Environmentally friendly farming should be a priority for us homegrown, down-to-earth farmers.
Sometimes, however, the smallest things that make a BIG impact are overlooked.
As a fifth generation farming family, we obviously love the work we do. Over the years, however, we’ve seen a few ways in which farming can be improved.
Despite feeling more connected to the earth, environment, and our resources, we also feel as if environmentally friendly farming has not been prioritized as much as it should be.
One way we’ve seen our farming community fall short is in the litter left behind. Specifically, we’ve seen hay bale netting left on the side of roads, in fields, caught on tires – you name it. While it may not be intentional, we’re harming the environment and the critters and creatures within it when we let things like hay bale netting slip through our fingers (or the off the side of our flatbeds).
Let’s face it. Farming takes it all out of us. Long days, challenging seasons, countless pivots – we’re in it for the long haul! But, there are little changes that we can make as we pursue environmentally friendly farming practices.
In fact, we have one solution for you, ready to go!
Introducing… the Catch All!
The Catch All is a simple storage solution that keeps the hay bale netting on your truck. It prevents you from littering, ruining your crops, and the hay bale netting getting caught in your cake box.
Years ago, Will Stehr saw the growing need for a simple, efficient solution for hay bale netting being left on the side of the road and getting caught in truck wheels.
He began to sew what would soon be known as Catch Alls in his warehouse at home. His kids and wife helped by adding the grommets to the sewn product. It truly started as a passionate desire to help both farmers and the environment.
Will approached us, knowing our passion for efficient, environmentally friendly farming, and we soon became partners in producing and selling the Catch All.
How it Works
The Catch All is…
- Simple to install in your flatbed with magnets
- Woven nylon, rubber coated mesh
- Assembled in the U.S.
Installed with strong magnets, the Catch All is both durable during transport and easy to move as needed.
Simply attach it to the back of your feeder on your flatbed. When it comes time to remove the hay bale netting, or you have other waste out in the field that you don’t want blowing away, stuff it into the sides of the Catch All. It’ll hold it securely until you’re able to dispose of the waste properly.
Catch Alls are durable and meant for long-term use, reducing the need for disposable containment options.
Why Environmentally Friendly Farming Matters
Environmentally friendly farming matters because it protects the planet while feeding it. When we make shifts in our processes and agricultural tools, we’re protecting the earth that provides us with so much.
Here are a few ways our small shifts can make a BIG difference…
- Supporting Biodiversity
- When we clean up after ourselves and make sustainable farming decisions, we are supporting wildlife, pollinators, and microorganisms that keep the ecosystem in check.
- Preserving Resources
- Purchasing tools that are durable and made to last prevent us from overextending our energy and resources.
- Supporting Local Communities
- Like our team at 4Ag, many farmers focus on local economies and building community. When we’re walking the talk and transparent in the way we farm, we’re building trust with not only our greater community, but those who purchase from us as well.
It’s about more than making farming more efficient. It’s about supporting and loving the land we have and making the most out of the resources it produces.
Interested in the greater value of sustainable farming? Check out this article from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
4Ag Products
The Catch All isn’t the only tool that’s transforming how we farm. We have a number of other products that can help you farm more efficiently and sustainably.
Gauge Wheels:
In 2011, we were finally fed up with having to change our planter gauge wheels every year or so, even after buying the “higher quality” products.
We took matters into our own hands and designed a tire that’s meant to get the job done year after year after YEAR.
Our gauge tires withstand long term use and residue while maintaining accurate seed depth.
Planter Wheels:
The 4Ag planter closing wheel was designed by farmers for farmers to ultimately increase emergence by improving seed-to-soil contact, leaving a soft-tilled surface as a result.
Made from the same patent pending tough proprietary composition as our gauge wheels, our fully assembled closing wheel includes a bolt kit with spacers to provide easy installation with multiple adjustments accommodating a variety of planting conditions.
Interseeders:
Our interseeder machine is a versatile tool designed to plant cover crops into an existing main crop, enhancing soil health and boosting yield potential without disturbing soil structure.
By introducing cover crops between rows, the interseeder helps protect the soil from erosion, improve water retention, and suppress weeds, making it an ideal choice for sustainable farming practices.
Interested in improving longevity and sustainability in your farm? Invest in 4Ag products.
If you have any questions about becoming a 4Ag dealer or purchasing individual products, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Happy farming!