By Blake Jackson
Despite the changing landscape of agriculture, Top Notch Farms, a fourth-generation family farm in Carthage, Missouri, remains committed to its core values of efficiency and innovation.
Third-generation farmer Jared Osborne has seen the farm grow from a small turkey operation to a 6,000-acre farm that produces corn, soybeans, wheat, and beef.
"There's definitely a majority of the farms in this area that are smaller than us, but there are some farms that just are absolutely massive," Osborne said. "We run about 6,000 physical acres, but we do a lot of double crop soybeans. So that really helps our planted acres stay up about 9,000."
In addition to crop production, Top Notch Farms also runs a cow-calf operation. The calves are backgrounded up to 1,000 pounds before being sold.
The Osborne family has a long history of making revolutionary changes to their operation. In the 1950s, Hollis Osborne switched from turkey production to egg production, which was more lucrative at the time.
As the business grew, Hollis invested in land and cattle. The grass was used to spread chicken litter, which fertilized the soil and provided food for the cows.
In the 1970s, the Osborne family separated the farming and chicken enterprises. The chicken side of the business was sold to Opal Foods in 2006, which allowed Top Notch Farms to focus on crops and cattle.
Jared Osborne returned to the family farm in 2006 and has continued to innovate. He has implemented new technologies and practices to improve the efficiency of the operation.
"We're always looking for ways to improve our efficiency," Osborne said. "We've invested in new equipment and technology to help us do more with less."
Osborne is also committed to sustainability. He uses cover crops to protect the soil and reduce erosion. He also practices rotational grazing to improve pasture health.
Top Notch Farms is a model of efficiency and innovation. The Osborne family has a long history of adapting to change and finding new ways to succeed.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-steve-baccon
Categories: Missouri, Business, Crops, Livestock, Poultry