Four Hill Farms Inc
Four Hill Farms is a cow/calf farm in Barnesville, Minnesota that utilizes technology through apps in order to increase efficiency, utilization of resources and animal care.
Jake and Kari Thompson Family
Tell us about Four Hills Farm Inc.
We are a family farm operated by Jake and Nate Thompson and families located in Barnesville, MN. Our crop farm consists of 2,500 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat, sugarbeets and alfalfa. The cattle farm consists of 180 cow/calf pairs made up of a seedstock Black Angus herd plus commercial cows that are used for a custom embryo program.
What is your favorite part of raising your girls on the farm?
I love the values of responsibility, hard work and common sense that are developed by growing up on the farm. I also enjoy being able to work with my family.
"We use artificial insemination and embryo transfer programs to make genetic improvements which allow us to breed cattle that have superior end product merit and growth."
How do you use technology to increase efficiency and animal care on your farm?
We use a lot of different technologies on the farm to decrease labor and add efficiency. From a camera system during calving to check cows, to a handheld electric fence fault-finder to help check fences. During breeding, we use synchronizing protocols to tighten the breeding window which also tightens the calving window. We use artificial insemination and embryo transfer programs to make genetic improvements which allow us to breed cattle that have superior end product merit and growth. We use the Cattle Crush app to calculate breakeven and marketing budgets and keep up on the markets. In the field, the autosteer systems with auto shut-off on the sprayer and planter save chemical and seed.
How does it feel to carrying on your dad's legacy?
It makes me very proud to carry on my dad's legacy. Knowing that we are operating on ground that my great grandfather, grandfather and father worked on, gives me a sense of pride. I know that dad would be proud to see his grandchildren running around the farm, and this gives me drive to do better everyday.
How do you prepare your favorite cut of beef?
I love to slow grill tenderloin with potatoes and beans. I am interested in learning more about smoking beef, once time allows.
Where can we follow along with activities on your farm?
You can follow us on Facebook under Four Hill Farms, also on twitter @fourhillfarms and on our website at fourhillfarms.com.
"I love the values of responsibility, hard work and common sense that are developed by growing up on the farm."
Four Hill Farms
Barnesville, Minnesota
Feedyard
Cattle spend their final 4-6 months at a feedyard being fed a scientifically-balanced diet and receiving daily care.
Backgrounding
Between 6-12 months of age, cattle spend time at stocker and backgrounder farms and ranches where they graze on a variety of pastures. Here they gain weight and convert forage and grass into lean protein.
Cow/Calf Ranch
Cows are bred and calves are born and raised every year on cow-calf farms and ranches, spending time grazing on grass pastures within sight of their mothers.