Fully Repaid

2023 AEA Biological Inputs Loan

by WR Johnson & Sons
2023 AEA Biological Inputs Loan

WR Johnson & Sons utilize biological inputs from AEA to manage their organic crops. This loan will be used to purchase inputs on credit for the 2023 season

Project Summary
  • Location: Columbus, NM
  • Products: Fiber Fruit & Vegetable
  • Loan Term: 7 months
  • Net Interest Rate: 7.50% APR
  • Repayments Begin: 1 month after disbursement
$474,025.82
100% of $474,025.82

Funded on 10/05/2023

Overview

James Johnson and his two sons are 4th and 5th-generation farmers in Columbus, New Mexico. About ten years ago, they began their regenerative journey to transition their farm away from conventional production agriculture towards a system that focuses on soil health and biology. 

 
They started planting a diverse cover crop mix in 2011 and 2012 but they kept seeing a decline in yields and profitability on their farm. Through a lot of trial, error, and thinking, they realized that they have a soil biology problem. Fast forward to today, they are staunch advocates of the regenerative agriculture movement and are still constantly testing and learning new approaches to improve their soil health and manage a regenerative commodity agriculture operation.
 
James and his sons are on a journey to learn more about the soil and the health of the land that their family has been farming since the 1950s. Their journey has led them to relearn the “old ways of agriculture” and pay closer attention to what is happening in the soil and how they can use organic inputs and a focus on soil biology to increase the resiliency of their farming operation. 


Use of Funds

This loan will be used to purchase 2023 inputs from AEA on credit, allowing WR Johnson and Sons to better manage in-season cash flow.


Regenerative & Sustainable Practices

WR Johnson and Sons utilize a number of sustainable practices throughout their operation. They are constantly testing and iterating in order to improve their farmland and soil health as well as maintain a profitable business. Practices include:

  • Utilizing biological inputs as an alternative to synthetic chemicals

  • Utilizing soil testing and ongoing analysis to ensure that they are utilizing a data-driven approach to their farm practices

  • Trialing autonomous weeding solutions in order to minimize input use and take the place of laborious hand-weeding

  • Working closely with the Department of Agriculture, seed breeders, irrigation specialists, and local universities to ensure that they are utilizing the best practices possible on their farm

  • Utilizing cover crops, compost, crop rotation, and other regenerative practices throughout the farm

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