Bayer is excited to announce that Cornfed Farms, a fourth-generation farm managed by the Mohr family, has been officially designated as the first Bayer ForwardFarm in the U.S. Midwest and the only ForwardFarm currently operating in the United States. This distinction places Cornfed Farms among an elite group of just 16 farms worldwide that Bayer recognizes for their commitment to advancing regenerative agricultural practices—strategies that simultaneously support economic success for farmers and promote environmental stewardship.
The ForwardFarming program, spearheaded by Bayer, is designed to collaborate with carefully selected farms globally to implement and demonstrate innovative practices that make agriculture more sustainable. By focusing on both economic viability and ecological responsibility, the program aims to foster a farming future where productivity, profitability, and environmental protection go hand in hand. Through education, knowledge-sharing, and close collaboration, Bayer ForwardFarms serve as real-world examples of how sustainable agriculture can be achieved on a commercial scale.
“Regenerative agriculture is essential for the long-term future of farming, and we’re proud to be recognized as a leader in implementing these environmentally sustainable practices,” said Alan Mohr, owner and operator of Cornfed Farms. “Being a Bayer ForwardFarm gives us the opportunity to share our journey with other farmers, showing that adopting sustainable farming practices can be a win-win—benefiting both the grower and the environment.”
Cornfed Farms has embraced a no-till and minimum-till system, a cornerstone of regenerative agriculture that helps reduce soil erosion and improve overall soil health. By minimizing soil disturbance, the Mohr family has been able to protect the soil’s natural structure, maintain organic matter, and enhance microbial activity. In addition, the farm integrates intermediate crops such as CoverCress and camelina between main crop seasons. These crops play a critical role in improving biodiversity, retaining water, and cycling nutrients, while also producing organic matter that contributes to healthier, more fertile soil for future plantings. Beyond their ecological benefits, these intermediate crops offer additional off-season income streams, supporting the farm’s financial resilience and long-term viability.
In addition to regenerative practices, Cornfed Farms showcases some of the latest advancements in corn and soybean production. Among these is the Preceon Smart Corn System, an innovative technology designed to help farmers optimize their fields. By using shorter stature hybrids and leveraging data-driven insights, the system allows growers to manage risk more effectively while maximizing yield potential and efficiency. Cornfed Farms’ adoption of such cutting-edge tools exemplifies the ForwardFarming mission of combining traditional farming knowledge with modern technological solutions to achieve sustainable productivity.
“We are extremely proud to partner with Cornfed Farms and the Mohr family,” said Brian Naber, Head of Crop Science for Bayer in North America and Australia/New Zealand. “Their willingness to share insights, lessons learned, and best practices with fellow farmers is invaluable. It highlights how innovation in agriculture can support not just individual farm profitability but also social responsibility and environmental care.”
The Mohr family operates a diversified farming system that includes not only corn and soybeans but also hay production and cattle operations. This diversified approach serves multiple purposes: it spreads economic risk, creates a sustainable nutrient cycle through livestock manure, and improves overall farm resilience. Manure from the cattle enriches the soil naturally, reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers and enhancing soil fertility over time. By using digital tools and data-driven recommendations, the farm can be precise in its application of inputs such as nitrogen, further reducing environmental impact while maintaining high levels of productivity.
Cornfed Farms’ commitment to sustainable practices extends beyond crop and livestock management. The farm continually explores methods to increase biodiversity on its land, improve water management, and implement practices that mitigate the effects of climate change. By integrating cover crops, reducing tillage, and optimizing nutrient use, the Mohrs are actively contributing to the development of resilient agricultural ecosystems. These practices not only benefit the immediate farm environment but also serve as a model for other farmers in the region who are considering similar approaches.
The partnership between Bayer and Cornfed Farms represents a larger vision for the future of U.S. agriculture. ForwardFarms are designed to serve as living classrooms and demonstration sites where farmers can see the tangible benefits of regenerative practices in real-world conditions. Through workshops, farm tours, and educational content, these sites facilitate the exchange of knowledge and inspire farmers to implement strategies that balance profitability with environmental responsibility. The program emphasizes that sustainable agriculture is not just an ethical choice—it is also a practical and profitable path forward for modern farming operations.
Alan Mohr reflects on the broader impact of the ForwardFarm designation: “We hope that our experiences encourage other growers to experiment with regenerative practices and discover the benefits firsthand. Sustainability in farming isn’t just about preserving the land; it’s about creating a system where farmers can thrive economically while leaving a positive legacy for future generations.”
In summary, the recognition of Cornfed Farms as the first Bayer ForwardFarm in the Midwest and the only U.S. ForwardFarm underscores the farm’s leadership in regenerative agriculture. By integrating no-till practices, intermediate crops, diversified operations, and advanced agricultural technologies, the Mohr family is setting a high standard for sustainable, economically viable farming. Through its collaboration with Bayer, Cornfed Farms will continue to share insights and inspire the wider farming community, demonstrating that environmental stewardship and agricultural success are not mutually exclusive but rather mutually reinforcing goals.
With the establishment of this ForwardFarm, Bayer continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainable agriculture, innovation, and knowledge-sharing. The program represents a significant step toward a global network of farms that champion practices capable of feeding a growing population while protecting the planet for future generations. Cornfed Farms now stands at the forefront of this movement, serving as a beacon of how science, tradition, and responsibility can come together to shape the future of farming in the United States and beyond.
