Crops

“A season for every activity under the heavens:

A time to plant and a time to harvest”

–Ecclesiastes 3:1,2

What We Grow

Johnson Ranch grows mainly organic crops ranging from basic small grains and hay to specialty grains. Where organic production is not feasible, due to noxious weed growth, we employ synthetic strategies, conscientiously.

Because we love growing healthy, yummy food here is a link to where our products end up.

Hard Red Spring Wheat- beginning to ripen
Peas- grown for plow-down or for seed
Kamut (an ancient grain)- ripening
White Proso Millet- beginning to ripen
Protina Oats- grown for MT Gluten Free in Belgrade
Haxby Barley- for pearling or livestock feed
Lentils- we grow various varieties
Hay- swaths being baled up for winter livestock feed

Stewardship

At Johnson Ranch we are committed to providing high levels of stewardship and healthful outcomes in food production. We take the time to develop a relationship with the land, endeavoring to give it what it needs. We strive to know our particular climate, soil structure, and regional needs and pursue working in tandem with those variables.

Peas for plow-down
Sweet Clover growing with barley
Tillage
Seed placement inspection
Organic fertilizer application

The stewardship practices employed by Johnson Ranch are varied.

The green manure crops (also called plow-down crops) we use are peas and sweet clover. These plants help build soil nutrients, increase organic matter and microbial activity. Sweet Clover is inter-seeded with a “cash” crop and plowed-down the following year, providing ground cover during fallow periods.

We strive to utilize tillage appropriately as part of weed, and soil management. Conserving moisture is a top priority in our semi-arid region. Restricting weed growth is essential to retaining vital moisture.

Organic soil and seed inputs are extensively researched and applied to improve soil structure and aid in the health of beneficial microorganisms, as well as facilitating a holistic environment for seed endurance through all phases of growth.