Mohler Family Farms pays rents that are competitive with the local marketplace, but our competitive advantage lies in the services we provide to landowners. We are the only farmers in our area that provide this entire list of services for our landowning business partners.
Drainage improvement
The right amount of water is critical to any successful agricultural
operation. In Indiana, that often means reducing excess water. Drainage improves the value of the land for the landowner and increases yields for the farmer, a true win-win situation. After a time of non-invasive tillage or no-till, the natural soil structure returns. Natural soil structure forms tiny columns and blocks that act as a wick to move water quickly to the subsoil. Fields under MFF management dry out very quickly, allow timely fieldwork, and produce superior yields.
Services include:
- Fixing tile holes (complimentary service)
- Installing drain tile systems (performed in-house)
- Clearing and/or replacing outlets
- Installing and maintaining surface drains
- Installing and maintaining grass waterways
Soil Conservation
Minimum tillage
Mohler Family Farms utilizes the least amount of tillage possible to add value to the land. This reduces erosion, increases natural habitat, and keeps your soil where it belongs: in your field.
Cover Crops
Cereal rye is planted in the fall after corn is harvested from fields that will produce soybeans the following year. Cover crops, especially cereal rye, produce and scavenge nutrients, build soil organic matter, protect the soil from erosion, and suppress weeds. Cover crops help lower inputs while still producing superior yields. USDA Conservation programs
The USDA offers several programs that reduce erosion and improve productivity while reimbursing landowners for land enrolled in these programs. These programs increase wildlife habitat native species like pheasant, quail, birds and pollinators alike bees and butterflies. Mohler Family Farms will propose, install, and manage these programs for landowners.
- Cover crops – Various government programs will reimburse the cost to plant cover crops.
- Buffer strips – Planting fields next to trees or waterways reduces yields and can cause damage to machinery. MFF installs buffer strips in these areas to increase the average yield on the farm and reduce damage to equipment.
- Grass waterways – Erosion occurs where water runs during rain events. These high-risk areas need extra protection, so MFF installs permanent grass to prevent soil erosion.
Farmstead Maintenance
Physical Appearance
Keeping up appearances is part of building relationships with our neighbors and adding value to our community. Renting to MFF includes:
- Mowing roadsides 3-4 times per year
- Spraying roadsides to kill broad leaf weeds.
- Removal of unwanted fences
- Painting barns and bins
Repairing buildings and lanes
Mohler Family Farms adds value to the farms under its stewardship by performing minor repairs and maintenance to leased buildings and farm lanes. This benefits the farm by increasing its usability and appearance. Past projects include:
- Fixing potholes
- Replacing rotten poles
- Upgrading electrical components
- Repairing doors
- Fixing roofs after storm damage
- Adding and spreading gravel
- Adding or replacing culverts
Maintaining and Repairing grain bins
MFF ensures that grain bins under its stewardship are well maintained and preserved. MFF has in-house capabilities to provide several grain bin services including:
- Cleaning after use
- Electrical repair or replacement
- Painting
- Replacing worn parts