In farming, longevity has many meanings – longevity of nutrient availability, longevity of soil balance, and longevity of the overall farm operation. The Maximum Farming System powered by Ag Spectrum, along with its team of in-field implementation experts, provides insights, research, and a real-life approach to achieve long-lasting success.

Located in the thumb of Michigan, one Ag Spectrum Associate has been promoting and utilizing the System on his own farm for 30 years. Steve Tait’s three decades of proper soil stewardship has led to resilient, balanced fields for both him and the farmers he works with. “Every aspect of farming adds up, it’s not one detail or one product but how everything works together that makes the difference,” Tait expresses.

November 2024 marks Tait’s 30^th anniversary with Ag Spectrum. Recalling back to 1994 when he committed to a System approach Tait remembers that he, his dad, and brother who were farming together at the time were looking for ways to better their operation. They had already gone to no-till because his dad was concerned with the effect farmers were having on the soil. “I was fortunate that my dad was open to new ideas, and when Ag Spectrum came along it made a lot of sense to us,” Tait explains.

Ag Spectrum Area Manager, Jim Frybarger, introduced Steve to the System when neighboring farmers suggested he was a good candidate. Frybarger elaborates, “They told me I just had to meet with this ‘good farmer and honest person’, so I stopped by and now we have been working together for 30 years.”

Over this time, Frybarger has noticed Tait’s sincere approach to helping farmers. “He lives what he sells,” Frybarger says. “He truly wants to help farmers and their families improve, not make a sale for sales sake.” Family being the focus for Tait is not surprising since he now has wife Cynthia, daughter Autumn, and son Evan on board operating the farm.

Relationships truly are the driving force behind Tait’s endeavors. “I go out to the field with each of my customers multiple times a year because their challenges and triumphs are important to me.” He continues, “Ag Spectrum’s five annual Service Checks are set up so we as Associates know what is going on in each of our farmers’ fields and can help them as questions arise.”

Spurring from his devotion to farmer success, Steve has created many lifelong friendships with those he works with. “I’ve seen with my own eyes that the Maximum Farming System works to provide lasting results with soil sustainability and yields. My goal is to help other farmers achieve this same outcome.”