Today's farms are greener than grandpa's

I appreciate the Star Tribune's initiative in attempting to raise awareness about one of the many challenges farmers and our communities are facing today ("Silence on runoff in farm country," July 5). I don't, however, appreciate an antagonistic undertone in what should have been fair and balanced reporting. There is far more to this story than meets the reader's eye.

As a lifetime member of the Edgerton, Minn., community, and as a pig farmer, clean, safe water is important to me and is paramount to my health and the health of my pigs. Eighty percent of the water used on a pig farm goes toward the drinking needs of a pig. It is critical that the water the pigs and my family drink is of the highest quality.

The article takes issue with nitrate levels. Nitrates can come from commercial fertilizer, septic systems and manure. We have invested significant time and money into managing manure on our farm. Utilizing manure from our farms to naturally fertilize our fields reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers.

For over 20 years, we have engaged a consultant to sample our manure and determine its nutrient content. We then develop an individualized plan for each field to ensure that we're providing only what that field needs, based on soil sampling and the needs of the crop. We precisely place the manure into the ground to reduce the risk of runoff.

Our lakes and streams are an important resource to me and my community. It is imperative that we utilize the manure on our farm, which we view as a valuable resource, responsibly. The manure doesn't go anywhere unless I put it there.

I've spent my life's work training to be the best farmer that I can be. I hold a degree in agricultural engineering, and I recently completed an MBA. I am trained to design drainage and irrigation systems, livestock shelters, grain storage and handling systems, and tractors. I also understand the social, environmental and economic impact of growing food.

I know how badly many want to see the return of the farms of yesteryear in place of larger operations (which is how many might describe our farm). However, we're way better at conserving resources than we were 50 years ago. Modern pig farms, like ours, use 41 percent less water and 78 percent less land to raise a pound of pork, compared with 50 years ago. We can utilize technology and information in ways that I wish I could show my grandpa.

I bristle when someone accuses me of ignorance, because I'm not ignorant. But I often need to take the time to remind myself that I may not fully understand the situation I've encountered. And I would encourage those who are further removed from agriculture to maintain the same mind-set, and use this article as a push to seek their own answers, and dig deeper before passing judgment.

This isn't a battle of wits, where country bumpkins are facing off against the city folk. This is a conversation about the environmental and economic future we're preparing for our children. We're working hard to improve our practices on the farm, and we've come a long way. I'm certain we'll continue to improve.

By all means, ask questions. As society has moved further away from its food source, farmers have done a poor job of communicating how and why we do the things we do. We're usually too focused on doing what we do. But that doesn't mean we don't want to talk about it. Frankly, we'll probably talk at greater length than you had ever desired, because we are passionate. Just keep asking us "why?" and we'll explain.

Together, we can have an honest, forthright conversation about how to care for the resources entrusted to us.