Efficiency in Action: Strip-Till, Nitrogen Management, and Nearly 300-Bushel Corn

Farming has always been a part of life for this seventh-generation McLean County corn, soybean, and wheat farmer. Growing up alongside his dad, Rich, Rob Park's been involved in the operation for as long as he can remember. In 2016, that involvement became official when he stepped into an ownership role, and in 2024, he fully took over the farm following his dad’s retirement.

For years, farming wasn’t his only career. Until a couple years ago, he worked full time as an engineer at the nuclear power plant in Clinton, Illinois. When his dad retired, so did his 9-to-5, marking a full transition back to the family farm. That shift also opened the door for something new: launching a drone application business focused on custom spraying and cover crop application, alongside his cousin. It’s another way the operation is adapting and looking ahead.

Despite the new technology, some things remain deeply rooted in tradition. His favorite piece of equipment is a tractor that’s more than 40 years old.  This was the first one he ever drove at eight years old when his dad turned him loose in a nearby field. It’s a reminder that while practices may evolve, the foundation of the farm stays the same.

That evolution is especially evident in the farm’s approach to tillage. Like many operations in the area, they started with conventional tillage before transitioning to strip-till. After seeing the benefits, the farm is moving to 100% strip-till. While the change came with questions and uncertainty, the mindset was simple: if it’s something worth doing, you find a way to make it work.

The results have been clear. Strip-till has reduced input costs, cut fuel use, and saved valuable time in the field, all while maintaining strong yields. That focus on efficiency carried over into participation in a national nitrogen management yield contest, which limits total nitrogen application per acre and challenges farmers to maximize efficiency.

With a cap of 180 pounds of nitrogen per acre, the contest wasn’t about cutting corners, it was about getting the most out of every pound applied. That philosophy aligned perfectly with practices already in place on the farm. One field was entered into the contest, resulting in a nearly 300-bushel yield and a top national placement.

While placing well was rewarding, the bigger takeaway was validation. The conservation practices used across the farm are working - not just in a contest field, but everywhere. Looking ahead, there’s room to experiment with foliar treatments, microbial nitrogen sources, and additional hybrids, all in pursuit of continuous improvement.

For this McLean County farm, success isn’t about chasing a trophy. It’s about building a resilient, efficient operation that honors generations past while positioning the next one for the future.