Transforming Agriculture: Tyler Johnson's Journey to Regenerative Practices and Compost Business

The content of this blog is derived from my interview with Tyler Johnson, Co-Owner of Northwest Kansas Soil Amendment.

In the realm of modern agriculture, regenerative practices are gaining traction for their sustainable approach to farming. One inspiring example is Tyler Johnson, co-owner of NWK Soil Amendment, who has successfully integrated regenerative agriculture into his operations. Tyler shares his journey, challenges, and the innovative composting techniques he employs on his 3,000-acre farm.

Adopting No-Till Farming

Tyler's transition into regenerative agriculture began when he took over his family farm in 2016. Initially, the farm practiced traditional wheat fallow and full tillage. Seeking diversity, Tyler introduced milo and corn into the crop rotation, which helped in managing grass problems and provided a diversified cash income.

By 2016, Tyler's farm was fully no-till. He experimented with cover crops like camelina and has planted as much as 800 acres of cover crops in a year. His rotation now includes cover crops followed by wheat, corn, and milo, adapting based on soil residue.

Discovering Regenerative Agriculture

Tyler's journey into regenerative practices began in 2017, prompted by the need to reduce labor and costs after his father's passing and his uncle's retirement. With the farm's transition to no-till, Tyler explored alternatives to traditional tillage and chem fallows. Inspired by Gabe Brown's book "Dirt to Soil," Tyler embraced the concept of growing cover crops to replace tillage, reducing inputs, and enhancing soil health.

Attending the No-Till on the Plains conference in 2020 was a turning point. Tyler met mentors who guided him in designing a successful cover crop experiment. The benefits were evident, leading to increased moisture retention, reduced weeds, and improved soil health.

Embracing Composting for Soil Health

Tyler expanded his regenerative practices by incorporating composting into his farm operations. In 2024, he established NWK Soil Amendment, producing vermicompost using straw, oat hay, dairy manure, and hemp by-products. The composting process involves creating aerated static piles, heating the materials to eliminate pathogens and weed seeds, and feeding pre-composted material to worms.

The resulting worm castings, rich in biological diversity, are transformed into liquid compost extract. This extract is applied to seeds during planting, promoting symbiotic relationships between plants and soil biology. This innovative approach enhances nutrient and water uptake, making crops more drought-resistant and reducing the need for chemical inputs.

Innovations and Results

Tyler's farm has seen remarkable results from his composting practices. The liquid compost extract has improved root development, soil tone, and overall plant health. Equipment modifications, such as liquid systems for planters and seed treatment options, have made it easier to integrate composting into existing farming operations.

Advice for Aspiring Regenerative Farmers

Tyler's advice to those interested in regenerative agriculture is to start small and gradually scale up. By experimenting on a smaller scale and closely monitoring results, farmers can make informed decisions without significant financial risk. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and seeking mentorship from experienced practitioners.

Listen to the Full Interview Here: https://youtu.be/qf7m4PKn8GM