Cattle Rancher, Calli Williams, Learns the Ropes of Crop Farming and Soil Sampling with Agronomist and Farmer, Jeff Kloucek

Having open conversations about food and farming with South Dakotans and the farmers who grow it is what we do. In fact, that’s what Hungry for Truth is all about. We had an exciting opportunity to connect first-generation cattle rancher, Calli Williams, with Jeff Kloucek, a corn, wheat, and soybean farmer and agronomist from Scotland, S.D., to chat about farming in Scotland, soil preservation, and much more. Below, Calli shares her learnings from her visit to Jeff’s farm. 

In true South Dakota fashion, the wind was blowing 30+ mph and Mother Nature couldn’t decide if she was going to rain or not. Rain or shine, there is always work to be done on the farm so regardless of the weather, I was excited to hit the road and head toward Scotland, South Dakota to visit with Jeff Kloucek.

Upon arriving, I apologized for bringing rain during harvest season. Jeff just smiled. We aren’t in control of the weather, and Jeff seemed to know that all too well. Jeff then asked me the big question of the day… “What would you like to learn today?” As someone who typically doesn’t struggle with finding my words (just ask my husband – or parents), I was speechless. I then told Jeff I am a cattle girl, through and through. I have never planted or harvested row crops so I was up for anything. And just like that, we were off!

We started walking through the cornfield Jeff’s cousin had been combining. Jeff pulled an ear of corn off the stalk to explain the moisture level, and how they know when corn is ready to be combined. Then we made our way to the combine!

On the first lap through the field combining corn, I had already learned so much from Jeff. I felt like a sponge trying to soak up as much knowledge as possible. Jeff explained the efforts he and his cousins have made to restore nutrients in their soil, the remarkable technology available to assist with fertilizer applications, and other enhancements they have made to their ground in an effort to improve their soil and yields.

As the combine filled, his cousin Dave pulled up next to us with the grain cart so the combine could empty the corn while Jeff continued combining. Jeff said the grain cart was a new purchase for this harvest season, and he was excited about it! The grain cart allows them to empty the combine while continuing to combine, rather than stopping what they are doing to either empty the combine in a parked semi at the end of the field or travel to the main farm site to unload in a grain bin. 

Jeff currently farms with his two cousins. Dave said they had about 90 acres left to harvest. He was hoping to have it done before the weekend. Not only because of the predicted rain but also because of the colder temperatures in the forecast and the upcoming pheasant hunting season. Jeff said he had two little girls anxious to get to a pumpkin patch over the weekend, so they better be done combining soon!

Jeff and his cousins primarily raise corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and wheat. In addition to farming, Jeff works full-time as an agronomist with NutrienAg. Jeff had printed a few soil maps to show me the kind of information he gets from soil samples, and what fertilizer prescriptions do for crop farmers. When I asked about no-till versus till farming, Jeff didn’t hesitate to grab a shovel and dig up a piece of sod to give me a hands-on demonstration of the soil composition of no-till ground.

He also had his soil sample equipment with him to show me how they collect soil samples from the field. Jeff is a wealth of knowledge. When he shared soil maps from the Scotland and Tabor areas, I asked questions about soil in the Avon area. My husband and I are fortunate to summer half of our cow-calf pairs on our family ground near Avon, so I was curious how the Magnesium and Calcium levels of the soil in that area affected grass for grazing cattle versus growing crops. I mentioned how well the calves do in Avon, and how we can see a difference at weaning time on which calves were in Avon versus which calves were grazing pasture near Artesian.

In addition to Jeff’s wealth of knowledge with soil health and crop consulting, I could hear the excitement in Jeff’s voice as he shared about the program he and his wife Emily recently completed. Jeff and Emily were a part of the American Soybean Association Corteva Agriscience Young Leader program. This program opened the door and showed Jeff the power of South Dakota farmers’ voices in our communities, our state, in D.C., and beyond.

After a great visit with Jeff and learning more about soil health and row crops, it was time to hit the road and let the crew get back to combining. I was less than ten miles down the road when Mother Nature decided it was time to downpour. She conveniently waited until our farm visit was over. I just hope they were able to get those final 90 acres harvested, so Jeff and his family could enjoy the pumpkin patch!

Thank you to Jeff Kloucek for letting me tag along during the busy harvest season!