On 1,100 acres outside of Gibbon, Minnesota, Keith and his wife, Shelby, raise three energetic sons and a farm full of innovation. Corn, soybeans, and finishing hogs are their staples, with pork sold through a local CSA. As a Saddle Butte Ag cover crop dealer, Keith’s commitment to soil health runs deep.

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After 15 years of farming, the Hartmanns embraced strip-till, no-till, and cover crops across most fields, using minimal tillage only on manure-applied acres. Their approach is rooted in stopping erosion and making every field pass more efficient. Inspired by prairie ecosystems, Keith built a cover crop interseeder in 2016. This allows living roots to continually feed the soil, even after the corn stops growing. That discovery shifted his focus; soil became an active farm partner, not just dirt.

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By consistently using cover crops and reducing tillage, the Hartmanns built strong, resilient soils that remain productive even with less fuel and labor. The economic benefits are evident, and spending more time with family makes it even better. Keith’s advice? Build deep soil structure, avoid deep tillage unless there is real compaction, and let nature assist. Patience rewards those whose soil biology flourishes.

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Keith is also a peer-to-peer soil health mentor, where his goal is simple: share conservation know-how and encourage others to use these practices as a flexible tool for success. Through blending heritage and innovation, the Hartmann's prove that smart soil management leads to healthy land, thriving harvests, and a strong future for Minnesota farming.