The
Boundary Soil Conservation District is pleased
to announce the 2011 Conservation Farmer’s of
the Year title to RYMO Cattle Co. also known as
Ryan and Maureen Mai.They are a very hard working farm and cattle ranching family. Ryan traded his life of irrigated farming in Southern Idaho to farming and ranching within the beautiful and fertile Kootenai Valley of North Idaho. Ryan and Maureen both studied and graduated in agriculture fields from the University of Idaho.
They implement a variety of conservation measures including conservation direct seed systems within their crop rotation to save time, fuel, moisture, and improve soil quality. Their crop rotation consists of canola, some garbanzo beans, spring peas, cereal grains, and forage hay crops. They are very diligent in keeping noxious weeds eradicated on their land.
Ryan and Maureen also have a large cattle operation. They plant new and improved pasture and alfalfa varieties to improve pasture and hay production. Ryan installed offsite water developments, fencing, and grass filter strips along perennial water courses to eliminate soil erosion, improve water quality, and improve wildlife nesting habitat. Ryan and Maureen implement planned grazing systems by rotating livestock, improved herd management, and cross fencing.
Ryan and Maureen participate in the Boundary Soil Conservation District and NRCS programs including the (CSP) Conservation Security Program and multiple (EQIP) Environmental Quality Incentives Program contracts. They exemplify hard working and innovative conservation strategies and management techniques of today’s American farms.