Schwindt Farms
Schwindt Farms is a sixth-generation family farm in southwest Minnesota near the town of Sacred Heart. Mitch Schwindt and his father, Rick, grow corn, soybean, rye, and navy beans following regenerative principles including using multi-species cover-crops, practicing no-till farming, and reducing usage of inputs. Having grown weary of rising input and equipment costs and the continuous soil erosion they were getting from conventional tillage, fertilizer, and pesticide usage, the Schwindt family started their soil health journey in 2023 with the goal of healing the soil and producing more nutrient dense products.
Product Types
Operation Highlights
Region Conditions:
Southwest Minnesota
Minnesota has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The state experiences significant temperature variations between seasons, with occasional heatwaves and cold snaps. Minnesota’s northern location and proximity to the Great Lakes contribute to its climate, with lake-effect snowfall occurring in winter. The state’s abundant lakes, forests, and prairies provide habitats for wildlife and opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating, and hiking.
The Principals of Soil Health in Practice on Schwindt Farms
Nurturing the soil is the foundation of regenerative agriculture. At Regenified, we measure the implementation of all six soil health principles because they are essential for regeneration. Each principle contributes to the soil’s overall health, creating a system greater than the sum of its parts.
Right Context
100% of crops grown are appropriate for region
Right Context
Farmers prioritize growing plants and animals suited to their specific environment. By understanding their unique context, they can optimize production while minimizing external inputs.
Minimized Disturbance
100% no-till on all crop acres
Minimized Disturbance
Rather than tilling or using chemicals that disrupt soil structure and microbial life, regenerative farmers embrace no-till practices and minimize chemical inputs to preserve the integrity of the soil.
Soil Armor
54% of soil is covered by crops and plant residue.
Soil Armor
Keeping the soil covered with organic matter such as cover crops or crop residues prevents erosion, improves water infiltration and retention while also providing habitat for beneficial organisms.
Enhanced Diversity
Crop rotation meets diversity criteria for the current tier
Enhanced Diversity
Maximizing diversity within both plant species and beneficial organisms above and below ground enhances ecosystem resilience and promotes natural pest control.
Living Root
Cover crop and no-till will continue to improve soil function and root health.
Living Root
Maintaining living roots in the soil at all times ensures continuous nutrient cycling by supporting microbial activity crucial for healthy soils.
Animal Integration
Adding livestock would drive gains in ecosystem outcomes
Animal Integration
Integrating livestock into farming systems allows for the symbiotic relationship between animals and the land. Their grazing patterns contribute to nutrient cycling and improve soil fertility.
Right Context
100% of crops grown are appropriate for region
Right Context
Farmers prioritize growing plants and animals suited to their specific environment. By understanding their unique context, they can optimize production while minimizing external inputs.
Minimized Disturbance
100% no-till on all crop acres
Minimized Disturbance
Rather than tilling or using chemicals that disrupt soil structure and microbial life, regenerative farmers embrace no-till practices and minimize chemical inputs to preserve the integrity of the soil.
Soil Armor
54% of soil is covered by crops and plant residue.
Soil Armor
Keeping the soil covered with organic matter such as cover crops or crop residues prevents erosion, improves water infiltration and retention while also providing habitat for beneficial organisms.
Enhanced Diversity
Crop rotation meets diversity criteria for the current tier
Enhanced Diversity
Maximizing diversity within both plant species and beneficial organisms above and below ground enhances ecosystem resilience and promotes natural pest control.
Living Root
Cover crop and no-till will continue to improve soil function and root health.
Living Root
Maintaining living roots in the soil at all times ensures continuous nutrient cycling by supporting microbial activity crucial for healthy soils.
Animal Integration
Adding livestock would drive gains in ecosystem outcomes
Animal Integration
Integrating livestock into farming systems allows for the symbiotic relationship between animals and the land. Their grazing patterns contribute to nutrient cycling and improve soil fertility.
A Word From the Farm
Ecosystem Outcomes
Ecosystem processes are the interconnected systems that drive the health and resilience of our land and water resources. Good land management positively impacts those ecosystem processes. Our Verification Standard evaluates these vital processes, ensuring the regeneration of the ecosystem.
Energy Flow
Energy flow will improve as regenerative management practices take hold.
Energy Flow
Energy flow is all about solar energy or photosynthesis. Unlike the water cycle and mineral cycle, solar energy does not cycle. It flows from the sun to the earth. It is necessary for everything on the planet to survive. Leaving enough plant material behind for its process to occur is crucial to all life.
Water Cycle
Water cycle is limited, but progress is happening through better management.
Water Cycle
In the water cycle, when precipitation reaches the land, farmers and ranchers play a crucial role in determining the water available for plants and animals. With good management practices, they can capture and retain more water, ensuring a healthier ecosystem.
Nutrient Cycle
The nutrient cycle is still in an early stage of regaining its natural function.
Nutrient Cycle
The nutrient cycle only works effectively when we have good soil biology and microbiology working for us. Bacteria, fungi and other microscopic life in the soil play important roles in cycling nutrients from air and water, making the nutrients accessible to plants.
Diversity
The gradual process of rebuilding diversity in the ecosystem has begun.
Diversity
The greater the diversity that exists in our ecosystem, the better everything functions. This includes plant, insect, bird and other wildlife species diversity. This is also sometimes called biological succession. It involves the changes in the development of all living things.
Energy Flow
Energy flow will improve as regenerative management practices take hold.
Energy Flow
Energy flow is all about solar energy or photosynthesis. Unlike the water cycle and mineral cycle, solar energy does not cycle. It flows from the sun to the earth. It is necessary for everything on the planet to survive. Leaving enough plant material behind for its process to occur is crucial to all life.
Water Cycle
Water cycle is limited, but progress is happening through better management.
Water Cycle
In the water cycle, when precipitation reaches the land, farmers and ranchers play a crucial role in determining the water available for plants and animals. With good management practices, they can capture and retain more water, ensuring a healthier ecosystem.
Nutrient Cycle
The nutrient cycle is still in an early stage of regaining its natural function.
Nutrient Cycle
The nutrient cycle only works effectively when we have good soil biology and microbiology working for us. Bacteria, fungi and other microscopic life in the soil play important roles in cycling nutrients from air and water, making the nutrients accessible to plants.
Diversity
The gradual process of rebuilding diversity in the ecosystem has begun.
Diversity
The greater the diversity that exists in our ecosystem, the better everything functions. This includes plant, insect, bird and other wildlife species diversity. This is also sometimes called biological succession. It involves the changes in the development of all living things.
Schwindt Farms - Gallery
See how we’re changing the world, acre by acre.
Our Certification