Janski Farms
Janski Farms began operations in 1940. The farm itself started in 1902, but in 1940 Richard Janski purchased the farm from a relative and ran it with his son, Robert, as Janski Farms. They milked cows and crop farmed. In 1966, Robert and his wife, Joanne, had a son, Richard. Richard and his wife, Marlys, had four children who were actively involved in the day-to-day operation of the farm.
Today, Janski Farms is owned and operated by Richard, Marlys, and their sons Thomas and Daniel. The farm is a cash crop, dairy and feeder steer operation. In 2016, the family began experimenting with no-till and cover crops. Today, 90 percent of the land the Janski family farms uses no-till and cover crops.
Richard is involved in the daily operations of the farm, including planting, harvesting and excavating. Marlys takes care of the books and feeds the calves. Thomas handles cattle care, equipment maintenance and crop fertility. Daniel helps with animal health, cover crops, planting and overall animal welfare. His wife, Bridgette, helps with calf care and meal planning for the farm. The family credits their soil health success to the help of many friends and family along with past and present employees.
The Janskis work with their local NRCS office to learn more about conservation efforts and share their outcomes with others in the use of cover crops.