63 Crop Consultant Shares How to Earn 400 More Dollars an Acre on Saline Soils

In this interview segment between Buz Kloot and Joe Dickie of Lee Briese, Lee Briese discusses his background as an independent crop consultant in East Central North Dakota, specializing in managing salinity issues. He explains how salinity affects crop yields due to osmotic pressure, which makes it difficult for plants to absorb water. Lee emphasizes the complexity of managing salinity, debunking myths such as the belief that tillage improves the situation.He attributes the worsening of salinity issues to factors like changes in crop rotations, emphasizing that certain crops like corn and soybeans are less tolerant to salinity compared to wheat and barley. Lee discusses the impact of wet and dry cycles on salinity levels, noting that while some actions may temporarily dilute salts, they don't solve the underlying problem.Lee also addresses the concentration of salinity along roadways due to poor drainage, highlighting the need for watershed-based solutions. He compares managing salinity to managing a wildfire, emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts across different properties to effectively address the issue.Overall, the interview provides valuable insights into the challenges of managing salinity in agricultural landscapes and the need for holistic, watershed-based approaches to address this complex issue.Briese delves into the concept of "Lean Acres," areas of farmland that fail to yield any profit despite receiving inputs. He compares these unproductive areas to hired workers who consistently fail to show up for work, emphasizing the need for farmers to address them promptly. According to Briese, these areas essentially drain resources without providing any return, akin to an unproductive employee.He illustrates this point by posing a rhetorical question: How long would it take a farmer to fire someone who never shows up for work? The implication is clear - such inefficiencies cannot be tolerated in a business setting, and the same principle should apply to farming operations. Briese suggests that Lean Acres, which have been receiving full inputs without generating any yield, should be treated similarly.Briese highlights the swiftness with which unproductive workers are typically let go, often within a week. He draws a parallel to the agricultural context, noting that farmers have been allowing these unproductive acres to persist for several years before taking action. This delay in addressing the issue only exacerbates the problem, prolonging the drain on resources.To remedy the situation, Briese advocates for reassigning these unproductive acres to different tasks that are more suitable. He proposes alternative jobs such as creating wildlife habitat or planting high-tolerance crops like barley or sunflower. By giving these acres a new purpose, farmers can mitigate their negative impact and potentially even derive some value from them.Moreover, Briese stresses the importance of managing expenses effectively, especially in areas where crops consistently fail to thrive. He suggests that farmers should refrain from investing further resources into these unproductive areas and instead focus on optimizing input usage elsewhere on the farm.Furthermore, Briese discusses the significance of adjusting expectations when transitioning to alternative land management strategies. While the shift may not result in the same level of profitability as traditional crop production, it can still yield positive outcomes in terms of cost savings and environmental stewardship.In conclusion, Briese emphasizes the need for proactive management of Lean Acres and encourages farmers to explore alternative land use options. By reevaluating their approach and making strategic adjustments, farmers can mitigate losses and potentially turn unproductive areas into assets for their operations. Briese's insights underscore the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in modern agricultural practices.