Unconventional: Hartford farmer aims for maximum diversity, ultimate soil health

Melisa Goss
May 23, 2023
May 23, 2023

goats move to new grass.jpg — Goats and their kids move to new grass on the Grant Meadow Farm near Hartford, S.D.
Submitted photo courtesy of Blake Burggraff

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If Blake Burggraff’s farming philosophy could be summed up in one word, it might be “unconventional.”

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WEB-Crop-Watcher-Burggraff-(3).jpg — Blake Burggraff is a fourth generation farmer near Hartford, S.D.

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WEB-Crop-Watcher-Burggraff-(18).jpg — Blake Burggraff shows his indoor setup for growing oat fodder. The fodder is used as a protein supplement for his goats.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Melisa Goss

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WEB-Crop-Watcher-Burggraff-(21).jpg — Blake Burggraff shows his indoor setup for growing oat fodder. The fodder is used as a protein supplement for his goats.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Melisa Goss

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Melisa Goss, Assistant Editor for the Tri-State Neighbor, is a South Dakota farm girl whose love of travel has allowed her to see ag’s vital impact around the world, from America’s heartland to the rice paddies of Southeast Asia and many places in between. She makes her home in Hartford with her husband, daughter and miniature schnauzer. You can reach her at mgoss@lee.net.