Enhancing Crop Diversity: Steve and Becky Camp

This publication profiles Steve and Becky Camp, fifth-generation farmers near LaCrosse, Washington, who use direct seeding, crop diversification, and flexible rotations in a dryland system receiving 12–14 inches of annual precipitation. Their diversified three- to five-year rotations include winter and spring wheat, barley, winter peas, spring peas, canola, and camelina. The publication explains how direct seeding helps reduce erosion, conserve water, improve infiltration, and support more intensive cropping with less fallow. It also describes how oilseeds and legumes add rotational diversity, help manage weeds and diseases, improve soil quality, and diversify income. A distinctive feature of the Camps’ system is their use of oilseed crops to produce biodiesel for farm equipment and vehicles, along with oilseed meal for local animal feed markets. The case study also covers precision agriculture, economic risk, water limitations, and long-term soil stewardship.