Bill Jones is a fifth-generation farmer in Illinois who is not afraid to break the mold. In 2020, he achieved remarkable success by triple-cropping soybeans, peas, and rye on his farm, reaping profits of $1,700 per acre on 125 acres.
Jones's triple-crop journey began with rye and peas. He planted rye in the fall of 2019, and then planted peas into the rye in March 2020. By mid-June, both crops were ready to be harvested. Jones combined them together and had the loads cleaned and separated.
After the peas and rye were harvested, Jones planted soybeans on the same land. The soybeans had a good growing season and were harvested in the fall. Jones's triple-cropped fields yielded an average of 70 bushels of soybeans per acre.
Jones's success is due to his careful planning and execution. He started by planting rye in the fall of 2019, which helped to control weeds and improve the soil quality. In March 2020, he planted peas into the rye, which added nitrogen to the soil and helped to suppress weeds. By mid-June, both crops were ready to be harvested. Jones combined them together and had the loads cleaned and separated.
After the peas and rye were harvested, Jones planted soybeans on the same land. The soybeans had a good growing season and were harvested in the fall. Jones's triple-cropped fields yielded an average of 70 bushels of soybeans per acre.
Jones's success shows that it is possible to achieve high yields by triple-cropping. However, it is important to carefully plan and execute the crop rotation. Jones is a pioneer in triple-cropping, and his success shows that there is potential for this practice to become more widespread in the future. Jones's triple-cropping operation:
• He uses a variety of rye that is resistant to pests and diseases.
• He plants the peas early enough so that they have time to mature before the soybeans are planted.
• He uses a no-till system to minimize soil disturbance and erosion.
• He applies manure and other organic matter to the soil to improve its fertility.
Jones is a passionate advocate for triple-cropping. He believes that it is a sustainable way to farm that can help to improve soil health and productivity.
He is also excited about the potential for triple-cropping to help farmers to increase their profits.
Jones's story is an inspiration to other farmers who are looking for ways to improve their bottom line and protect the environment. He is a true pioneer in the field of agriculture, and his work is helping to pave the way for a more sustainable future.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Illinois, Crops, Soybeans