Ian and Richard Cunningham

Cunningham Family Farm LLC

Pipestone, Minnesota

Richard and Ian Cunningham produce corn, soybeans, and beef cattle on the family farm  in southwest Minnesota. Growing up working alongside his dad, Richard joined the business in 2016. Ian is now in his seventh term as supervisor of Pipestone County Soil and Water Conservation District (he was first elected to the post in 1998), and serves on NACD’s Executive Board as NACD Second Vice President. He has served as NACD Secretary/Treasurer and North Central executive board member. Ian has served in many roles for the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation District and is currently Past President.

Richard and Ian’s farm, established in 1885, has gone through a series of positive management changes in the past 138 years. In addition to being NACD Soil Heath Champions, Cunningham Family Farm is Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certified and is a member of the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition.

“We farmed on the contour for many years, quit moldboard plowing in 1967, ridge tilled in the 1980s and early 1990s, and have practiced no-till and strip till since then,” he told NACD. Today, the Cunninghams use grid soil sampling, precision tools for nutrient application, and integrated pest management. They also use cover crops to protect their soils before and after they plant their primary crops. “At least 10 percent of our annual crop ground produces an early summer forage crop,” Ian said. In early winter, the family’s herd has a multi-species cover crop to graze, and all the perennial forage on the farm is managed with high density and short duration grazing.

“I really believe that if we only try things that are supposed to work every time, we will never improve,” he said. “People who haven’t tried using soil health practices and don’t want to change won’t realize the benefits. People who believe in and practice soil health have a way of being successful.”

“On our farm we see the soil as a living thing – not just a mechanical or chemical process,” Ian said. This approach to farming, he explained, has made all the difference. “For over 130 years we have strived to do what’s best for the land and livestock. And as conservation practices have evolved, we have adapted too. The benefits we see from using them are too many to begin to mention.”

Updated April 2023