From Corn to Calming Blooms: How Our Lavender Co. Reimagined the Nebraska Family Farm

How does lavender thrive in the challenging Nebraska climate?

It turns out that what makes traditional row-cropping a "tough row to hoe" in western Nebraska is exactly what lavender loves. While our team at 21st Century Equipment has spent decades helping farmers manage the local terrain, the Palser family found a way to work with the land's natural tendencies.

Stephanie Anderson discovered that lavender requires three specific things to flourish—all of which are abundant in our backyard:

• High pH Levels: Naturally occurring in our local western soils.
• Sandy Soil: Provides the excellent drainage that lavender roots crave.
• Arid Conditions: Lavender is incredibly drought-tolerant, making it a sustainable alternative to water-intensive crops.

Why is crop diversification vital for the modern family farm?

We’ve seen many operations face "growing pains" when sticking strictly to traditional cycles. By diversifying into specialty crops like lavender, the Palser and Anderson families have created a multi-stream revenue model that includes an online shop shipping to all 50 states and a handcrafted line of skincare and essential oils.

It’s about making the land work for you in new ways, ensuring the farm stays in the family for the next four generations.

How does this agritourism award help our local community?

When the Palser family first settled this land in 1924, Grandfather Palser dreamed of a place where people could find rest and relaxation. Today, that dream is a reality that puts our region on the map.

Our Lavender Co. was recently recognized for their excellence in hospitality and innovation:

• Award: Voted "Best Passport Stop of 2022" by Nebraska Tourism.
• Criteria Met: Exceptional visitor experience, community engagement, and promoting Nebraska’s unique agricultural landscape.
• Reach: Featured in Nebraska Life and part of national subscription boxes, drawing hundreds of "Harvest Hosts" RV travelers to Big Springs.

Partnering for Success: Keeping the Greenhouse Growing

Agriculture is often about the tools in the shed, but as Stephanie’s story shows, it’s also about the heart in the home. From a makeshift camper-greenhouse to a sprawling acre of lavender plugs, we’ve been proud to stand by the Palser family as their trusted equipment partner through every season of growth.

Whether you are tending to baby tomatoes in the dead of winter or managing a large-scale lavender harvest, our technicians bring the same "hand-on-the-plow" expertise to your specialty equipment. We know that in agritourism, downtime doesn't just mean lost work—it means disappointed visitors.

What is the future of the U.S. lavender industry?

Stephanie isn't just stopping at her own fence line; she's looking to build a "bouquet" of opportunities for others. Her goal is to create a U.S. lavender cooperative.

• The Problem: Many U.S. businesses currently have to source lavender internationally.
• The Solution: Connecting domestic growers with local manufacturers to keep the industry—and the profits—right here at home.

Common Questions About Lavender Farming & Agritourism (FAQ)

Can anyone visit Our Lavender Co. in Big Springs, NE? Yes! They welcome visitors and photographers from all over the country. They also participate in the Harvest Hosts program, allowing RVers to spend the night among the blooms for a unique "vacation on the farm" experience.

What are the best lavender products for beginners? Their handcrafted bath bombs and essential oils are fan favorites. Because they manage the entire process from soil to bottle, you know exactly what’s going into your skincare.

Is lavender hard to maintain compared to corn or soy? While the soil requirements are similar, the management is different. Lavender requires less water but more "hands-on" attention during the pruning and harvesting stages to ensure the best oil quality.

How does 21st Century Equipment support specialty farms like this? We provide the specialized compact tractors and utility vehicles—like the John Deere Gator™ series—that are perfect for navigating tight lavender rows and transporting guests around an agritourism site without disturbing the "relaxation" vibe.