Capturing carbon

The O'Neels switched over to no-till farming in 2000. “I was skeptical as to how it would work,” Terry says. “Now I believe in it. Our organic matter has increased from 1.8% to more than 3%, and that's a huge increase. Our soil tilth has improved, and the water-holding capacity of the soil has increased. It's also reduced our soil compaction and soil erosion, and we get our crops in using less labor and equipment.”

Yields have been maintained or improved, he adds. And the practice of no-till allows the farm to be certified in an Exchange Soil Offset (XSO) contract. “Leaving residue in the field provides carbon sequestration that helps reduce greenhouse gases,” Terry explains. “These carbon credits are purchased by certain industries in XSO contracts that, in turn, provide a payment for us to leave this residue on the soil surface.”

The O'Neels also take advantage of a number of federal and state conservation programs, such as the Conservation Security Program (CSP). Under CSP, the family receives incentive payments to use no-till practices, cover crops, spring nitrogen applications and buffer strips that help reduce soil erosion and prevent nutrient runoff from their farm.

Community focused

The O'Neels work hard to build good relationships with their neighbors. They held an open house to show their new finisher to the public. More than 200 folks showed up to see the modern pork production technology and enjoy a smoked-loin sandwich.

Their public relations efforts don't end with the local neighborhood, as Terry is an Operation Main Street speaker for the National Pork Board. He gives 15-minute speeches to various service groups, such as Optimist, Rotary and Lions clubs.

“People are amazed at how much the pork industry has changed,” he says. “I generally run out of time trying to field their questions.”

Back on their Nebraska farm, the O'Neels continue to build an attractive hog farm in tune with nature. To date, they've planted more than 1,600 trees on their homeplace. They now use a band of sheep to graze their lagoon banks, which are steep and hard to mow.

“Since our home is at the same site as the hog facilities, we breathe the same air and drink the same water,” Diane says. “It is important for us to be good stewards of the environment. We have tried to create a clean, well-landscaped farmstead. We take a great deal of pride in our home.”