Meet John and Sharon Aeschliman:

F&E's 2004 Vim Wright Stewardship Award winners

Welcome to Aeschliman Farm

Colfax, WA is home to John and Sharon Aeschliman whose family owns and operates the 4000-acre Aeschliman Farm. For thirty years, the Aeschliman's have been perfecting the no-till system for direct-seeding of dry-land farm crops, significantly reducing soil erosion on their farm in the Palouse.

Products Available

                      Vegetables                                            Flour

Growing Philosophy

Successful farming and environmental health are not mutually exclusive concepts. The Aeschliman's diversified crop rotation and divided slopes ensure top soil retention and health while preserving water quality. As such, the land has responded to their stewardship by producing corn yields that beat the average for dry-land corn grown in corn states such as Iowa and Missouri  and yielding high gluten wheat flour that give bakers consistent, high-quality products.

Preserving Top Soil without Tilling

"I'm positively giddy about the health of my soil," Aeschliman said. "Earthworms proliferate and the organic matter is between 2.5% and 3.5%.  It's possible to put a soil probe down 5-10 feet anywhere on the farm even on the hilltops."

Tilling top soil essentially lifts the nutrient-rich top soil making it lighter and unable to hold nutrients. The lighter soil is swept away by the wind and rain and causes erosion of this valuable asset increasing the use of fertilizers and pesticides.  Reducing soil loss also reduces flooding, a recurring problem for farmers in the Palouse because of its steep, rolling hills.  To prevent soil erosion, Aeschliman has divided the slopes, planted grass buffers in critical areas, and diversified the crop rotation to include barley, garbanzo, canola, sunflowers and many classes of wheat.

Seeding with Direct Seeding

Direct seeding minimizes soil disturbance and loss by drilling seeds directly into the soil instead of tilling it. The Aeschliman's direct seed 100% of the acres they farm.  Additionally, the drills they use are set up for aqua liquid fertilizer because it is less toxic to soil life and has less effect on soil PH.  The aqua  fertilizer also minimizes the amount of fertilizer used and avoids residual fertilizers in the soil after the crop is harvested.

Minimizing Fertilizer Scientifically

Aeschliman relies on the best science and technology available to improve his soil's overall health. To manage weeds, pests, and disease, he rotates crops and uses soil tests and GPS yield mapping to strictly control use of fertilizers. GPS yield mapping makes it possible for him to adjust the rate of fertilizer from his tractor seat, enabling him to apply only the amounts necessary to maximize yield and eliminate the possibility of over-fertilization.

Where to Buy

The Aeschliman Farm, as a member of the Columbia Plateau Producers, sells their products under the Shepherds Grain label.  Shepherds Grain is a coalition of producers dedicated to practicing sustainable agriculture.  The Aeschliman Farm, along with all members of the Columbia Plateau Producers, are Food Alliance Certified.

Visit Shephard Grain's Links section to learn where to buy their products.