About Ross Farms
In 1946, after Franklin Ross returned from World War II, he married Cassie Wieman and they began milking cows and raising hogs and cattle near German Valley, Illinois. Their sons Gary, Bill, and Ken later partnered to form what is now Ross Farms Partnership. Gary retired in 2016, and Ken’s son Mike joined the operation in 2017. Today we grow corn and soybeans on thousands of acres in Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties.
Where Productivity Meets Sustainability
At Ross Farms, our goal is to maximize the production and profitability of the land while also preserving and even enhancing the quality of the soil so it can continue to produce bountiful crops for many years to come.
Productivity
To maximize productivity, we use the latest equipment, technologies, and methods, including:
-
Yield mapping
-
Variable-rate planting
-
Auto-steer
-
Grid sampling soil tests
-
Variable-rate fertilizer
-
Satellite imagery
We also regularly consult with seed, fertilizer, equipment, and agronomy experts to determine the best strategies to cost-effectively increase yields.
Sustainability
Our soil is our most precious resource, and we want to protect it and improve it if possible. This is achieved primarily with No-Tilling and using Cover Crops.
No-Tilling means leaving the ground undisturbed as opposed to plowing it. Cover crops are plants that are planted and grow in the fall and early spring when the corn or soybeans are not growing. These two strategies used together can:
-
Reduce erosion
-
Increase organic matter and soil carbon
-
Reduce fertilizer run-off
-
Increase water infiltration and water holding capacity
-
Support beneficial soil life like worms, fungi, and bacteria.