Revitalizing marginal land for sustainable farming

By Lindsey Weber

Revitalizing marginal land for sustainable farming

Will Oberton & Erin Gervais

Will Oberton and Erin Gervais, the father-daughter duo behind Blackberry Ridge Farms in Winona, Minnesota, are leading the way in sustainable farming. Managing 80 cows with Nofence collars, they’ve transformed marginal land into productive pastures, boosting profits and improving soil health. With a focus on regenerative agriculture, Will and Erin show that even the toughest land can thrive when innovation meets determination.

Unlocking land and increasing profits

At Blackberry Ridge Farms, Will and Erin have turned steep terrain and rough conditions into opportunity with Nofence. Traditional fencing on these areas was costly and inefficient, leaving valuable land untapped. Now, virtual fencing has enabled them to graze these once-inaccessible areas, unlocking new potential for their farm.

Improving land health with sustainable practices

“I could see that with virtual fencing, we could make these areas work better for us,” Will shares. “We’ve got some land that’s not ideal for traditional farming, but Nofence helps us unlock its potential and turn it into profit.” One major benefit is the financial savings. By using marginal land, Will and Erin have saved approximately $25,000 annually, thanks to increased grazing efficiency and reduced reliance on feed. “The ability to move cattle between different parts of the land without worrying about physical fences has really helped us manage costs,” Erin explains. “Our feed savings alone have been a huge help, especially on land that’s not as fertile as others.”

Prioritizing animal welfare and simplifying management

The herd at Blackberry Ridge Farms—equipped with Nofence collars to graze freely while staying safely within virtual boundaries. With precision grazing management, Nofence has allowed Will and Erin to rotate their cattle more effectively, improving soil health and resilience across their pastures. Targeted grazing reduces overgrazing and helps grasslands recover, resulting in healthier soils and stronger regrowth.

Building the farm’s future with Nofence

“The land is definitely benefiting from being able to rotate the cattle more effectively,” Will says. “It’s a lot less stress on the soil, and the grass is coming back stronger. We’ve seen a real improvement.” Animal welfare is a top priority at Blackberry Ridge Farms. With Nofence, Will and Erin manage grazing in a way that aligns with natural cattle behavior. Virtual fences give their herd the freedom to roam and graze naturally, which reduces stress and promotes well-being.

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