Diversifying Dryland Direct Seed Systems

Steve and Nate Riggers grow winter and spring wheat on the Camas Prairie in Idaho and have incorporated spring broadleaf crops such as peas, lentils, and canola. They also grow less-common crops like buckwheat, turf grass seed, crested wheatgrass seed, and alfalfa in an area that receives about 22 inches of rain annually. Although many farms in the area incorporate some non-wheat crops in their rotations, the Riggers farm is unusual in its level of diversity. The brothers say that they see yield benefits across their rotation from practicing no-till and keeping land out of winter wheat for multiple years. This case study is part of the Farmer-to-Farmer Case Study project, which explores innovative approaches regional farmers are using that may increase their resilience in the face of a changing climate.