The Beiser Family runs a diversified farming operation in northern Butler County near Somerville. Andy and Rita, along with sons David, Danny and Doug farm 2000 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat, barley and hay. They background 700 to 800 calves a year and operate a 1400 head breed-to-wean sow herd, producing 600 pigs per week.

Doug manages the backgrounding operation. They purchase crossbreds, mostly black heifer calves weighing 450 pounds at The Union Stockyards in Hillsboro. The calves are grown with a ration including silage, hay and liquid supplement. 

 

In the summer the calves are also grown on pasture. When they weigh about 700 to750 pounds they are sold in load lots to be finished out.

 

The farm contributes to conservation practices by using minium tillage on the corn ground and the beans are no-tilled. In the fall, hog manure is knived into bean ground that will be planted to corn the next year. This adds nitrogen to the soil so they can buy less fertilizer.

 

They also work with their county Soil and Water District, and have recieved EQUIP funds to build facilities preventing manure runoff.