Family farm by the lake is a fifth-generation farm using pioneering management and conservation practices. Jeff Lake’s goal is to pass on his farm to his children and grandchildren.
Lake Family Farm is a fifth-generation farm located near Boyceville in Dunn County. Jeff and Kelley Lake, along with their children April and Jake, farm 1,500 acres of corn, soybeans and alfalfa. They also raise a diminutive herd of beef cattle.
The Lake family has adopted pioneering management and environmental practices and continually promotes and protects soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat, all while improving the farm’s bottom line.
Jeff compares no-till planting to planting a garden on your front lawn without using a tiller. There are still challenges associated with not tilling.
Lake Farm is surrounded by the North and South Forks of the Hay River. Jeff has worked to strengthen and improve the stream bank by placing stream spikes along the shoreline. These spikes create a good, natural environment that allows native plants to thrive. Jeff lets the river do its thing and is confident that it will stay put without losing any bank.
With the soil and land proactively prepared through cover crops, no-till and buffer strips, the Lakes are not intimidated by bulky rainfall. Collectively, the practices they have implemented ensure the longevity of the farm’s future.
“Sustainability means we can pass the farm on to the next generation – even our grandchildren.”
