Restoration Through Horsepower

Sarah and Kyle McConnell transformed an abandoned 30-acre property in Evans, Colorado, into a thriving diversified farm using John Deere compact equipment. By leveraging the digging depth of the 60P Excavator and the versatility of the 1-Series tractor, they successfully installed critical irrigation infrastructure and managed livestock operations with professional-grade efficiency.

From Abandoned Land to Flourishing Farmstead: The Old McConnell Story

Eight years ago, Sarah and Kyle McConnell looked at an abandoned house and unworked soil along the South Platte River and saw a "bloom" of opportunity. Today, Old McConnell Farm is a vibrant 30-acre operation home to cattle, pigs, chickens, and Sarah’s expansive specialty cut-flower business.

At The Backyard, we know that "bringing land back to life" is a labor of love that requires the right tools to get the job done without the headache. We’ve been helping local families turn "abandoned" into "abundant" for years, and seeing the McConnells teach their children the value of hard work on the farm is exactly why we do what we do.

How Can Compact Equipment Solve Complex Infrastructure Problems?

Expanding a flower operation requires more than just a green thumb; it requires water. Kyle recently demoed the John Deere 60P Compact Excavator to bring well water to Sarah’s high tunnels, a task that would have sidelined a standard trencher.

• Greater Digging Depth: The 60P allowed Kyle to go deeper than a traditional trencher, ensuring water lines were safely below the frost line.
• Efficient Power: With a large bucket capacity and quiet operation, he was able to move dirt quickly without disturbing the "happy beef" and "happy pork" nearby.
• Versatile Management: For daily chores, the 1023R Compact Tractor and 120R Loader provided the lifting power needed to move feed and farm infrastructure with ease.

What Tools Are Best for Managing a 30-Acre Homestead?

Managing a mix of livestock and specialty flowers means your needs change by the hour. Here is the lineup the McConnells used to keep their "dream come true" moving forward:

• The 60P Compact Excavator: Best for deep trenching, drainage, and heavy excavation.
• The 1023R Compact Tractor: The "Swiss Army Knife" of the farm, perfect for loader work and running rear attachments.
• The John Deere Gator: Essential for quickly transporting tools, flower buckets, and feed across 30 acres.
• ZTrak™ Mower: Provides a professional "manicured" look for the residential areas of the property with high-speed precision.

Common Questions About Small Farm Equipment (FAQ)

Is a compact excavator better than a trencher for farm water lines? Yes, as Kyle found, an excavator like the 60P offers more depth and can handle "sloughing" (collapsing soil) much better than a dedicated trencher. It also gives you a versatile machine for lifting and grading once the pipe is in the ground.

What flowers are best for high-tunnel growing in Colorado? Sarah has had great success extending her season with dahlias, zinnias, sunflowers, lisianthus, and early-season ranunculus. The high tunnels protect these specialty blooms from our unpredictable spring and fall frosts.

How user-friendly are the controls on a 1-Series tractor? John Deere designs these machines for "smooth" operation. With hydrostatic transmissions and intuitive joystick controls for the loader, most operators feel confident within minutes of getting in the seat.

Can I try this equipment on my own property? While we can't bring the whole store to you, we invite you to The Backyard's demo area. You can hop in the seat of a 1023R or a 60P and see for yourself how quick and reactive the controls really are.

Ready to start your own restoration journey? Watch the McConnell family’s story here: https://youtu.be/MrsgDOxivOY and stop by The Backyard to find the tools to grow your dream.