Strip-tilled and Direct-seeded Vegetables Integrated with Cattle Grazing: Eric Williamson

This Pacific Northwest Extension publication profiles Eric Williamson, a fourth-generation farmer near George, Washington, who grows irrigated processing vegetables, grain crops, and forage while integrating beef cattle grazing into the farm. The case study explains how Williamson adopted strip tillage and direct seeding to reduce wind erosion on sandy Columbia Basin soils, protect emerging crops, reduce the need for emergency irrigation before wind events, and lower some operating costs. It also describes how cattle grazing helps manage crop residue, diversify income, cycle nutrients, and improve soil organic matter. The publication covers Williamson’s crop rotations, strip-tillage equipment, fertility and manure use, weed and disease management, benefits, challenges, and risk management. Sidebars explain strip tillage, residue management strategies, soil health and erosion, high-residue farming resources, and lessons from custom strip tillage.