Schrader Farms

Keith Schrader has leveraged a science-first approach over the past 40 years to innovate and grow his farm.

Idyllic, beautiful, gentle rolling farm views and productive fields are a mainstay in Nerstrand, Minnesota. For fourth generation farmer Keith Schrader and his three sons, the key to success in farming this area has been long-term partnerships with forward thinking crop advisors and ag research organizations. These partnerships have helped the family identify, prioritize and evaluate agronomic and management innovations to streamline and advance their 5000-acre corn and soybean operation. One example is how they apply unique crop rotation. By adopting a 2/3 corn – 1/3 soybean rotation, the Schraders have been able to improve their management of white mold in soybeans. Keith and his crop advisors are advocates for balancing both yield and quality.

Overhead View

The Schrader’s Wheeling Grain Partnership operates in Rice County between Minneapolis and Rochester, Minnesota. With three full-time employees alongside his three sons, Keith farms corn and soybeans on a 2/3 corn – 1/3 soybean rotation across 5,000 acres. The Schrader’s soybean crop includes both seed beans and non-GMO specialty varieties.

The Schraders partners with two independent crop advisors who help manage crop production and an extensive annual field trial program focused on improving all facets of the farm’s production plan.

Keith’s Field

Made in Minnesota

By the Numbers

68 Bu/Ac
AVERAGE SOYBEAN YIELD 2021

225
ACRES IN TEST FIELD

30″
SOYBEAN ROW SPACING

120K
SOYBEAN POPULATION

60 Bu/Ac
TEST FIELD YIELD GOAL

In his second year of the Supplement Your Soybeans program, Keith is anxious to conduct the trial in fields that have received very little sulfur nutrition in the past and see how applying ammonium sulfate potentially impacts yield. This year, Keith’s 225-acre test field will include row spacing of 30 inches and population of 120,000 per acre.

Meet Keith & His Family

Keith and his wife of 43 years enjoy spending time with their grandchildren, who represent the sixth generation of the Schrader family to farm in Minnesota.

Six Generations of Schraders in SE Minnesota

As Keith plants his 47th crop in 2022, he understands the need for balance when working with his sons to ensure their operation remains in the family for future generations. Together they focus on seed production and value-added crop characteristics – including non-GMO – in an effort to boost their farm output, crop performance, per acre returns and unique crop quality. Their team approach means that each member of the family can concentrate on their passions and strengths to produce strong and healthy crops on the farm.

Keith has decades of industry advocacy and leadership experience across local and state soybean organizations, and he remains active in local agriculture groups supporting the entire ecosystem, from pork production to successful foreign trade of specialty beans and grains.

Keith has been involved with the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance and county producer organizations and events.