Prior to WWII, the only method of weed control was cultivation or even walking through the fields with a bean hook or physically pulling the weeds. This was a process repeated many times during the summer. Some farmers chose the check-row planter as their tool of choice to have the “picture perfect” fields. This method permitted cultivation from all directions – north, south, east and west. Herbicide was unheard of.

In the late 1940’s chemical application was introduced to agriculture and we were led to believe that the use of chemicals would result in better crops, increased yield and lower input costs. We were also assured that the chemical fertilizers were safe. Studies now indicate that the latter may not be so true.

One farmer and his family have changed their modern method of farming and gone back to the chemical-free farm. I first met Bill McNulty at the annual plow day held at the Lien dealership in Wisconsin. While everyone else was out there just having a good old time, the expression on Bill’s face showed that he was there for business. He took his plowing very seriously. He knew which tractor he wanted to drive and he hit the furrow ready to roll dirt. After watching Bill plow all day, it was obvious that this man had spent many hours of his life going back and forth in the field and he was right at home on this Oliver tractor.

Before Bill snuck away for the day I had a chance to visit with him and I learned about his very interesting use of Olivers. Bill and his sons, Sam and Billy farm around 2000 acres of land in Black River Falls, WI. While this may not seem like anything out of the ordinary, it is because it’s an organic farm.

Check out the latest Issue # 17 of Oliver Heritage and the available back issues of Oliver Heritage for all the exciting and wonderful facts and stories from the world of Oliver!!!