Arkansas Success
|
Jason
Trent Sr.
Trent Jr. |
When
Ag Spectrum Area Manager Josh Brumm approached Trent Felton
Jr. in 2003 about some innovative approaches to their cotton
production operation, his first reaction was a bit skeptical. “The idea that we could reduce our fertilizer usage
concerned me,” Trent said. “However, the thing
that attracted us to Maximum Farming is that the system
is focused on treating the real problem—the soil—not
just symptoms that are visible to the eye.”
“My
main concerns with the conventional system I was using were
rising fertilizer costs, applying fertilizer to areas that
didn't need it, too many trips across the field,
and weak spots that weren't getting any more productive,”
Felton commented.
Felton,
who farms over 2,600 acres of cotton in Marianna, Arkansas,
with his brother, Jason, said, “We were surprised
to notice changes with the Maximum Farming System. For starters,
we gained increased efficiency from the planter and started
making fewer trips across the field. Because of the more
precise and timely application of fertilizer, we also realized
increased fruit retention, better lint quality and a more
uniform crop. And that leads directly to higher yields and
more profits.”
“I'm
also increasing the value of my land using this system,”
Felton added. “One of the biggest changes I've
seen is my soil's water holding capacity. Through
increased water infiltration, I irrigate more efficiently
and see less water and top soil leave the end of the field.
More water goes into the soil. They're just more permeable.”
