MPS Farm to School Meeting for Growers
2020-12-15 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) is seeking Farm to School partner farms to sell produce to our school district for the 2021-2022 school year. Are you a farmer who is interested in learning more about MPS’ Farm to School program and how we work with local farms? Curious if partnering with MPS may be a good fit for your farm?

MPS invites all farmers, farm cooperatives, food hubs, aggregators, and other parties who may be interested in working with our district to attend our VIRTUAL FARM TO SCHOOL INFORMATIONAL MEETING on December 15th from 10:00-11:00am to learn more about MPS’ Farm to School Program.

MPS FARM TO SCHOOL INFORMATIONAL MEETING
When: Tuesday, December 15, 2020, 10:00-11:00am
Where: ZOOM – please RSVP by December 11 to receive a meeting access link

To RSVP: please email kate.seybold@mpls.k12.mn.us or call/text 612-517-5522

Who: Farmers, farm cooperatives, food hubs, aggregators, etc. All are welcome!
Why: Learn more about MPS’ Farm to School Program, including:

Farm to School Request for Proposal bidding process
On-farm food safety requirements, education, and support
Desired Farm to School items for 21-22 school year

BACKGROUND: Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) has been purchasing local, sustainably grown produce from small and mid-sized farms in our region since 2013. MPS is committed to working with emerging farmers – including women, people of color, immigrants, young and beginning farmers, Native Americans, and veterans. This school year, MPS has bought nearly 100,000 pounds of local produce from a dozen partner farms and farm cooperatives. MPS selects Farm to School partner farms through a formal bidding process (Farm to School Request for Proposal) each winter for the next school year. Farms and specific crops are selected based on price, produce quality, environmental sustainability, supplier diversity and farm values. For more information about MPS’ Farm to School program, please visit our website: cws.mpls.k12.mn.us/farms.

Please RSVP no later than Friday, December 11 to receive a virtual meeting access link. To RSVP and/or ask questions, please contact Kate Seybold at kate.seybold@mpls.k12.mn.us or 612-517-5522.

Active Carbon and Soil Protein: New Frontiers for Monitoring Soil Health and Quality
2020-12-15 11:00 - 12:00
FREE to all registrants!

Featuring Dr. Karl Wyant, Vice President of Ag Science Heliae® Agriculture

Dr. Wyant will discuss the importance and utility of two up-and-coming measures of soil health: active carbon and soil protein. He will break down a soil report and discuss field carbon management at length. Dr. Wyant will examine best management practices for sampling and describe which field management practices can have the biggest impact on active carbon and soil protein.

1 CEU Soil and Water Management (CCA/CPAg)
1 CEU Professional Meetings (CPSS/CPSC)
Registration for the live webinar provides free access to the recording for 30 days.
Questions? Contact Lacey Edwardson

CCSI Webinar - Economics of Soil Health / Communicating with Lenders
2021-01-05 07:30 - 08:30
This webinar features Ken Rulon, Rulon Enterprises, who will discuss the economic returns of their soil health cropping systems and how to effectively communicate adoption of practices, such as cover crops, with lenders.
Rulon Enterprises is a family farm located in Arcadia, Indiana, that continues a seven-generation tradition of sustainable and environmentally responsible farming. Ken’s area of expertise on the farm includes managing Landlord relationships, managing the farm finances, and long-term strategic positioning of the businesses. He researches and writes the farm’s risk management plan that is shared in the subscriber’s section of this website. Recent presentations are archived in the subscriber’s section.
Interested in other events? Visit CCSIN.org

5th Annual Soil Health Conference
2021-01-06 - 2021-01-07
A new year is just around the corner, and it’s time to think about some new resolutions. If you’ve resolved to help improve soil health, then the 2021 Soil Health Conference, Jan. 6-7, has just the information you need to get started!
This year’s conference will be held virtually using a digital tool called Whova which will allow for a full schedule of speaker sessions, awards, producer panels, and time to engage with speakers and sponsors. The Whova platform also includes an app for your mobile device, so you can join in the fun no matter where you are!
You’ll hear from Dr. Rattan Lal, who received the 2020 World Food Prize for developing and mainstreaming a soil-centric approach to increasing food production that restores and conserves natural resources and mitigates climate change.
Oklahoma farmer and rancher Jimmy Emmons will explain how he uses a 9-crop rotation, cover crops and livestock to help his soil withstand Mother Nature’s extremes. Iowa farmer and innovator Loran Steinlage will discuss how he builds equipment to plant cover crops.
Nebraska agronomist Dale Strickler will go over some of the finer details of growing cover crops, and South Dakota’s own Nick Jorgensen of Jorgensen Land and Cattle will cover the economics of soil health practices and how to use a virtual fence when grazing cattle.
One of the best features of the conference will be the chance to ask questions from a panel of the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition Board of Directors, a group of producers dedicated to improving their soils, increasing the profitability of their operations, and preserving the land for the next generation of producers. These farmers and ranchers have the real-world experience to help you avoid mistakes as you undertake your own soil health journey!
All of this information will have you motivated to start making changes and increasing your operational sustainability in the new year!
Students can register for the conference for free, and there will be activities for them with prizes to be won! The $25 conference registration includes opportunity to become a 2021 member of the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition if desired.
Lifetime and 2021 paid members of the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition can also register for free.
Registering for the conference is easy. Click here to get started. Once registered, you’ll receive e-mail instructions on how to log into Whova or download the Whova app to begin your Soil Health Conference Experience!
For more information, contact the SDSHC at 605-280-4190 or sdsoilhealth@gmail.com.

Minnesota Organic Conference
2021-01-07 15:00 - 16:00, 2021-01-14 15:00 - 16:00, 2021-01-21 15:00 - 16:00, 2021-01-28 15:00 - 16:00
The 2021 Minnesota Organic Conference is going virtual!
Grab your coffee, tea, or hot cocoa and join us each Thursday in January at 3:00 p.m. CT, from the comfort of your home.
No worries, if you can’t make it for the live event – recordings will be available for one week following each session.
Join us to learn more about healthy farms, food, businesses, and soils. Registration is $10 per session or $30 for all four.
All sessions begin at 3:00 p.m. Central Time. Recordings will be available for one week following each session.
Here is the session lineup:
Thursday, January 7
Back to the Future: Regenerative-Organic Food Production for Good Health

Bob Quinn, PhD, Organic Farmer, Entrepreneur, Author

Thursday, January 14
The Connection Between Farm Ecosystem Health and Human Health

Silvia Abel-Caines, PhD, Organic Valley Ruminant Nutritionist

Thursday, January 21
The Challenges of Our Times: Climate Change, COVID, and Organic Farm Viability

Carolyn Dimitri, PhD, New York University Department of Nutrition, Food Studies and Public Health
Andy Pressman, National Center for Appropriate Technology
Cristel Zoebisch, Organic Farming Research Foundation

Thursday, January 28
Soil Health on Organic Farms

Amber Sciligo, PhD, The Organic Center Science Program Manager

Please go to www.mda.state.mn.us/moc for more information and to register.

National No-Till Conference
2021-01-12 - 2021-01-15
The National No-Tillage Conference 2021 is going virtual!
Since 1993 the National No-Tillage Conference has been the leading no-till education and networking event for farmers across the U.S. and Canada. Hosted by No-Till Farmer and co-sponsored by 14 industry-leading companies, the conference changes themes annually and brings the best minds in no-till farming together to discuss strategies, challenges and successes. With dozens of targeted sessions, the conference delivers insightful learning from the best of the no-till community.
The 29th annual National No-Tillage Conference offers a unique, one-of-a-kind learning experience assembling the best no-tillers, agronomists and researches to bring you a mix of thought-provoking General Sessions, expert-led No-Till Classrooms, and interactive No-Till Roundtables. Join us to glean cutting-edge ideas and strategies to improve the profitability and efficiency of your no-till system on Jan. 12-15, 2021!
Speakers include:

No-tiller Rick Clark, Williamsport, Ind.
No-tiller Loran Steinlage, West Union, Iowa
Ag economist John Ikerd, University of Missouri
No-tiller Annie Dee, Aliceville, Ala.
No-tiller and cover crop expert Steve Groff, Holtwood, Pa.
Weed specialist Bob Hartzler, Iowa State University Extension
Soil microbiologist Kris Nichols, Mertztown, Pa.
No-tiller Jay Baxter, Georgetown, Del.
And many more!

Renting It Out Right — Intro to Conservation on Rented Land
2021-01-12 12:30 - 14:00
Virtual event

RSVP to Robin Moore, LSP, rmoore@landstewardshipproject.org, 320-269-2105

This is one of three Land Stewardship Project introductory programs on conservation leases and practices on rented farmland. These virtual, online programs are for non-operating landowners and/or farmers who rent land and would like resources for working with their landowners. For more information, contact LSP’s Robin Moore at 320-269-2105 or via e-mail.
• Jan. 12, 12:30 p.m.- 2 p.m. (featuring Swift County Soil and Water Conservation District)
• Jan. 20, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. (featuring Kandiyohi Soil and Water Conservation District)
• Jan. 29, 1:30 p.m.-4 p.m. (for women landowners and producers only, featuring Douglas County Soil and Water Conservation District)

Virtual Shop Visit - Planter Set-up for High Residue Conditions
2021-01-19 07:30 - 08:30
Join Paul Jasa, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, for a virtual shop visit, where he will review set-up for high residue conditions on a variety of planter row units.
Paul develops and conducts educational programs related to crop production that improve profitability, build soil health, and reduce risks to the environment. He has been working with planting equipment and tillage system evaluation at the University since 1978. Across the years, he’s worked with no-till, soil and water conservation, residue management, crop rotations, and, more recently, cover crops and soil health.
If you are interested in other Soil Health Events, visit CCSIN.org

On-Farm Economics
2021-01-19 11:00 - 12:00
Measuring and assessing soil health are critical for understanding how changes in agronomic management practices affect the capability of soil to support cropping systems. In this presentation, the Soil Health Institute will present an evaluation of the economics of adopting Soil Health Management Systems developed from 125 interviews with farmers and accounting for changes in management. This presentation will focus on how financial outcomes of adopting Soil Health Management Systems compare to more conventional production practices.
CEUs:
CCAs and CPAgs will receive 0.5 Soil and Water Management CEU, and 0.5 Crop Management CEU.
CPSS and CPSCs will receive 1.0 Professional Meetings CEU.

SOIL HEALTH U & TRADE SHOW
2021-01-20 - 2021-01-21
CONTACT: KYLIE REISS, EVENTS MANAGER • PHONE: 620-227-1834 • EMAIL: KREISS@HPJ.COM
SOIL HEALTH U & TRADE SHOW WILL GO VIRTUAL JAN. 21
DODGE CITY, KS—Due to local ongoing health and safety concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic
in the state, High Plains Journal and primary partners Prairie Foods and Exapta Solutions have decided to
transition the upcoming Soil Health U & Trade Show into a virtual event the morning of Jan. 21.
Learn practical ways to increase soil health and maximize profits on every acre at Soil Health U 2021. Attendee registration covers access to:

1 Full Day – Attendees will be able to choose, on the registration page, which day they would like to attend.
15+ Breakout Sessions
CEU Credits Available
3 Keynote Sessions
Practical Application Farmer Panels
65+ Booth Trade Show
On-site Lunch On Day of Choice
Access to the 2021 Soil Health U webinars – more information coming soon
1-year subscription to The High Plains Journal

The new virtual Soil Health U will feature our three keynote speakers during morning webinar sessions on
Jan. 21. Jimmy Emmons, third-generation farmer and rancher, regional coordinator for the Southern Plains
Region- FPAC within USDA, will lead off with a state of the state of soil health address. Kris Nichols, Ph.D.,
soil microbiologist and founder and principal scientist of KRIS Systems Education & Consultation and Rick
Clark, fifth-generation farmer and owner of Farm Green, will follow. There will be plenty of time allotted for
questions and answers from the audience during the live webinar sessions, and the sessions will be recorded
for registered attendees to access after the event.
New this year, we plan to offer virtual breakout sessions so that attendees can have more time for idea exchanges
and further explore topics with their fellow attendees, speakers and other soil health notables in
the field.
Current registrants will be contacted regarding their status for the new virtual Soil Health U. Registration for
the Virtual Soil Health U is open at www.soilhealthu.net. High Plains Journal subscribers check your current
issue for a free registration code. The cost is $25 for non-subscribers. Registration will be required to access
the live event and the recordings of the presentations as well as the breakout idea exchange sessions. Watch
www.soilhealthu.net for updated programming and registration notes.
The Virtual Soil Health U is sponsored by High Plains Journal, PrairieFoods, and Exapta Solutions.
Since 1949 HPJ has been the weekly source for news, markets and commentary for farmers and ranchers in
12 states across the Plains. From the Dakotas to Texas, rural leaders, and influencers #RideWithUs in print,
online at www.hpj.com, and now via our podcast “HPJ Talk.” Our slate of educational events now includes:
Soil Health U, Cattle U, Sorghum U, Wheat U, Alfalfa U, Row Crop U and Cotton U.
SPONSORSHIP GUIDE
#SOILHEALTHU2021
soilhealthu.net
JANUARY 20-21, 2021
Tony’s Pizza Events Center | Salina, KS
2021 SHU Press Release Flyer

Guide to Outcomes Estimation Tools
2021-01-20 11:00 - 12:00
In December of 2020, American Farmland Trust’s Dr. Michelle Perez (Water Initiative Director) and Dr. Emily Cole (Climate and Agriculture Program Manager for New England) published “A Guide to Water Quality, Climate, Social, and Economic Outcomes Estimate Tools: Quantifying Outcomes to Accelerate Farm Conservation Practice Adoption.”

The guide features 14 outcomes estimation tools and two methods, which can be used by farm conservation project managers without requiring professional computer modeling experience. In this webinar, we will:

Present tips on how farm conservation project managers can use the Guide to identify a tool or a method that might work for them – Compare and contrast tools that are suited for field versus project evaluation and tools that offer site-specific versus generalized estimates – Review recommendations that will foster further refinement of the existing tools and methods and better support project managers

Who should attend: Anyone in the farm conservation community (producers and landowners, farm and environmental groups, agricultural retailers and crop consultants, government representatives at federal, state, and local levels, academics, supply chain sustainability leaders, environmental market developers, and many others such as research and charitable foundations).

Renting It Out Right — Intro to Conservation on Rented Land
2021-01-20 18:00 - 20:30
Virtual event

RSVP to Robin Moore, LSP, rmoore@landstewardshipproject.org

This is one of three Land Stewardship Project introductory programs on conservation leases and practices on rented farmland. These virtual, online programs are for non-operating landowners and/or farmers who rent land and would like resources for working with their landowners. For more information, contact LSP’s Robin Moore at 320-269-2105 or via e-mail.
• Jan. 12, 12:30 p.m.- 2 p.m. (featuring Swift County Soil and Water Conservation District)
• Jan. 20, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. (featuring Kandiyohi Soil and Water Conservation District)
• Jan. 29, 1:30 p.m.-4 p.m. (for women landowners and producers only, featuring Douglas County Soil and Water Conservation District)

PFI's 2021 Virtual Annual Conference
2021-01-21 - 2021-01-23
It is a familiar journey: driving home through the dark, icy chill as your headlights glare into the falling snow. You release held breath as your tires feel the last turn onto the gravel in the January night. Travelling to PFI’s annual conference each year is like visiting family, like being at a reunion where relationships grow and deepen; where we hear new ideas, make new friends and improve our farms. You’ve driven through blizzards, ice and drifted roads not to miss this. But this year, with the risks of COVID-19 we won’t ask you to.
For three days of the deep winter, be safe and easy in your home while we gather on PFI’s virtual conference platform to engage with old friends and new, invited speakers and exhibitors. We will bring familiar elements you expect of the conference – like practical, farmer-led sessions, roundtables and moderated panels on the issues that matter to you and your farms. We’ll also have some new offerings, including youth sessions, lightning talks, farmer-to-farmer conversations, a night of storytelling and PFI’s first feature-length film, “Livestock on the Land.” There’s even a virtual potluck.
The platform offers unique opportunities. All talks will be recorded and immediately available to re-watch. You can chat with other attendees, create meet-ups and reserve rooms for ad-hoc meetings. And the conference space is open 24 hours a day, so you can take all the time you need for the afternoon snack break.
Home is about remembering where your soul rests. It’s about finding comfort as you forge new paths and remembering you needn’t make the journey alone. From kitchen tables and coffee tables, Coming Home will be a conference of learning and sharing, relaxing and reconnecting while building resilient farms and communities.
Using your feedback related to a virtual conference experience (and your feedback over many years!), we selected a top-notch platform that will be simple to navigate, will offer multiple simultaneous sessions and will allow you to interact and network while also providing adequate privacy controls. PFI’s virtual annual conference will be hosted on a Pathable- and Zoom-based platform built by GTR.
Here are a few things to look forward to:
The session scheduling tool allows you to create a personalized agenda that will add reminders to your conference homepage
Create a profile with as much or as little information about yourself as you choose
Easily join sessions from your computer or phone (though we recommend a larger screen for movie night!)
Participate in moderated roundtable discussions with other attendees
Message other attendees and exhibitors, or set up video meetings within the platform
Share contact information with other attendees and exhibitors
Browse the virtual trade show, and interact with vendors and exhibitors via messaging or video meetings
Re-watch sessions you loved, or sessions you missed – they’ll be recorded and made available same-day
Register multiple people from your household so you can log in on multiple devices (or watch together, if you prefer!)
Thirty-seven of our general sessions are approved for certified crop advisor CEU credits
If you plan your grocery trips right, there should be plenty of coffee and tea during snack breaks!

Winter Soil Health Virtual Series
2021-01-27 10:00 - 12:00, 2021-02-03 10:00, 2021-02-10 10:00 - 12:00, 2021-02-17 10:00 - 12:00
Wanting to hear from farmers and specialists about specific soil health topics? We have you covered! Tune in every Wednesday from 10am – 12pm from the comfort of your home, shop, or vacation spot to learn about the following topics:

January 27 Timing and Options: Getting starting, 101, making plans A, B, and C
February 3 Cover Crop Mixes: Mixes, species, timing, equipment, herbicides
February 10 Livestock Integration: Timing, herbicides, infrastructure, etc
February 17 Small Grains: Herbicides, timing, management, equipment
February 24 Interseeding Covers: Herbicides, species, mixes, timing, method, management, equipment
We’ll give a free Talk Dirty to Me About Soil Health t-shirt away at every event, must attend to be in the running!

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88355507688?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 883 5550 7688
Passcode: [REDACTED]
312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Virtual Event Flyer

Reclaiming Our Voices: For Farmers, by Farmers, with Farmers
2021-01-29 - 2021-01-30
16th Annual Emerging Farmers Conference
The annual Emerging Farmers Conference serves to advance the success and sustainability of farmers who traditionally face barriers to the education and resources necessary to build profitable agricultural businesses. This innovative conference focuses primarily on the needs and interests of farmers of color and immigrant farmers, and supports their contributions to local economic development and building healthy communities. It does so by connecting farmers, farm advocates, educators, professionals, experts, and agency officials.
For more information, please visit https://emergingfarmers.org/
Contact KaZoua Berry at kberry@thefoodgroupmn.org or call 651-504-8105 if you need help with translation or registration.

Women Renting It Out Right — Intro to Conservation on Rented Land
2021-01-29 08:00 - 17:00
Virtual event

RSVP to Robin Moore, LSP, rmoore@landstewardshipproject.org

Women face unique challenges when navigating the agricultural world, either as farmers or as landowners. One of three Land Stewardship Project introductory programs on conservation leases and practices on rented farmland, this workshop creates a woman only space to share experiences and ask questions in a supportive – and fun!!- environment. These virtual, online programs are for non-operating landowners and/or farmers who rent land and would like resources for working with their landowners. For more information, contact LSP’s Robin Moore at 320-269-2105 or via e-mail.
• Jan. 12, 12:30 p.m.- 2 p.m. (featuring Swift County Soil and Water Conservation District)
• Jan. 20, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. (featuring Kandiyohi Soil and Water Conservation District)
• Jan. 29, 1:30 p.m.-4 p.m. (for women landowners and producers only, featuring Douglas County Soil and Water Conservation District)

Virtual Shop Visit - Planter Modifications for Different Conditions
2021-02-02 07:30 - 08:30
Join AJ Adkins, owner of NTM Ag Equipment and Dawn Equipment Specialist, as he shows us a variety of planter modifications. AJ will talk about the process of setting up a planter for a client based on their farming system and field conditions.
You can learn more about AJ’s work at ntmagequipment.com or on his Twitter feed @AdamJAdkins
If you’re interested in other Soil Health Events, visit CCSIN.org

SFA Annual Conference
2021-02-08 - 2021-02-13
Join us for SFA’s 31st Annual Conference, a virtual event with interactive online programming featuring the shared wisdom of our sustainable farming community. and, where possible, local in-person gatherings – “meet ups” – that conform to COVID-19 guidelines,
Registration is now open!
Free to SFA members, $40 to non members. Registration required here.
We’re planning interactive sessions and features with topics including:

Silvopasture and Agroforestry
Conservation Practices and Programs for Your Farm
Farm to Local Grocery
A Conversation with Alan Guebert
Soil Health: Hay & Forage
Quality of Life on the Farm
“Side Hustles” – Off-season Income
Thom Petersen, MN Department of Agriculture Commissioner on COVID-19 Meat Processing Initiatives and Challenges
Theresa Keaveny interviews MN Attorney General, Keith Ellison
Beth Dooley on Cooking with Perennial Crops
A Music-filled Social Hour
and more

See the Sessions & Features HERE.

Sponsors and Exhibitors
Support SFA’s mission of sustainable, regenerative and resilient agriculture while promoting your organization, programs, products or services through the conference’s interactive online format and in-person events.
Download Sponsor/Exhibitor Information and Application Form HERE
You may pay for your sponsorship or exhibitor fee HERE. Please also fill out the form as well.
Questions? Email Katie Feterl

Agronomic and Economic Considerations for the Business Case of Adopting Soil Health Management Systems
2021-02-09 13:00 - 14:00
Participants will learn agricultural production factors along combination with economic considerations for evaluating profitability of adopting Soil Health Management Systems.
Information in this webinar is based on the potential soil health benefits of various alternatives to conventional tillage and associated production practices. Demonstrations presented will teach participants methods of comparing financial outcomes of adopting Soil Health Management Systems. Focus groups for the presentation are farmers, landowners, farm managers, consultants, crop advisors, and researchers.

This webinar is presented by the USDA NRCS Soil Health Division. Contact Candy Thomas, Regional Soil Health Specialist, Soil Health Division for more information about this webinar.
Audio is Computer Broadcast only | Live captions
NOTE: A “view” button will be available within one week of the live presentation date to access the on-demand recording of this webinar.

Farming for the Future: A Forum Exploring Ecosystem Markets
2021-02-12 11:30 - 13:30
Join the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership and organizations from Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, and Wisconsin for a free, national webinar exploring different environmental and carbon market opportunities for Midwest farmers. This event brings four prominent carbon markets to one table, Indigo Ag, Nori, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium, and the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund, providing farmers a side-by-side comparison of opportunities. Presentations will walk the audience through the process of program enrollment from start to finish, highlighting key contract terms and conditions, payment schedules, and verification requirements.

So... You Want Me to Change How I Farm?
2021-02-16 07:30 - 08:30
This webinar features Rodney Rulon, Rulon Enterprises, who will discuss the financial and operational questions a farmer answers before deciding to adopt a conservation practice. It is important for anyone – conservation professional, landowner, land manager, etc. – to understand these decisions when they are asking farmers to adopt any conservation practice.
Rulon Enterprises is a family farm located in Arcadia, Indiana, that continues a seven-generation tradition of sustainable and environmentally responsible farming. Rodney is responsible for leading the farms development of a production system focused on Maximum Economic Yield. This approach includes the cost to society of erosion and nutrient leaching. He manages the farm’s drainage system design, soil sampling and fertility, and conservation programs. He continues to develop the farms cover crop program to improve soil health.
Rodney currently serves as a Supervisor on the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District and is an NACD Soil Health Champion.
You can find other Soil Health Events at CCSIN.org

Principles to Practices - Soil Health with Jay Fuhrer and Jon Stika
2021-02-16 13:00 - 16:00
Zoom Virtual Event
Come join us for a workshop with presentations from widely recognized soil health experts! Learn why soil health matters and how you can assess soil health on your farm. Along with how to incorporate soil health into practices. Hear information and data from planting cash crops into green cover crops (planting green) and grazing perennial/annual covers at Menoken Farm. There will also be opportunities for Q&A and networking with fellow attendees!
Info about presenters:
Jay Fuhrer spent 40+ years working for the NRCS. His work with the soil health team in Burleigh County, ND successfully partnered with stakeholders and farmers to incorporate the five soil health practices across the county and help inspire others across the Midwest. He is known and has spoken internationally about soil health. Jay now spends his time incorporating soil health practices at Menoken Farm.
Jon Stika is a retired soil scientist and soil health instructor with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service and is currently a research technician at the North Dakota State University Dickinson Research Extension Center, environmental consultant, contributing writer to AgDaily and Brew Your Own magazine, and brewer/consultant at Phat Fish Brewing Company LLC in Dickinson, North Dakota. Jon is also the author of “A Soil Owner’s Manual: How To Restore and Maintain Soil Health” published in April of 2016. He is the 2014 recipient of the Legacy of Conservation Award from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, 2014 United States Zero Till Non-Farmer of the Year Award winner from the Manitoba-North Dakota Zero Tillage Farmers Association, 2002 & 2014 Professional Award winner from the North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts and 2006 Fellow Award winner from the Soil & Water Conservation Society for his work in writing and teaching about soil health.
This event is free. We encourage you to donate to LSP if you are able.

Growing Stronger - Collaborative Conference on Organic & Sustainable Farming
2021-02-22 - 2021-02-27
We’re joining forces to bring our communities together in one multi-day, multi-topic, must-see event! With 6 days of premium education packed with purposeful discussions, Growing Stronger will build your skills and nurture your passion for organic and sustainable farming.

If you usually attend one of these conferences, you’re in for a treat. Not only will you get the kind of content you’ve come to expect, you’ll also find a full array of workshops and discussions to complement and broaden your experience. You’ll see familiar faces plus connect with a wider community of people working to build resilient farms and robust food systems.

If you’re new to organic production or grass-based livestock, you’ll find the answers you need to make critical decisions for your farm. You’ll draw upon a wealth of information not just in workshops, but also in facilitated discussions, meet-ups, speed talks, and the virtual exhibit space.

Growing Stronger gives you:

More than 60 workshops spanning 10 categories. Participate in live workshops with Q&As and watch all the rest at your leisure—recorded content will be available for 90 days.
Facilitated “roundtable” discussions to share ideas and move the needle on important issues.
Farmer Speed Presentations to highlight new practices, innovative tips, or simply explore each other’s farms.
Exhibit space with “Show Specials” so you can get the supplies you need at the best prices. Browse resources and chat with suppliers, buyers, certifiers, consultants, and more.
Evening gatherings and farming-related films.
Keynote conversations from the Real Organic Symposium featuring prominent voices in the organic movement.
Bookstore hosted by Mother Earth News with a great selection of titles on farming, green living, and more.
Access to a rich conference experience right from the comfort of your home—no need to travel or hire someone to do chores!

2021 Farming and Ranching for the Bottom Line
2021-02-23 - 2021-02-24
Please join us for the 6th annual ‘Farming and Ranching for the Bottom Line’ event on February 23 & 24, 2021. This year, like most other events, will look a little different. We have an excellent line-up of speakers for this virtual conference delivered via Zoom. Registration is free, and those who preregister will have the Zoom link emailed to them the week of the conference. Check out the full agenda below to see the line-up of speakers and topics.
This event is made possible by our partners: Area 4 Research Farm, Bismarck State College, Morton and Burleigh County Soil Conservation Districts, Menoken Farm, ND Grazing Lands Coalition, NDSU Extension, NDSU Research Extension Centers, USDA Agricultural Research Service, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
