Cultivating Resilience – 2025 Soil Health Field Day at Dutch Ford Farm

On March 25, 2025, Dutch Ford Farm in Metter, Georgia, welcomed a mix of farmers, conservationists, and agricultural professionals for the third annual Soil Health Field Day, hosted by the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District (FRSWCD) in collaboration with ADM/Golden Peanut. With soil health taking center stage, the event served as a valuable forum for sharing field-proven strategies to enhance long-term agricultural sustainability.

This year’s Field Day focused on how cover crop management can be fine-tuned to match different tillage practices. Whether it’s strip-till growers seeking high biomass to roll down cover crops, or conventional growers needing lighter residue for ease of incorporation, attendees heard real-world insights from seasoned experts like Scott Tubbs, who outlined the nuanced decisions that go into choosing the right cover crop system.

“We wat to make sure that the information getting out there is educational and highlights the pros and the cons,” Tubbs says.

Discussions emphasized two of the main roles of cover crop residue: aiding in weed suppression and impacting soil temperature—a critical factor during planting season. With corn able to push through heavier residue thanks to its monocot structure and peanuts needing more light for germination, the width of strip rows becomes an essential consideration, especially for twin-row peanut planting.

Recent weather extremes was a common throughline in discussions at the field day. Farmers in Metter and surrounding areas faced 12 inches of rain in a single day last November, resulting in severe erosion and the need for widespread land planning and loss of fine clay particles from the soil profile.

“These smaller particles have the most surface area, they hold the most nutrients, they hold the most moisture,” Tubbs explains. “We want soil that will hold these particles that are desirable.”

These conditions also postponed cover crop planting to outside of the ideal planting window. Because of markets and input costs, over 900,000 acres of peanuts are expected to be planted in Georgia this year, up from 843,000. Field day sessions provided guidance on how to adjust planting practices in light of both drought and torrential rain.

A standout session led by Blake Shepherd from Mixon Seed Services introduced attendees to the company's 'Revive' line of proprietary cover crop blends, tailored for different crop rotations including corn, cotton, peanut, and soybean. This year, Mixon is also introducing the Revive Forager blend for summer grazing. Each blend incorporates a mix of species—such as rye, oats, triticale, radish, and vetch—chosen to deliver a range of root structures and benefits.

Key takeaways included:

• Recommended planting rates: 40 lbs/acre drilled, 80 lbs/acre broadcast.

• For broadcasting, adding extra cereal grain improves seed distribution.

• Timing is critical with species like radish, which can create seed bank issues if not managed correctly.

These blends aim to boost soil biodiversity, retain moisture, and reduce irrigation needs, while also helping producers meet conservation goals.

Beyond the science and strategy, the day wrapped up with heartfelt appreciation for host farmer Ricky Nevil, followed by a prayer and community meal—reinforcing that soil health is as much about people as it is about plants and practices.

Action Items for Growers:

• Monitor soil temperatures carefully when planting into residue-heavy fields.

• Adjust strip widths for twin-row peanuts to maintain proper seed-soil contact.

• Broadcasting Revive blends? Mix with additional cereal grains for uniform coverage.

• Plan for radish termination to avoid unwanted seed bank issues

The 2025 Metter Soil Health Field Day reminded all in attendance that thoughtful, adaptive management can turn even the most challenging seasons into opportunities for regeneration and growth. With the right tools, knowledge, and community, the path to healthier soils is well within reach.

The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District is comprised of farmers, landowners, and community leaders that are dedicated to the conservation, wise use, and protection of natural resources in the Flint River Basin. Learn more about the District at flintriverswcd.org.