This week's Gophers Farm Family of the Game works to protect water and soil resources

Leon Schoenrock has been farming for 32 years. Over that time, he’s worked to improve his conservation efforts and seen many of his fellow farmers do the same.

Leon, his wife Beth, and their two children will be honored during Saturday’s Minnesota Gophers football game at TCF Bank Stadium as the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) Homegrown Farm Family of the Game.

This is the third season that MCGA has partnered with Gophers football to recognize a homegrown Farm Family of the Game during all home football games. Families are selected not only for their commitment to growing food, feed, fiber and fuel for an increasing world population, but also for their dedication to protecting land, soil and water resources.

“As farmers, we’re always looking for ways to conserve our water and soil resources,” said Leon, who grows corn and soybeans near New Richland in Waseca County. “There are new ways to make that work that a lot of farmers are trying out.”

For example, Leon follows best management practices (BMPs) developed by the University of Minnesota for applying nitrogen fertilizer to his fields. By following the U of M’s BMPs, Leon helps ensure that the fertilizer he applies is used by the crop and does not run off into nearby waterways.

Soil testing also helps Leon apply the proper amount of fertilizer and protect nearby water quality. Grass waterways are planted in highly erodible sections of his fields and conservation tillage is used to reduce erosion and maintain as much natural organic matter in the soil as possible.

“We’re proud of the steps we take to protect the soil and water,” Leon said. “We’re also active in organizations that try to protect the river and other waterways.”

Leon is a third-generation farmer. He also does drainage contracting. Beth teaches physical education at New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva schools. Betsy, 15, plays volleyball and basketball and Benjamin, 11, plays basketball and baseball.

“We’re proud of our family farm,” Leon said. “Saturday is going to be a good time.”