MN Soil Health Coalition

NCAT Webinar Series: Federal Assistance for Natural Resource Conservation on Working Lands
2020-10-08 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago)
Webinar Series Explains Access to Federal Assistance for Natural Resource Conservation on Working Lands
Webinar Part 1: The Overview – Thursday, September 17
Webinar Part 2: The Process – Thursday, September 24
Webinar Part 3: Deep Dive – Thursday, October 8
This is a webinar series supported by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) and its ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture Program.
Farmers and ranchers nationwide will have access to billions of dollars in federal assistance through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) to maintain and begin critical conservation efforts on their farms and ranches that benefit us all. How is access to these resources determined?
In 2020 a new tool called the Conservation Assessment Ranking Tool (CART) was introduced by NRCS. It uses a conservation program neutral method to assess the existing condition and planned conservation activities on a client’s operation and provides an efficient ranking tool to rank single applications into multiple applicable ranking pools for funding consideration. A three-part webinar series on CART will take place during September and October to provide interested farmers and ranchers with an overview of the tool, as well as a deeper look into how it works.
Presenters:

Aaron Lauster, Conservation Planning Branch Chief, NRCS
Eric McTaggart, Natural Resources Specialist, NRCS

Moderator:

Jeff Schahczenski, Agricultural and Natural Resources Economist, NCAT

Webinar 1: Conservation Assessment Ranking Tool (CART): Overview

Thursday, September 17, 1:30 p.m. EDT
Presented by: Aaron Lauster, Conservation Planning Branch Chief, NRCS
This webinar is intended to give farmers and ranchers a basic understanding and familiarity with CART, including how CART can be used to evaluate their operations for conservation assistance and funding consideration, and how they can request an assessment.
Register for Part 1 here: https://attra.ncat.org/cart-part-1/

Webinar 2: Conservation Assessment Ranking Tool (CART): The Process

Thursday, September 24, 3:00 p.m. EDT
Presented by: Eric McTaggart, Natural Resources Specialist, NRCS, and Aaron Lauster, Conservation Planning Branch Chief, NRCS
This webinar will walk through an example of a farmer or rancher who is interested in applying for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) with NRCS. It will start with completing a CART assessment on the client’s operation and then explain how that application is considered for funding.
Register for Part 2 here: https://attra.ncat.org/cart-part-2/

Webinar 3: Conservation Assessment Ranking Tool (CART): Deep Dive

Thursday, October 8, 2:00 p.m. EDT
Presented by: Aaron Lauster, Conservation Planning Branch Chief, NRCS, and Eric McTaggart, Natural Resources Specialist, NRCS
This webinar will build on the previous two by taking a deeper look at the science behind CART and the methodology the ranking tool uses to rank different applications across multiple ranking pools for funding consideration.
Register for Part 3 here: https://attra.ncat.org/cart-part-3/

All three webinars will be recorded and posted online at a later date.
About the Presenters:
Aaron Lauster, Conservation Planning Branch Chief, NRCS
Aaron has worked the last two years leading the development of CART. Prior to working on CART, Aaron was the National Sustainable Agriculture Lead at NRCS
and led development of the Resource Stewardship Evaluation Tool (RSET). Aaron has worked with the Department of Commerce as the Senior Conservation Policy Advisor for the RESTORE Council and lead writer for the development of the Comprehensive Plan for Restoring the Gulf Coast’s Ecosystem and Economy. He has provided leadership on a number of national initiatives including the Air Quality Initiative, Organic Initiative, Mississippi River Healthy Watershed Initiative, Sage Grouse Initiative, and Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Aaron was previously an NRCS Area Conservationist in Michigan and a District Conservationist in Indiana. He also has experience with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and Astbury Environmental Consulting and Private Forestry Consulting.
Eric McTaggart, Natural Resource Specialist, NRCS
Eric McTaggart has worked for NRCS since 2002. He began his career as an intern in his home county of Iroquois County, Illinois, and began his full-time career with

NRCS in 2003 as a Soil Conservationist. From 2005 to 2018, he served in multiple counties throughout Illinois as a District Conservationist. He also successfully implemented the Indian Creek Watershed project and the Headwaters of the Vermilion project, with the goal of improved water and soil quality. In 2018, Eric became a Natural Resource Specialist in the Financial Assistance Program Division based in Washington, D.C., where he developed Farm Bill Financial Assistance Program policy and provided training and support to the state branches of the agency. He also served six months as the project coordinator for the development of CART. In 2019, he joined the Conservation Planning and Technical Assistance Division where he provides CART training, guidance, and support to states while continuing his work on the development of enhancements and new functionalities for future versions of CART.

Since 1976, the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) has been helping people build resilient communities through local and sustainable solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen self-reliance, and protect natural resources. More information about its programs and services is available at www.ncat.org or by calling 1-800-ASK-NCAT.

NCAT Headquarters:
3040 Continental Drive
Butte, MT 59701
1-800-ASK-NCAT

THE NCAT MISSION
Helping people by championing small-scale, local, and sustainable solutions to reduce poverty, promote healthy communities, and protect natural resources.

Fence Options for Grazing Cover Crops and Corn Residue: Paynesville
2020-10-13 13:00 - 16:00 | Paynesville
SFA’s ongoing Dirt Rich work continues this summer with four in-person events that, like our corresponding podcast, feature expert knowledge and farm information focused on the Five Principles of Soil Health and especially, in the case of these events, livestock integration.

Each event will be led by SFA Senior Technical Advisor Kent Solberg and the accompanying SFA staff farmer host. These in-person events will be limited to 10 participants each to follow appropriate social distancing guidelines. Registration is free for current SFA members and $40/nonmembers. SFA recommends bringing face masks to its events.

This workshop, Oct. 13 – “Fence Options for Grazing Cover Crops and Corn Residue,” is set for 1-4 p.m. Tues., Oct. 13, at Doug Voss Family Farm, 27725 Business 23 E, Paynesville.

Profitability Strategies: Earning More with Regenerative Ag [Webinar]
2020-10-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Want to improve your farm’s resilience and profitability? Are you working to sustain and build your operation for the next generation? Are you interested in incorporating regenerative ag practices but want insights & support from experts to ensure success?
Adding cover crops, reducing tillage, and other practices can help benefit your soil and your bottom line. And now, increased soil organic matter or reduced greenhouse gas emissions from these practices can also generate verified carbon credits, which are increasingly in demand by buyers, such as major corporations.
To learn more, join the editors of No-Till Farmer for a free webinar on Thursday, October 15 at 10 a.m. CT, “Profitability Strategies: Earning More with Regenerative Ag,” to learn how adopting practices that are good for your farm can also benefit your bottom line.
During this live webinar, Indigo Ag’s Ryan Stockwell and Darrin Unruh will discuss:

How to know when you are making progress on your soil health or regenerative journey
What to include in your plans for adding additional regenerative practices beyond the first year
Insights, data, and decision tools Indigo provides to simplify the process of adding regenerative practices
How Indigo Carbon provides additional income as you incorporate regenerative practices while maintaining operational flexibility
Success stories from the field

Date: Thursday, October 15
Time: 10 a.m. CDT
Speakers: Ryan Stockwell and Darrin Unruh
Register Now
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About the Speakers
Ryan Stockwell, Senior Manager of Agronomic Products
Dr. Ryan Stockwell serves as the Grower Engagement Manager at Indigo Ag. Previously, he served as the Director of Sustainable Agriculture for the National Wildlife Federation. In that role, he led the cover crops program including policy development in the Farm Bill, research coordination, and farmer champion communication training and other strategies to communicate regenerative agriculture to farmers in ways that best meet their decision-making methodologies. Ryan has a PhD in history from the University of Missouri, a Master’s in History from Miami University and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Change and Development from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. In his spare time he farms near Medford, WI using regenerative practices. He has served on the board for the Midwest Cover Crops Council, the Advisory Council for Ag-Analytics, and the North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Administrative Council.
Darrin Unruh, Regional Beneficial Ag Specialist
Darrin grew up on a farm in Reno County Kansas running a 4010 John Deere tractor pulling a four-bottom plow. Since then he has come full circle in terms of his views towards soil health. Darrin took my first Holistic Resource management course in the early 90’s. He and his brother Stacy have a farming partnership consisting of approximately 770 acres that they manage biologically. They have a cow/calf operation that is focused on flex grazing to improve their soils. Darrin works for Indigo Ag as the regenerative ag specialist for the Western region. He also serves on the board of directors for the Kansas Forage and Grasslands Council.

U of M Extension Small Farm Education 8-Week Workshop Series
2020-10-21 18:30 - 20:30
Small Farm Education Workshop Series

Join University of Minnesota Extension Ag Educator Rod Greder for an eight-week workshop series, “Small Farm Education”, a complete introduction to managing your small acreage or farm. This series will be held Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 p.m. beginning October 21. The basic agriculture information received through this series will help you be a good steward of your land and prepare you for more advanced learning opportunities. You’ll also have time for networking and questions.
Topics covered (subject to change):

Taking Stock: What do I have and what do I want to do? Develop short and long term goals, complete an inventory and property map. Introduction to Extension and our resources and programs.
What can I do with my property? Local and state regulations, and your goals. Production systems, marketing and economics for agricultural/rural enterprises. Farm transitions and land access.
Soil, Water, Air, Climate: Learn about soil structure, health, and fertility. Learn how to use integrated sustainable systems to be good stewards of all your natural resources. Regenerative and practical practices.
Buildings, Equipment, Crops, and Livestock: What do you want to produce? Learn about the buildings, equipment, power and supplies you’ll need.
Woodlands and Wildlife: Information to best care for your trees and woodlots. Invasive weeds, pollinators and wildlife habitats. Agroforestry. Silvopasture.
Home-Grown Fruits, Nuts and Vegetables: Successful vegetable and fruit production for home use or sale. Managing fruit trees and vines. Explore options for selling produce. Alternative production systems. Food safety planning.
Animal Care and Management: Animal husbandry, manure management, pasture management, zoning and permitting, labor required and costs of livestock; emphasis on poultry, sheep, goats, and cattle.
Tours and Panels: Visit small farm businesses to get ideas and inspiration. Q&A with farmer panel. Networking with suppliers, vendors, buyers, information providers.
NOTE: Topics are subject to change based on the needs of the participants.

How to Register:

Registration fee is $159 (for two people from one farm) for the 8-week educational series. Late fee: An additional $20 will be charged for registrations received after October 10.
Pre-registration is required, register HERE by October 10 (Please register early as class size is limited).

For more information, please contact Rod Greder, Ag Educator, 320-591-1662 or gred0014@umn.edu.
https://z.umn.edu/PineFarmEd2020

Building Land Resilience Workshop presented by Ecological Design and Main Street Project
2020-10-25 17:00 - 20:00, 2020-10-26 17:00 - 20:00 | Virtual
Join us for a Live Zoom Workshop
Sunday, Oct 25th and Monday, Oct 26th, 5:00-8:00pm
– Building Land Resilience Workshop –
This workshop will explore strategies for building regenerative farming systems and working landscapes. You will leave this workshop with an understanding of regenerative principles, observational exercises and tools to implement regeneration at any scale. Ecological Design will share insights, lessons, and stories from their 20 years of transitioning urban and rural lands. This two part “Building Land Resilience” workshop for farm managers and land stewards is facilitated by Ecological Design, hosted by Main Street Project, and funded in part through a USDA – Beginning Farmer-Rancher Development Program grant. There is no cost to participate, use links below to register.

Part 1: Deepening Your Land Relationship
Oct. 25th 5:00-8:00pm Central Time

Oak savanna ecology

Land assessment

Regenerative disturbance and transition strategies

Part 2: Activation Strategies
Oct. 26th 5:00-8:00pm Central Time

Soil building and water strategies

Getting started

Agroforestry systems

Live Q&A with Paula and Lindsay

Facilitators:
Paula Westmoreland and Lindsay Rebhan are designers, educators, and owners of Ecological Design, a regenerative agriculture and landscape design company working throughout the Midwest. Over the past 20 years they have helped transition hundreds of sites including rural and urban farms, homesteads, public spaces, campuses, and backyards.

Paula Westmoreland, Ecological Design, paula@ecologicaldesign.land
Paula Westmoreland is a permaculture designer, agroecologist, teacher and author who started Ecological Design in 2000. She is passionate about bringing the land back to life, laying the foundation for abundance, and finding pathways for people to reconnect to the land. Paula serves as Board vice-president of the Permaculture Institute of North America.

Lindsay Rebhan, Ecological Design, lindsay@ecologicaldesign.land
Lindsay Rebhan is co-owner of Ecological Design, an agrarian specialist in land planning, agroecology, farm design and land management. Lindsay works with farmers, land owners, food nonprofits, and organizations to increase the natural wealth of land over time. Lindsay co-teaches an annual Regenerative Farm Design Course at Mastodon Valley Farm and an undergraduate course on Environmental Sustainability with HECUA at Lily Springs Farm. She serves on the Advisory Council of the Savanna Institute.

Host:
Since 2016, Ecological Design has been a foundational partner in Main Street Project’s effort to restore 100 acres of corn on corn farmland located in Northfield, MN into a healthy ecosystem by covering the soil, planting perennials, cleaning up waterways, and adding wetlands. The Main Street Project exists to innovate a path toward a more just, resilient, and healthy food system; welcome, support, and value the expertise of immigrant, low income, new and transitioning farmers in a shared economy; and demonstrate perennial agriculture’s capacity to heal the land and care for community.

Fence Options for Grazing Cover Crops & Corn Residue
2020-10-29 09:00 - 12:00 | Jared and Valerie Luhman
The Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota is hosting a fencing field day at the farm of Jared and Valerie Luhman in Goodhue, Minn., on October 29. The event cost is $40. For more information and to register, click here.

Grazier's Marketing School with Joel Salatin
2020-11-03 08:00 - 2020-11-04 17:00
RSVP to Stockman Grass Farmer, 800-748-9808

Note to LSP members: When you sign up for this grazing school, mention that you are a member of the Land Stewardship Project to qualify for a $100 discount.
This Stockman Grass Farmer‘s Grazier’s Marketing School is designed for those graziers who want to double their dollars per animal by capturing the other 50 percent of the consumer’s meat dollar. This school will cover the advantages and disadvantages of many forms of direct marketing.
Joel Salatin is the guru of direct marketing and has a lifetime of advice to give you. A major emphasis of this school will be on avoiding deadbeat customers and negative cash flow situations.
Some of the marketing venues that will be covered are:

Meat Buying Clubs
On-farm Stores
On-farm Heritage Food Events
Cooking Schools
Restaurant Sales
Farmers’ Markets
Festival Marketing
Internet Marketing including website, blogs and links
Piggyback Product Marketing

Grazier's Pastured Pork Production School with Joel Salatin
2020-11-05 08:00 - 2020-11-06 17:00
RSVP to Stockman Grass Farmer, 800-748-9808

Note to LSP members: When you sign up for this grazing school, mention that you are a member of the Land Stewardship Project to qualify for a $100 discount.
Pastured pigs make an ideal complementary enterprise to beef cattle; dairy; cheese manufacturing; peanut; potato and vegetable farming; hardwood timber production and fruit orcharding. Joel Salatin figures his pastured pigs produce a profit of $500 an acre for land too poor for cattle. Thanks to their omnivorous diet almost everything is feed for a pastured pig and the initial capital costs are very low. Unlike beef cattle, pig fat flavors fast so you can literally have a pork flavor of the month!
At this Stockman Grass Farmer school, here are just a few things you will learn:

How to retrofit a pasture for pig grazing with electric fencing
Low labor pig raising with every-third-day feeding
Why pigs should be rotated through pastures
Soil fertility buildup with pastured pigs
An organic approach to swine parasitism and health
Advantags and disadvantages of mixing pigs with cattle in the same paddock
Buying versus producing your own feeder pigs
Manufacturing your own feed versus buying it
Legumes as a replacement for expensive soybean meal
Feeder pig production as an enterprise
Breeds that work and those that don’t
Dry versus wet pig wallows
Advantages and disadvatages of seasonal production
How to pen and load pastured pigs easily
Various pork cuts and what to charge for them
Selling to restaurants at a profit
Specialty hams and bacon
Spanish-style acorn-finished pork

4R Virtual Field Day
2020-11-11 09:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
To Better Manage Soil, Nutrients, & Time
Farmers, agronomists, and all interested in nutrient
management and innovative conservation are invited to join
the online 4R Technology Review Field Day featuring the
Nordick farm of Wilkin County, along with a message from
Brian Ryberg, Minnesota’s second 4R Advocate.
Hosted by the Minnesota Agricultural Water Resource Center
(MAWRC) in partnership with the Mosaic Company,
Environmental Tillage Systems, Corteva, The Nature
Conservancy, The Fertilizer Institute and other industry
leaders. This free event will provide attendees information on
4R practices, research and technology sessions, and virtual
demonstrations.
You can find more information about the virtual field day here:
Events

National Cover Crop Summit
2020-11-17 - 2020-11-18 | Virtual
More than 5,000 attendees from all 50 states and 45 countries have attended the National Cover Crop Summit to learn how to harness the full potential of a cover-crop system to protect their soil and increase their farm’s profits. Due to overwhelming attendee feedback, the National Cover Crop Summit is returning November 17-18, 2020, with a lineup of all-new speakers and presentation topics!
Sign up for this FREE ONLINE EVENT and learn practical strategies from some of today’s top cover crop experts.

Organic Farm TEAM Summit
2020-11-21 - 2020-11-22 | Dakota’s Best Seed Warehouse, 36656 SD Hwy 44, Platte, South Dakota, 57369, United States
Dakotas Best will be hosting a live event at our seed warehouse. Join us Nov. 20-21 in Platte for the Organic TEAM Summit. Engage with regional leaders in sustainable and organic agriculture.

Our focus is to support progressive growers committed soil health through Training, Engagement, Advancement & Marketing. We offer expertise in certification processes, agronomy, input options, and specialty crop marketing. Learn more at www.organicfarmteam.com
Organic Farm TEAM Summit Nov 21-22

Benton County Tour of Practices
2020-12-04 09:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
The Benton Soil and Water Conservation District and Natural Resources Conservation Service would like to invite you to attend the virtual Benton County 2020 Annual Conservation Tour on
Friday, December 4th, 2020
from 9:00 am – 11:00 am
See how your Clean Water Legacy and Federal funds are used for Conservation!
Since COVID –19 is making group gatherings and a bus tour challenging, we will bring the conservation projects to you this year! Please join us to see pictures and videos of projects going on in Benton County.
Here is the link to the GoToMeeting https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/402060749
Are you new to GoToMeeting? Use this link
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/402060749 We will also have a link on the front page of our website with a copy of the booklet we will be referencing during the meeting. www.soilandwater.org
If you have questions or logging in issues please call 320-968-5300 Ext. 3
2020 Benton Virtual Tour
2020 Benton Tour of Practices 2020 Benton Virtual Tour

Standard Measurements for Soil Health
2020-12-08 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Measuring and assessing soil health are critical for understanding how changes in agronomic management practices affect the capability of soil to support cropping systems. This presentation will focus on how the Institute is classifying soil functioning, associating specific soil functions with soil health measurements, and using this new data set to inform measurement selection.
1 CEU Soil and Water Management (CCA/CPAg)
1 CEU Professional Meetings (CPSS/CPSC)
Questions? Contact Lacey Edwardson
Registration for the live webinar provides free access to the recording for 30 days.
Upcoming Webinars in Assessing Soil Health Series:
Soil Health Economics (January 2021)

Soil Management Summit (formerly CTC)
2020-12-15 - 2020-12-16 | Virtual
Like many annual events, this year’s Soil Management Summit (SMS), formerly known as the Conservation Tillage Conference or CTC, has had to make the transition from in-person to online.
The SMS planning committee wants to ensure the health and wellbeing of participants, vendors, and everyone else involved in the summit’s production while maintaining the high standard of programmatic content the event has provided over the years. As the COVID-19 situation has evolved, the committee made the decision that this event will be offered online only.
The Soil Management Summit (SMS) emphasizes proven farmer experience and applied science. Straight from the fields, learn how heavier, colder soils aren’t necessarily the challenge they’re made out to be. Hear from long-time no-till, reduced tillage and cover crop farmers as they share their experiences, so you can be spared the same hard-learned lessons.
Some of this year’s topics include tillage erosion, soil organic matter and water dynamics, and the conference staple – a panel of farmers sharing their own personal experiences with soil management. Kicking off the event is J. Gordon Arbuckle, a professor of sociology from Iowa State University whose research helps stakeholders maintain or enhance long-term agricultural productivity while also improving social and environmental outcomes of agriculture. His keynote talk on December 15 will explore the sociology of soil management.
While this year’s format may be a little different, organizers hope people embrace the change and join online December 15 and 16. “We’ll still deliver a high-value learning and networking experience for our attendees while emphasizing proven farmer experience and applied science,” said committee chair Jodi DeJong Hughes.
Mark your calendars to join your fellow soil enthusiasts for two days of interactive online presentations, panels, and discussions. Advanced Crop Advisors can earn up to 5 continuing education units (CEUs). Additionally, 20 registration scholarships will be available for interested attendees.
For more information and to register, visit z.umn.edu/SMS2020

MPS Farm to School Meeting for Growers
2020-12-15 10:00 - 11:00 | 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 | Virtual
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 | Virtual
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 | Virtual
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 | Virtual
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 | Virtual
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
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 | Virtual
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 | Virtual
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 | Virtual
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 | Virtual
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
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 | Virtual
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!
