STAPLES FARM

We believe in the saying, "Unless you test, it's just a guess," especially when it comes to knowing the level of fertility in your soil. Each year in August, we collect soil samples for testing for several essential reasons. First, without testing, it's impossible to determine the amount of nutrients available to plants in the soil. Second, soil testing allows us to observe the physical and biological characteristics of the soil, including its color, texture, structure, moisture level, and the presence of living organisms. Third, testing enables us to apply fertilizer at the appropriate levels needed to meet the specific demands of different crops. Lastly, it helps us avoid wasting money on unnecessary fertilizer. At the back of the farm is a seven-acre field that, until 2019, consisted of a series of ditches with very little organic matter. A highway project required a location to dispose of overburdened material, and we agreed to allow it to be placed on this field. The road contractor removed the topsoil, laid down the overburden, and then spread the topsoil back over the field. Last year, we observed significant changes in the soil, which were confirmed by our soil tests. In the samples we collected this year, we found over an inch of healthy soil above heavy clay. While this field still has a long way to go, it serves as proof that no-till planting and cover crops are producing the desired results. Collecting soil samples is relatively easy. Most OSU Extension offices have soil sample probes that they will let you use, along with materials to help you properly take samples. Staff at the Extension Office will mail your samples to the lab at OSU in Stillwater. A routine soil test costs $15.00. The Extension Offices do not accept credit or debit cards, so bring cash. You can find more information at https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/testing-services-and-price-list.html. -Leo

I really dislike the term "pasture-raised" because the feed and hay we produce for our animals bear little resemblance to the pastures typical of Central Oklahoma. Again, this year, we experienced what I call the "August surprise." We have six bred gilts grazing on paddocks of Sudan grass, five varieties of cowpeas, sunn hemp, hybrid pearl millet, sunflower, okra, buckwheat, oats, BMR hay, brassica, kale, and flax. Clearly, this is not a mix you typically find in most pastures. As we observed last August, the pigs ate very little of the feed in their bulk feeder. They are happy, healthy, and look fantastic. We received the test results for our first-cut hay today. Typically, this would be our second or third cutting, but excessive rain has posed challenges this year. Though the number of bales is lower, this is the best hay we have ever produced. The majority of the mixed grass hay tested at 13.7% protein, with a total digestible nutrients (TDN) value of 60.9%. One specific field, composed of 40% Midland 99, 40% crabgrass, and 20% Johnson grass, tested at 14.7% protein with a TDN of 63.3%. Notably, none of the Johnson grass had headed out. Grass hay with a protein content above 13% and a TDN above 58% is considered premium hay. While the protein content of Midland 99 Bermuda grass hay can exceed 13%, the most recent report from OSU states that the average protein content of Midland 99 hay in Oklahoma is approximately 9.4%. Similarly, while Midland 99 can have TDN levels above 58%, this only occurs when it is properly fertilized and cut before it produces seed heads. With high-quality hay like this, animals typically do not require any supplementary feed, which is particularly advantageous given the rising costs of protein supplements. Buyers should remember that the only way to ensure they are purchasing quality hay is to have it tested by the grower. "Unless You Test, It's Just a Guess." Unfortunately for other potential buyers, we have sold all of our first-cut hay, and there is a waiting list for the next cutting. In other news, we are currently working on acquiring seed for our hay field cover crop seed mix and the pig pasture. I will update you when we finalize our planting plans. -Leo

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No family dinner tonight, as the kids were here yesterday to work, swim, and have a cookout with Ryan Brewer and his family. On this quiet Sunday afternoon, I found myself reflecting on where it all began. In 1971, HL and Billie Staples brought their three sons to the farm. For the next few years, they raised beef cattle and fed out some pigs. In 1974, they started Staples Dairy, a partnership with my brothers, Brian and David. For the first eight years, they sold unpasteurized whole milk by the gallon. The farm operated as a Grade A dairy for the following three and a half years. The National Dairy Buyout in 1987 provided a perfect opportunity to take the farm in another direction, leading them to sell the herd to a dairy in Mexico. For the next twenty-two years, Mom and Dad grew vegetables with my brother David, an Oklahoma City firefighter who spent all his days off at the farm. In later years, granddaughter Andrea and grandson Jon worked alongside them. The farm remained idle from the time they retired in 2009 until Julie and I purchased it in 2014. From 2014 until the fall of 2019, we focused on bringing the farm back into production. We bailed our first hay in the spring of 2020 and haven't looked back since. In 2024, daughter Andrea and her husband Travis, and son Jon and his wife Jessica joined the operation. Since then, our grandson Henry has become quite the pig wrangler, and it won't be long before his brother Wyatt gets involved as well. God has blessed Julie and me in so many ways, and we are proud to be the current stewards of Staples Farm. We believe in hard work, raising our animals with respect for their contributions to our lives, and creating a better environment for future generations. -Leo

Julie and Jon found another use for our retail meat bags. The star of the photo is Little Bit, who is the runt of the litter. This litter is named after country singers, and her actual name is Loretta. She developed strep on Wednesday, so Jon took her home on Thursday and Friday night to give her some extra attention. -Leo

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