Submitted

Nick and Ronna Montgomery have always paid close attention to necessary conservation maintenance and improvements on their farms. As 5M Farms evolved, the practices have changed, but not the need to continually evaluate them. This attention to conservation practices has not only helped improve their farms for the future, but in the present has earned them a 2025 Kansas Bankers Association Soil Conservation Award.

There are three components to Nick’s conservation approach. The first is property maintenance or improvement. Silted in waterways are cleaned out and replaced with tile outlets, which improves water quality and farmability. Some of the work is done on their own, but much of it is accomplished with the help of a great contractor support network.

They’ve always been no-till but have taken another step with the incorporation of cover crops. It started when they had a livestock enterprise and noted the benefit grazed covers provided for the land in general. Covers — grass crops like cereal rye or triticale provide them the best bang for their buck — are planted after corn in the fall along with subsurface fertilizer applications. Cover crops are allowed to maximize biomass, often terminated before maturity. The system provides a moisture retaining mulch layer on the surface with vigorous root systems to help combat compaction.

Conservation component number three centers on the 5M Farms fertility management program. While cover crops are an important piece of their dual placement program, the fertility management aspect is important as well. In addition to the cover crops plus dry fertilizer prior to soybeans, the corn fertility program includes dual placement as well, with the corn crop’s fertilizer needs dual placed with anhydrous. Making two passes fit into one can slow the process slightly, but it’s made worth it by the reduced nutrient stratification from better placement and the reduction in losses sometimes associated with surface applied fertilizers.

Some might look at farming as two busy seasons. Ronna would suggest otherwise. She and Nick are continually evaluating farms to see what conservation work might be needed next. If they see work is needed, Nick and Ronna do it. The projects come with a price tag, but it’s cost they feel is worth it to stay proactive against soil losses. It’s a proactive approach that has earned them a 2025 Kansas Bankers Association Soil Conservation Award.