Our Regenerative & Sustainable
Farming Practices
Pioneering Sustainable & Regenerative Farming for Over a Century
Farmer Al always says, “Take care of the soil and it will take care of us!” It’s a delight to shine a light on our innovative farming practices that have sustained our family farm for over 120 years. At Simply Sunflower, we are proud to be at the forefront of regenerative farming.
A Legacy of Sustainability
Our story begins in the fertile fields of Nebraska, where our Koelling family farm was established over a century ago from the Homestead Act of 1862. From the very beginning, our family understood the importance of working in harmony with nature. This understanding led us to develop farming practices that not only preserved but also enhanced the health of our soil, water, and ecosystems. Long before regenerative farming became a sought-after practice, we were already implementing techniques that nurtured our land and ensured its productivity for generations to come. Grandpa Koelling would always say, “leave everything better than you find it” and we still try to do just that!
The Principles of Regenerative Farming
Regenerative farming is more than just a method; it’s a philosophy that focuses on the holistic management of agricultural ecosystems. At Simply Sunflower, we focus on a few things to enrich our environment:
Soil Health
We prioritize soil health by minimizing soil disturbance, enhancing soil organic matter, and promoting microbial diversity. Healthy soil is the foundation of robust crop growth and resilience. We work closely with our agronomist and conduct frequent soil testing to ensure we are actually enriching the soil that produces our sunflowers.
Biodiversity
We cultivate a diverse range of crops and integrate livestock into our farming system. This biodiversity helps control pests naturally, enhances pollination, and improves soil fertility.
Water Management
We use water-efficient irrigation techniques and maintain healthy watersheds. Our practices help conserve water, reduce runoff, and enhance the water-holding capacity of our soil.
Carbon Sequestration
Our farming methods capture carbon in the soil, helping mitigate climate change. By increasing soil organic matter, we enhance the soil’s ability to sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Process
Here are some of the specific regenerative practices we use on our farm
Cover Cropping:
We plant cover crops during off-seasons to protect and enrich the soil. Cover crops prevent erosion, improve soil structure, and add organic matter to the soil.
Crop Rotation:
By rotating our sunflower crops with other plants, we break pest and disease cycles, improve soil fertility, and reduce the need for chemical inputs.
Minimal/No-Till Farming:
We minimize soil disturbance by avoiding traditional tilling methods. No-till farming helps preserve soil structure, reduce erosion, and maintain soil moisture.
Integrated Pest Management:
We use natural predators and beneficial insects to control pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. This approach promotes a healthy ecosystem and protects beneficial species.
Composting and Organic Fertilizer: We enrich our soil with natural fertilizer (thanks to our cows) which enhance soil fertility and microbial activity. These practices improve soil health and crop productivity.
The Simply Sunflower Difference: Our commitment to regenerative farming is not just about sustainability; it’s about producing the best sunflower oil possible. By nurturing our soil and ecosystems, we grow sunflowers that are naturally robust and nutrient-dense. Our cold-pressed, unrefined sunflower oil retains all the natural goodness of the sunflowers, offering you a product that is both healthy and delicious.
Looking to the Future
At Simply Sunflower, we are dedicated to continuous innovation and improvement. We believe that regenerative farming is the future of agriculture, and we are committed to sharing our knowledge and experience with the next generation of farmers. Through partnerships with young, local farmers and participation in the Ag in the Classroom program, we are inspiring and educating future leaders in sustainable farming.
Join Us on Our Journey
We invite you to join us in our journey of sustainable farming and healthy living. Follow us on social media for updates on our farming practices, health tips, community initiatives, and more. Visit our website to learn about our products and discover delicious recipes that make the most of our nutrient-dense Simply Sunflower Oil.