Welcome to the Fischer-Clark Dairy Farm blog. We’re proud to share our latest developments, agricultural insights, and stories from the farm. Whether you’re a landowner, neighbor, or simply curious about modern dairy and crop practices, we hope you find these updates informative and inspiring. Mike Fischer has recently been featured in this article in Strip-Till Farming magazine, posted on June 19, 2025. Read more here: Strip-Till Makes ‘Everything Possible’ for Expanding Dairy Operation.
Seasonal Operations & Progress
Spring Planting & Field Readiness
In early spring, our team is focused on preparing fields for planting while monitoring soil moisture and temperature closely. Thanks to strip-till techniques, we can open narrow planting zones without disturbing the entire field, helping us get into the ground earlier and reduce soil compaction.
Crop Rotation & Soil Health
We emphasize strong rotations, especially involving alfalfa, cover crops, and corn. This approach supports soil fertility, reduces weed pressure, and enhances resilience against stressors like drought or excess moisture. Our goal is always to leave the land better than we found it.
Sustainable Practices: What Sets Us Apart
Precision Nutrient Management
Using soil test data and variable-rate applications, we deliver nutrients exactly where they’re needed — in the narrow strip near the seed trench. This strategy increases efficiency, reduces waste, and protects water quality.
Manure Utilization & Nutrient Cycling
As a dairy-crop integrated operation, we see manure not as a byproduct, but as a valuable resource. Applying it thoughtfully, in balance with crop needs, helps reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers and promotes a circular nutrient system.
Farm Growth & Community Partnership
Since adopting strip-till and conservation-forward practices, Fischer-Clark Dairy Farm has grown steadily, expanding our herd and cropping footprint. We engage closely with our landowners, neighbors, and community, seeking to maintain transparency and a shared vision for long-term soil stewardship.
We’re thankful for the trust of our landowners, who enable us to operate on their fields. Together, we pursue a partnership built on sustainability, productivity, and mutual benefit.
What’s Next? Looking Ahead
- Ongoing trials of cover crop mixes to enhance soil carbon and organic matter
- Expanding manure management infrastructure to reduce field traffic during wet periods
- Updates on the new soil separation system for cleaning sand used as bedding for cows
- Continued soil health monitoring and data-driven updates to our lease and nutrient practices
- Sharing more stories from the field — machinery updates, crop results, and seasonal highlights
We welcome your questions or feedback. If you’re a landowner, neighbor, or stakeholder who’d like to explore what we’re doing — or even visit the farm — feel free to reach out. Thanks for following along.
— Fischer-Clark Dairy Farm