Doug Rebout of Roger Rebout & Sons Farms in Janesville is leading the way in sustainable crop farming. What started with his parents in 1963 has grown into a family operation that now includes his brothers and nephews. Together, they raise corn, winter wheat, soybeans and alfalfa, along with Holstein heifers and steers.
For Doug, sustainability is more than a buzzword—it’s a responsibility. “Sustainability means doing right for our farm, land and community,” he says. “We know our farm needs to be profitable to be successful and pass on to the next generation. Taking care of our land is a top priority.”
What are sustainable crop farming practices?
That commitment is visible in the way the Rebouts manage their soil. They leave the ground as undisturbed as possible by using strip tilling for corn and no tilling for soybeans. These practices help reduce soil erosion and runoff. “We are also starting to use some cover crops,” Doug adds. “The cover crops act like a sponge to hold water and nutrients in place for the plants to use to grow.”
How does technology help increase sustainability?
Technology plays an important role in helping the family farm operate efficiently and sustainably. “Technology helps us be more precise with our seed and chemicals. We are able to prevent overuse and pollution,” says Doug. With GPS-equipped tractors, they can place seeds and fertilizer exactly where they’re needed, reducing waste and protecting natural resources.
Who do farmers partner with for sustainable crop farming?
Doug and his family are not alone in their sustainable crop farming journey. They work alongside other local farmers as part of the Farmers on the Rock watershed group. “Being involved in this group is great because we can all learn from each other and try new things on our own farm,” Doug says.
Their commitment extends to research, too. By partnering with UW Discovery Farms, they collect data to measure the impact of their conservation efforts. This research not only helps their farm improve but also supports other farmers across the state.
In the end, it all comes down to legacy. “We want future generations to be able to keep the family farm going,” Doug says. “And if we are not sustainable, that might not happen.”
Doug Rebout is featured as a part of Gather Wisconsin’s Leaders of the Land® segment, which features Wisconsin farmers moving agriculture forward through their commitment to sustainability.