Russ and Hayden Olson

While some farmers are looking to the future of grain crops in Iowa, Russ and Hayden Olson of rural Worth County are taking a look back in time. Alongside their acres of corn and soybeans are small grains. For more than 5 years, the Olsons have been growing and harvesting cereal rye for cover crop seed and are beginning a new endeavor of planting oats for human consumption. In addition to adding diversity to their acres, the Olsons also practice no-till and strip-tillage to reduce their impact on the land.

 For Russ and Hayden, the addition of small grains offers a break from the conventional row-crop system and offers new market opportunities. As part of Iowa Learning Farms’ relay intercropping project, the Olson’s have also experimented with simultaneously growing cereal rye and soybeans in hopes of boosting profits while benefitting the environment.

 As the Olson’s work to introduce more small grains into their system, they look forward to not only the benefits of a new commodity to market, but the benefits that a diverse rotation can have on the land. Working through the challenges of a new cropping system, they are helping open other’s minds to diversifying agriculture in Iowa.

Building a Culture of Conservation:

“The weed control side [of cover crops] is as exciting as the soil health benefits. Keeping the soil health and the water from washing it is awesome, but I can see dollars in my pocket when compared to other weed programs.”

Contact Information

Russ and Hayden Olson
1778 440th St
Northwood, IA
641-390-0119
redgrnfarms@gmail.com