during dry spells and absorb heavy rain. Both farmers recently discussed these regional strategies on AgriTalk with host Chip Flory to highlight the American Soybean Association Conservation Legacy Awards. They are encouraging other producers to share their soil-health stories through the program’s online application at SoyGrowers.com. Benson and Frieders believe that showcasing regional practices can help spark new ideas that others can implement on their own operations.
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