by Barbara J. Smith

     James “Jeff ” Kayler, a University of Idaho (UI) graduate of the agricultural systems management (ASM) program, has seen good times and difficult times while working the family farm that spans six generations and extraordinary changes. He has used the diverse training he received at UI as his guide in assisting the family farm business with these changes.

Jeff Kayler looks down over the Kayler Bend Golf Course from his vantage point on the original family homestead.

     Kayler’s senior project in college explored nonconventional ways to continue farming the land in spite of adverse economic or catastrophic weather conditions. His project, “Fantasy Farming,” would prove to be a valuable asset to him in years to come.
     The original Kayler farm of Peck, Idaho, was homesteaded in 1898 and consisted of two 40-acre parcels set in the hills overlooking the Camas Prairie in northern Idaho. In the 1950s, the Kaylers expanded their farmland to include acreage along the Clearwater River while continuing to dryland farm the original homestead. In 1957, they began to irrigate the land along the river, turning it into pasture for grazing their herd of approximately 40 Holstein cows. Their dairy operation complimented the dryland operation. After many years of dairy farming, the Kayler’s decided to make an unprecedented change in their farming practices. Using some of Jeff ’s fantasy farming approach, the family came up with the idea to develop a seedling nursery and Christmas tree farm. It was quite a change from traditional dryland and dairy farming.
     During the next 30 years in the nursery business, they shipped seedling trees and shrubs throughout the United States and western Canada. The Christmas tree “choose and cut” side complimented the nursery side of the business. The nursery/seedling production was on a three-year cycle that went from planting stage to a sellable product.
     The spring of 1995 brought adverse weather conditions in the form of too much rain. Plantings that should have been in the ground in early May could not be planted until June. One week after the planting, a torrent of 90°F-plus days swept over the area and killed all of the seedlings. It meant that in two years the business would have no product to sell or ship. The remaining Christmas tree end of the business would not support the family’s needs.
     This weather catastrophe forced the Kaylers to again explore other options. Jeff had a desire to turn the nursery land toward one of his passions – golf! This idea was not an option the average farmer would think of exploring. However, over the years of planting and harvesting, Kayler noticed the natural lay of the land invited tees, greens, and fairways. The farm would make a perfect golf course, he reasoned. This inspiration came with some experience. During college, Kayler was also a member of the UI golf team. His flexibility and “fantasy” thinking told him it was worth a try. The concept was turned into a reality in 1998.
     The golf course was designed and constructed by the Kayler family under the direction of this “fantasy farmer,” and now course superintendent, Jeff Kayler. With the use of a ditch witch, backhoe, and a number-two shovel, over four miles of underground pipe and wire were installed. Specialists were consulted regarding technical features such as constructing ponds and the irrigation system.
     Part of the success in getting the nine-hole golf course underway was Kayler’s ability to barter. He traded the essential tee and green leveling with a company that did the necessary logging and clearing. A much needed, yet expensive deck lawn mower was traded for four-season golf passes. Even equipment maintenance is bartered. Steve Ballard, superintendent of the Orofino Golf Course, brings his equipment to the Kayler’s shop. Winters consist of sharpening mowers and repairing equipment based on Ballard’s 20 years of experience and expertise, partnered with Kayler’s tools and facilities.
     Using his ASM training and common sense, Kayler controls his three-year-old golf course expenditures for a reduced outlay over the average facility of equal size. He waters 1/4 inch a night from tee to green using 250,000 gallons per night. This is 500 gallons a minute for 6 1/2 hours. The water usage is between 2 and 2.5 million gallons of water annually, far less than comparable courses. Located next to the Clearwater River, black algae can present problems. He controls the algae by letting the surface dry out once a week to prevent the growth of fungus and moss.
     Most courses fertilize heavily in April, while Kayler fertilizes lightly in the spring. He feels the only thing heavy fertilizer does is create more mowing. He fertilizes again in June and a final time in September. The September process includes potassium, which thickens cell walls and acts as an anti-freeze in winter. With thicker cell walls, the plants will not dry out in freezing temperatures and are heat tolerant in summer. He also uses a fungicide in winter to prevent snow mold.
     Kayler and most experts thought this venture would take 10 years before it looked like a real golf course. Everyone got quite a surprise. The developing plants are now tight and weed-free in just three years. The fertilizer suppliers are especially amazed at the high quality of growth the Kayler Bend Golf Course has achieved on the less-than-normal product usage.

The third year and second season of Kayler Bend Golf Course is remarkably developed for area golfers. Ponds were hand dug by Jeff Kayler.

     Area golfers are discovering this nine-hole course tucked out in the country along the river. Word is spreading, and Kayler Bend is becoming a course of choice by golfers. Having the only driving range in the immediate area adds to the attraction.
     What started out as a senior project for Jeff Kayler has given freedom to his own “fantasy farming” idea.