A Century of Sustainable Growth in the Heart of the San Luis Valley
Nestled in the heart of the San Luis Valley, Nissen Farms stands tall and proud, showcasing a legacy that spans nearly a century of sustainable farming. Lyle Nissen, the passionate third-generation custodian of the farm, fondly recalls, “My grandfather came from Alamosa and bought the original 160 acres by paying back taxes in 1939.”
The journey of Nissen Farms is a tapestry of challenges and triumphs. From confronting relentless droughts to navigating the unpredictable seas of fluctuating commodity prices, the farm’s story is one of resilience. Their secret to weathering these storms? Embracing innovation.
“We use a lot of technology, including GPS on our tractors. We rely on our agronomist to create custom fertilizer recommendations based on soil and petiole testing. Chemical recommendations are also created specifically for each field, based on crop needs and economic thresholds,” Lyle proudly states, highlighting the farm’s commitment to integrating modern farming techniques and ensuring the land’s long-term productivity.
An aerial view of Nissen Farms offers a unique sight: fields that are shaped like a ‘Y.’ Lyle explains this unconventional choice, ” We have split the 120 acre center pivot fields into three 40 acre sections. One section, or part of the Y, is left unplanted which allows us to conserve water and increase our rotation length and potato quality and yields.”
This strategic decision showcases the farm’s adeptness at resource management, ensuring the soil’s productivity is maximized.
A Close-Knit Family
At the heart of Nissen Farms is the Nissen family, a close-knit team where each member plays a pivotal role. Erin, Lyle’s daughter, diligently takes charge of the food safety for the farm, the bookkeeping, record-keeping, running tractors, working cows, and many other activities to ensure a smooth operation. Lyle’s son, Grant helps with all facets of the farm, especially seasonal labor management and shop work, he also has a keen interest in and manages the cattle operation. Meanwhile, Lyle and his wife Vi, with years of experience, lead in managing the farm’s primary crop, potatoes.
Nissen Farms isn’t just about farming, it’s about doing so with integrity and a deep respect for nature. This ethos shines brightly in their mission statement: We produce premium agricultural products and livestock with the utmost respect for the resources used to do so.
To bring this vision to life, the farm works hand in hand with experts, conducting rigorous soil testing and optimizing irrigation techniques to ensure every drop of water counts.
“We try to grow the best crop we can for the least amount of inputs, especially water,” Lyle explains, emphasizing the farm’s dedication to resource conservation. The farm’s enduring relationship with Farm Credit, which has flourished for four decades, is a testament to mutual trust and shared aspirations.
A Farming Community
Erin, ever appreciative of efficiency, values the modern solutions that Farm Credit brings to the table: “I like their online banking. I can transfer money from our line of credit to our checking account so easily.” This partnership is not just transactional; it’s deeply personal, as evident from the trust they place in Leah, their dedicated loan officer. “She knows us. She knows what we need,” Lyle reflects, capturing the essence of this bond.
The San Luis Valley is not just a location, it’s a community bound by solidarity. Lyle observes the spirit of camaraderie that defines this community, saying, “We all try to help each other out. If one farmer innovates successfully, others often follow.” This unity, built on mutual respect and shared goals, has seen the valley thrive. “A lot of strong families have held this valley together,” Lyle notes, emphasizing the collective strength that defines the region.
Looking ahead, the horizon is promising for Nissen Farms. With Farm Credit by their side, they are poised to sculpt a sustainable and collaborative agricultural future for the San Luis Valley. Bound by shared values and a common vision, they are on a mission to nurture their land and deepen their legacy of responsible and progressive farming.
