A lifelong farmer and agricultural professional, Thompson has owned and operated Brookview Farms in Glenwood City, Wisconsin, since 1986. With over 37 years of experience in dairy and crop production, he brings extensive knowledge in animal husbandry, agronomy, equipment maintenance, and farm management. He currently serves as the farm manager at the UW–River Falls Mann Valley Farm, supporting both educational and research initiatives. Duane holds BQA and FARM certifications, as well as a Private Pesticide Applicator license. He is a graduate of Glenwood City High School and completed the Farm Business & Production Management Program at WITC–New Richmond.
Mann Valley Farm (MVF) currently relies on conventional tillage to prepare fields for planting, but this method can lead to soil erosion, higher fuel and labor costs, and long-term damage to soil health. While no-till farming offers benefits like improved water retention and reduced erosion, it also comes with challenges such as herbicide dependence and difficulty managing crop residues. To address these issues, the project seeks funding for a vertical tillage tool— an innovative piece of equipment that improves soil conditions without excessive disturbance. Vertical tillage helps reduce soil compaction, enhances water infiltration, speeds up residue decomposition, and creates better seedbed conditions, all of which contribute to higher yields with lower costs. MVF plans to use the tool twice a year—before planting in the spring to maintain soil moisture and after harvesting in the fall to break down crop residues and enrich soil organic matter. By integrating this tool into farm operations, MVF can improve efficiency, promote sustainability, and support conservation-friendly farming practices.