Landon and Anne Plagge build healthier spaces, on their farmland, in their local community, and within the regional ag economy.

The Plagges grow a rotation of corn, soybeans, and food-grade oats on 4,000 acres. For over a decade they have utilized no-till practices while growing a diverse crop rotation, and a mix of cover crops. 

By keeping their soil surface covered, they improve soil biodiversity while preventing erosion. Building soil organic matter helps sequester carbon and boost crop yields without increasing inputs. Their improved soil structure allows for better water infiltration and retention.

To stimulate soil microbes, the Plagges fertilize their fields with a custom blend of local livestock manure, including waste from the 10,000 hogs they raise, to optimally and naturally balance the nitrogen, phosphorus, and other nutrients in the soil. By partnering with other farmers to have cattle graze their fields, they reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and herbicides, while controlling weeds. 

Landon earned a degree in business administration, and Anne is an assistant professor of family services at the University of Northern Iowa and a former public health official. In 2020, they started Green Acres Seed Co., specializing in soil health consulting, diverse crop rotations, cover crop transition planning and seeding, and rural community preservation. 

Their experience farming has taught them that improving soil health requires diversity from the traditional corn-soybean rotation. Adding oats as a third cash crop to their rotation has built drought resiliency and improved pollinator biodiversity. 

However, when talking with other farmers, the Plagges noticed that many were hesitant to grow oats due to mistrust of the processing and pricing structure farmers face when selling small grains. Instead of accepting that oats aren’t profitable, the Plagges decided to get creative and solve the problem.

After a few years of planning and securing financing with another 105 farmer-owners, construction is underway on a $55 million processing, storage, and distribution facility in southern Minnesota. When the oat milling facility opens in 2026 it will process 4 million bushels of oats grown on 60,000 acres within a 120-mile radius. The nutrient-dense, gluten-free oats will be made into branded flour, flakes, and steel-cut oats.

This huge undertaking provides an avenue for diversified cropping systems that allow soil health and carbon sequestration to take root. It also underscores the Plagges commitment to getting conservation practices on the ground.

The oat mill is not the first time the Plagges have worked to provide others with greater food options. When Landon was a member of the Latimer City Council, the community’s only grocery store closed. The Plagges didn’t want Latimer to be without a place to congregate and buy food, so they and another farmer bought a building, remodeled it, and re-opened a grocery store. They’ve since transitioned ownership of the store to a new board of community members, and redeveloped other properties that provide opportunities for others in their rural community

The Plagges demonstrate a strong conservation ethic on and off the farm, serving on several conservation-focused committees and boards. Their passion for conservation is contagious as they explore how they can move the needle through education, data sharing, experimentation, curiosity, and teamwork.