Barlow Farms, Malheur County

Along the Idaho border and near the Snake River, sits a rich agricultural area of Malheur County. Progressive farmers here have learned how to improve operations through conservation and sound stewardship of the natural resources. The Barlow Family Farm has been at the forefront when it comes to finding solutions to improve water efficiency, soil conservation, and nutrient management.

Mike, Charlie, and Ellis Barlow, along with brother-in-law Ralph Hadley, now run the operation, taking over for the family patriarch, Max. In the mid 1970s, the family moved its farming operations from the Vale area closer to Nyssa, producing a number of row crops over the years including wheat, corn, alfalfa, and specialty seed crops. What they found were some challenging soils in the area and uneven ground that made water delivery difficult in some parts. Like other farmers in Malheur County, the row crops needed irrigation, which was commonly delivered by flooding between the furrows. While it may be the easiest and, up front, least costly way to get water to the crops, a price is paid in such things as irrigation-induced soil erosion.

Recognizing that a lot of soil was being lost, not to mention the amount of water used in irrigating the crops, the Barlows systematically began to make an investment that included risk, but an investment that has paid off in recent years. Using bulldozers and other heavy equipment, they leveled their land as best they could to help with the water delivery. But the biggest investment was converting from furrow irrigation to using sprinklers, which has saved as much as 6,000 tons of soil each year. Digging up and removing two and a half miles of concrete ditches that used to carry the water to the crops and replacing it with an extensive piping system was a hard, tough job. But now there are 600 acres of a sprinkler system and a variety of structures to help pump the right amount of water and actually keep the irrigation water clean.

The Barlows figure they are using 30 percent less water to grow their crops these days, which is important in a part of the state where water is not always plentiful. Those savings have allowed the farm to plant cover crops that have reduced the application of pesticides and fertilizers. A cover crop of radish seed has been a great example of integrated pest management, used for cutworm and nematode control. Chemigation is also possible through the sprinkler system, allowing for more precise application. The Barlows also are experimenting with strip till and reduced tillage.

The Barlow brothers remain active in soil and water conservation efforts. Mike has been heavily involved in the Oregon Association of Conservation districts and is a regional representative at a national level. Charlie sits on the Water Resources Commission. They have been involved in local water quality management plans and all three Barlows have established a farm that is a model for others when it comes to managing natural resources.

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These are authentic stories from real farmers.  Any editorial content does not necessarily reflect the beliefs of the Agri-Business Council of Oregon or our members.