Fostering a Long-term Connection with the Land
Justin Knopf, a fifth-generation wheat producer from Central Kansas, is working to tell the sustainability story of his land. In total, Knopf Farms Inc. manages 4,200 acres of alfalfa, corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, and wheat.
A graduate of Kansas State University, Justin served as an agronomist until he felt the pull back to the family farm. Justin’s passion for a long-term connection with the land and the day-to-day challenge of farming is evident as he discusses his operation.
“Farming is really meaningful work. A farmer captures energy from the sun through photosynthesis, using natural resources such as soil, water, and air and transforms that energy into something we can utilize as human beings,” Justin shared.
Justin is focused on the big picture and the future of farming, feeling responsible for the stewardship of the resources within his family’s operation. He is committed imparting long-term perspective to future generations.
“We are all a small piece of a broader story that is playing out over time,” noted Justin. “To me, sustainability means staying power over the long-term.”
Justin seeks to ensure that the land his family farms is in good condition to produce and is economically viable for the foreseeable future. To Justin, the key components of sustainability reach across economic, environmental, and social aspects.
Transitioning to continuous no-till created significant benefits throughout Knopf Farms. This has led to reduced soil erosion, increased carbon capture and content in the soils, increases soil biological activity, and less energy use. Since the soil and plant relationship is a biological system, these changes lead to increased resiliency over time. The adoption of no-till has also led to additional farm management decisions such as a diverse crop rotation and strategic incorporation of cover crops.
Justin Knopf
5th Generation Farmer
Gypsum, Kansas
Knopf Farms is seasoned at collecting agronomic and economic data for research projects conducted with Kansas State University and farm management decisions. After using the Fieldprint® Platform and finding value in the information collected, Justin entered the Southern Plains Hard Wheat Fieldprint Project. This Fieldprint Project was developed by Archer Daniels Midland Milling, General Mills and Agrible to establish an environmental performance baseline and document improvements across the wheat rotation throughout Kansas. Justin uses his Fieldprint analysis to fine tune his management choices and monitor key metrics, such as soil carbon.
“The Fieldprint Platform takes a snapshot across time of improvements across the land,” Justin explained.
As more people are removed generationally from the farm, participating in Field to Market’s Supply Chain Sustainability Program allows farmers to gather information to help tell their story to the public. Fieldprint Projects give brands and farmers the opportunity to build and maintain consumer trust as they communicate and create transparency about farming practices. Justin encourages other farmers to be open minded about participating as more pressure builds on our resources.
"Start with a single field and study the metrics produced to find where there might be value to your operation and decision making going forward," shared Justin.
As an advocated for sustainability, Justin serves at as Vice President of Kansas Association of Wheat Growers. He also serves on Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) Farmer Advisory Committee, where farmers work together with key EDF leaders to find common goals and realistic solutions to environmental challenges important to growers, the environmental community, and the supply chain.
Justin and his family's conservation efforts were featured in a recent book Rancher, Farmer, Fisherman: Conservation Heroes of the American Heartland, by Miriam Horn. Justin also participated in a documentary of the same title, which was produced by Discovery, and premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival.
Justin has been a featured farmer in U.S. Wheat Sustainability Profile for U.S. Hard Red Winter Wheat. Knopf Farms regularly hosts various groups at the farm, including international delegations, student groups, researchers, and environmental groups.
“As a fifth generation farmer, I think it’s extremely important to give my kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids the same opportunity to come home and farm that I’ve had,” said Scott. “So,“Justin is an innovative wheat producer from central Kansas and captures the curiosity and commitment of the future of wheat growers,” describes Chandler Goule, CEO of the National Association of Wheat Growers. “He is committed to exploring new practices, promoting research and new partnerships to continue to push innovation in wheat production.”
“To me, sustainability means staying power over the long-term.”
Justin Knopf
5th Generation Farmer
Gypsum, Kansas
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