The Hutchisons' use of variable-rate nitrogen applications onto crops are split up through the growing season to boost yields while reducing the potential for runoff. To further protect water quality, they practice mulch and strip-till practices, have installed grassed waterways and buffers, and have completed wetland restoration projects and forest management.

The high temporal resolution of HLS has enabled the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the Maryland Department of Agriculture to verify reported cover crop terminations from space.