Walnut Grove Farms

Farming and caring for the land has been the vocation and passion of the Halcomb Family for many generations. From settling of the Home Farm in the 1830s to the present day, each generation has embraced this opportunity and responsibility.

As the farm has progressed through the generations, it has transformed from being a self-sufficient pioneering farm into a commercial farm, producing grains that move into global trade. They primarily use a three-crop rotation—corn, winter wheat, and soybeans—but are exploring other crops as weather patterns have changed and the demand for renewable energy biomass has increased. Diversification and improved sustainability is their goal.

Their commitment to preserving the land is greater than ever. Science has given them a better understanding of the interaction of all the parts involved in a business focused on living organisms. In the late 1960s, the Halcombs started to reduce tillage of their land to preserve the soil, increase organic matter and improve water holding capacity, and their acres are now farmed using a continuous no-till system. They also use a number of modern technologies, such as GPS, field mapping, crop chlorophyll meters and data analysis, which allow them to significantly reduce the amount of nutrients they apply to their crops. 

Education is also extremely important to the Halcomb family. Each family member brings critical knowledge and experience to help them succeed and provide continual improvements well into the 21st century.

Teachers: If you would like access to our Google Drive with our reading lessons and quiz forms, please contact Jennifer Elwell at jennifer@teachkyag.org.