Roy Pfaltzgraff, a farmer in northeast Colorado’s Phillips County, has become one of the most unconventional farmers in the United States. He has achieved this by breaking away from traditional farming practices and experimenting with unique methods. Pfaltzgraff’s methods have led to a remarkable turnaround on his 2,000 dryland acres. He now has a profitable farm with a consistent way forward.
Farming in this part of Colorado is not easy, as the region typically receives less than 6” of moisture during the growing season. Temperatures can fluctuate from 25 F below in winter to upwards of 105 in summer. During the growing season, temperatures can jump from 45 at night to 100-plus at midday, and 30-plus mph winds can blow without warning. Despite these challenges, Pfaltzgraff has managed to succeed where others have failed.
After losing his lease and experiencing a drought, Pfaltzgraff worked several jobs, including one in accounting. In fall 2016, his father approached him with a blunt binary: “Come home or I rent out the farm.” Pfaltzgraff agreed to return, but only if they could make money.
Pfaltzgraff began cutting off traditional farming practices and adopted new methods. For instance, he started double-cropping on 16” of annual precipitation, a technique that most farmers in his area thought was impossible. He also reduced synthetic fertilizer drastically, from what the traditional recommendations suggested, and planted 14-18 crops per season. To market his products, he used direct-market scrambling, which involves selling his crops directly to consumers or restaurants, bypassing the traditional supply chain.
Pfaltzgraff’s methods paid off in the form of a profitable farm. He now has enough leeway to take the operation into uncharted waters. For instance, he has diversified his crop rotation to provide microorganisms with a diverse crop diet. He also implements minimum till and no till practices, and he has boosted his soil organic matter to 2.5% in the top 12”, with several fields above 3%.
“I’m an open book, and there’s no tricks to anything I’ve done,” Pfaltzgraff says. “Show up to my farm, and I’ll let you see everything.” He encourages other farmers to experiment with new methods, saying that what works for one farmer may not work for another. By trying new things and breaking away from traditional farming practices, farmers may find new ways to achieve profitability and success.
In conclusion, Roy Pfaltzgraff’s unconventional farming methods have led to a profitable farm and a consistent way forward. By adopting new techniques and breaking away from traditional practices, Pfaltzgraff has become a successful farmer in a region where many have failed. His story is an inspiration to other farmers who are struggling to make ends meet and are looking for new ways to achieve profitability.
