How a North Dakota farm transformed their operation to reduce input costs and increase sustainability

Kelly and DeAnna Lozensky transformed their North Dakota farm after struggling with input costs. Beginning in 2014, they gradually eliminated synthetic fertilizers, completely cutting them by 2019. The couple shifted from GMO corn and soybeans to crops requiring less fertility, including cereal grains, yellow mustard, and field peas. They discovered fields with higher organic matter showed no yield losses without fertilizer while experiencing fewer pest problems. They reduced their operation from 7,500 rented acres to 2,200 acres (80% owned), using practices like intercropping and adding indigenous microorganisms. Their system has eliminated fungicides and insecticides while cutting herbicide use by 50%. Beyond improved profitability, the Lozenskys enjoy better soil health and more family time. They market most crops conventionally while selling specialty flours and pasta through their on-farm business, Guardian Grains.