MN Soil Health Coalition

Soil Health: For People and Profit!
2025-09-13 13:00 - 18:30 (America/Chicago)
Join us for a family-friendly field day centered on learning how reducing tillage and using cover crops leads to increased profits while contributing to better human health! FREE evening farm-to-table meal included!

Location: Phil and Robin Smith’s Farm- 16541 780th Ave, Sacred Heart, MN 56285

FARM AID 40
2025-09-20 12:00 - 17:00
Join the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition at FARM AID 40 at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

Stop by and see us, we will be located in the Homegrown Village in the “Fertile Ground” Section.

The Soil is Alive! We’ll have exciting demos that show you soil biology in real time, including:

Soil Biology Through A Microscope

Soil Breathing Via CO2 Demos

“Soil Your Undies” Soil Health Field Test

Get Your Tickets Now at https://www.farmaid.org/

Premier Soil Health Event 2025
2025-12-02 00:00 - 2025-12-03 23:59
The Premier Soil Health Event is for farmers, by farmers. Hosted by the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition, this event brings local, national, and regional soil health experts together to provide farmers and ranchers information they can use to improve their operation. Network with other farmers and farmer mentors, plus learn from long-time practitioners of strategies that build soil health. Featuring Keynote Speakers: Dr. Kris Nichols, Blake Vince, Joe Ailts and Amy Kramer.

Hotel reservations:

Hilton Garden Inn Mankato Downtown- 20 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, MN 56001 – 507-344-1111. Rooms are available at a discounted rate under the room block- MN Soil Health Coalition. You can make your Hilton Garden Inn reservations here: https://group.hiltongardeninn.com/3g2vi9

Hotel Alexander- 215 Hickory St, Mankato, MN 56001 – 507-479-1015. Rooms are available at a discounted rate under the room block- MNSOIL. You can make your Hotel Alexander reservations here: https://hotels.cloudbeds.com/en/reservation/TPlfRx?currency=usd

Arch + Cable Hotel- 201 N Riverfront Dr. Suite 105, Mankato, MN 56001 – 507-479-1015. Rooms are available at a discounted rate under the room block- MNSOIL. You can make your Arch + Cable reservations here: https://hotels.cloudbeds.com/en/reservation/3INbxp?currency=usd

The Big Soil Health Event 2025
2025-12-08 08:30 - 2025-12-09 16:00
Soil Regen:

Our mission is to provide FARMER FIRST education, training, and networking to increase soil health and function, quality of life, and ROI.

Location: Bien Venu Event Center, 7400 Hudson Rd, Cedar Falls, IA 50613

Location

Weed Management in Mower County
2026-01-13 09:00 - 15:00
Join the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition for this information-packed field day about organic and conventional weed management. Learn what your weeds are telling you about your soil! Brisket Lunch Included!

Leaders in soil health will walk through their experiences with weed management, and will also be available for networking, discussion, and questions.

FEATURED SPEAKERS:

Luke Peterson – Farmer

Luke Peterson isn’t your normal, everyday farmer. He operates his farm alongside his wife Ali and three kids Esther, Orville, and Oaken. Surrounded by corn and soybeans as far as the eye can see, the farm stands out as a beacon of diversity and soil health. To his neighbors, they’re crazy. But to regenerative food and farming advocates, the Petersons are revolutionaries. The farm offers a glimmer of hope for a healthier food and farming system, showcasing that soil health can translate to healthier food and happier farmers.

Dorian Gatchel – Agronomist

Dorian is a fifth generation Gatchell from the family farm where his parents are still actively continuing the traditions of raising livestock and crops. Other than his time in the Air Force, he’s been involved in agriculture, in some form, for all of his life. When he was young, he watched his family raise crops and care for their livestock as if they were a part of them. His curiosity and desire to learn more about agriculture propelled him into agronomy; he holds a Masters of Science from Iowa State University. His focus has been, and continues to be, to learn from the past, improve it, and pass it on to the next generation. That is why he strives to incorporate the economic, technological and stewardship aspects of agronomy into his work. It is only ours once.

Tom Cotter – Farmer and 2025 Minnesota Leopold Conservation Award Winner!

Tom is a fourth-generation farmer from southern Minnesota. Growing up doing full tillage, Tom began experimenting with cover cropping in the late 1990s and soon began to see the drastic differences between covered and tillage fields. In 2010, he began using a strip till bar to reduce his tillage practices, and in 2015 began raising 100% grass-fed cattle. This combination of cover cropping, reduced tillage, and livestock grazing has contributed to soil health exponentially. He keeps things diverse on the fields by using large multi species cocktails, interseeds 4-8 species into his corn, and grazes every acre.

Mark Gutierrez – Executive Director of the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition

Mark Gutierrez joined the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition in the spring of 2021 as the Executive Director. Mark helps carry out the mission of the state’s largest farmer-led soil health mentor network providing soil health resources, information, education, research, and mentorship to farmers across Minnesota. Mark works behind the scenes managing grants, coordinating with partner organizations, planning soil health schools, field tours, meetings and school visits, coordinating on-farm research, and communicating the benefits of soil health management practices through various media outlets. Mark grew up on a farm in New Mexico. He graduated from New Mexico State University with a M.S. degree in Agricultural Economics, and previously worked for the USDA as an Agricultural Statistician, and Deputy Director for the RMA crop insurance program for the Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin crop insurance region.

Location: Purple Ribbon Plaza Building at Mower County Fairgrounds, 700 12th St SW, Austin, MN 55912

SMS/DIRT Conference 2026
2026-01-14 09:00 - 2026-01-15 17:00
Join the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition at the SMS/DIRT Conference at the Delta Marriot Hotel in Fargo ND.

The SMS/DIRT conference 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.

MN Ag Expo
2026-01-20 09:00 - 2026-01-21 15:00
Join the MN Soil Health Coalition at the 2025 MN AG EXPO. Come see us at booth #58 and talk to farmer mentors to learn how to reduce inputs and increase profitability. Jan 20th- 9am-4pm, Jan 21rd- 8:30am-3pm — Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato

2026 I-90 Tour - Reducing Tillage for Input Savings & Soil Health - Heron Lake
2026-02-03 10:00 - 15:00
Join the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition for a great day of learning and networking as we travel across Southern Minnesota for the Reducing Tillage for Input Savings & Soil Health Tour.

Keynote Speakers: Myles Elsen, Phil Smith & Myron Sylling

Free Lunch Included!

2026 I-90 Tour - Reducing Tillage for Input Savings & Soil Health - Wells
2026-02-04 10:00 - 15:00

2026 I-90 Tour - Reducing Tillage for Input Savings & Soil Health - Rochester
2026-02-05 10:00 - 15:00

Cover crop Chat - Mike Seifert
2026-02-05 12:30 - 13:30
Whether you’re in the cab, on your lunch break, or at the shop—you can join from anywhere. Each month, we bring you a short, engaging discussion with experienced voices, live Q&A, and insights you can apply directly to your operation.

Join with Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82388417314

This Month’s Cover Crop Chat Guest: Mike Seifert

Mike Seifert farms 100 acres just south of Jordan, MN alongside his father, representing the third and fourth generations on their family farm. About 70 acres are in cropland, with the rest in pasture, wetlands, and homestead. Their operation has traditionally followed a corn–soybean rotation but is steadily moving toward more diversity.

In recent years, Mike and his family have transitioned to no-till, expanded their use of cover crops, and reduced fertilizer and herbicide inputs. They interseed diverse cover crop mixes into standing corn, seed winter covers after harvest, and plant corn and soybeans green each spring. Alfalfa is also part of their rotation, helping reduce weed pressure and build soil ahead of corn.

Mike has completed Soil Food Web Foundation training and is actively monitoring soil biology through regular sampling. The farm is also beginning to incorporate compost to improve degraded areas, with plans to reintegrate livestock as part of a more resilient, diversified system.

Mike will join us as the guest speaker for this month’s Cover Crop Chat, sharing what’s worked on their farm, lessons learned, and answering questions live.

2026 I-90 Tour - Reducing Tillage for Input Savings & Soil Health - Hokah
2026-02-06 10:00 - 15:00

Social Gathering & Soil Health Workshop for Agronomists by Agronomists
2026-02-10 17:00 - 2026-02-11 16:00
Join the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition for an evening social the night before the Soil Health Workshop for Agronomists by Agronomists. Enjoy networking, refreshments, and a cash bar as you connect with peers and kick off the event. Register below-

Location: Eagles Club Owatonna, 141 E Rose St, Owatonna, MN 55060

Soil Health Workshop for Agronomists by Agronomists
2026-02-11 07:00 - 16:00
This workshop is designed for agronomists seeking to deepen their understanding of soil health through expert-led presentations and peer networking opportunities.

Workshop Presenters: Joe Ailts, Carolyn King, Dorian Gatchel and David Kleinschmidt.

Topics: Soil Biology & Nutrient Cycling, Interpreting Soil Health Tests, All About Compaction, Weed Management with Cover Crops and Economics of Soil Health.

7 CEU Credits Available: Nutrient Management– 1.5 CEU credits, Soil and Water Management– 3.5 CEU credits, Integrated Pest Management– 1 CEU credit and Crop Management– 1 CEU credit

7am-8am: Registration – Breakfast Provided. 8am-4pm: Presentations & Networking – Lunch Provided

Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 – 5pm-9pm *Social Gathering – Refreshments Provided – Cash Bar

Location: Eagles Club Owatonna- 141 E Rose St, Owatonna, MN 55060

Strip Till Makes Dollars and Sense – Owatonna
2026-02-17 08:30 - 14:00
Join the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition as we travel along Hwy 14 for the Crop, Livestock and Soil Innovation Conferences – Strip Till Makes Dollars and Sense – Owatonna.

Keynote Speakers: Pat Duncanson, Randy Depuydt, Greg Entinger & Kristen Dieterman

FREE Lunch and CEU Credits Available!

Compost Webinar - Mike Seifert
2026-02-17 13:00 - 14:00
Join us at 1 PM on Zoom for an in-depth discussion of Mike Seifert’s thermophilic compost operation and how it contributes to soil health on his farm, and stay till the end for a live Q&A! We will meet on Zoom every third Tuesday of the month at 1 PM for more compost deep-dives from experienced farmers!

Strip Till Makes Dollars and Sense - Lamberton
2026-02-18 09:00 - 14:30
Join the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition as we travel along Hwy 14 for the Crop, Livestock and Soil Innovation Conferences – Strip Till Makes Dollars and Sense – Lamberton.

Keynote Speakers: Pat Duncanson & Randy Depuydt

FREE Lunch and CEU Credits Available!

Strip Till Makes Dollars and Sense - Lake Benton
2026-02-19 09:00 - 15:00
Join the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition as we travel along Hwy 14 for the Crop, Livestock and Soil Innovation Conferences – Strip Till Makes Dollars and Sense – Lake Benton.

Keynote Speakers: Pat Duncanson & Randy Depuydt

FREE Lunch and CEU Credits Available!

Winter Ag Coference - Reclaiming Profitability: Farming Smarter in 2026
2026-02-24 08:00 - 17:30
Join the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition for a full day of practical insights and hands‑on learning designed to help farmers reclaim profitability in today’s challenging Ag economy. Hear directly from growers and experts who are putting regenerative practices to work, and discover how soil health, crop diversity, and biological solutions can boost ROI while protecting your land for the future.

The program features real‑world farmer experiences, cutting‑edge demonstrations, and interactive Q&A sessions. You’ll leave with actionable strategies to improve your operation in 2026 and beyond.

Topics include:

Ways to improve profitability from a growers panel

Profitability through regenerative systems with Russell Hedrick

Integrating oats for soil improvement with Martin Larson

Soil health and human health connections with Jolene Carlson

Farming the Controllables with Dr. Jim Ladlie

Registration Fee: $50

Location: Profit Pro Ag Headquarters, 408 S 1st Ave, Albert Lea, MN

Soil Health & Nutrient Management School
2026-02-25 08:00 - 2026-02-26 17:00
Advanced Training for Progressive Farmers & Consultants

Reclaiming Profitability: Farming Smarter in 2026

Take your nutrient management skills to the next level with this intensive 2‑day program. Learn hands‑on strategies to optimize biologicals, nutrient management, photosynthesis, and soil health for maximum efficiency and profitability.

Keynote Speakers: Ray Archuleta – The Soil Guy, Tom Cotter – Cotter Farms, 2025 Leopold Conservation Award Recipient, Mark Gutierrez – MN Soil Health Coalition Executive Director, Dennis Klockenga – Crop Management Consultant, ProfitProAg, and Dr. Jim Ladie – Owner, ProfitProAg.

Registration Fee: $150

Location: Profit Pro Ag Headquarters, 408 S 1st Ave, Albert Lea, MN

Winter Agronomy Meeting
2026-02-27 09:00 - 13:00
Winter Agronomy Meeting- Topics include: Relay Cropping, Green Bridging, Pest Management, Nitrogen Management, Crop Rotations and Cover Crops

Location: Sauk Rapids Government Center- 250 Summit Ave N, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379

SFA - Midwest Grazing Summit
2026-03-03 01:00 - 2026-03-04 16:00
Join the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition at the Sustainable Farming Association’s Midwest Grazing & Soil Health Summit at the Wilmar Conference Center in Wilmar, MN.

The Midwest Grazing & Soil Health Summit is a platform for sharing agricultural innovations and assisting farmers in successfully adopting principles to enhance soil health. Gather with leaders in the soil health movement who share their successes, challenges and foster invaluable networking opportunities among farmers and ranchers.

Cover Crop Chat - Joe Ailts
2026-03-05 12:30 - 13:30
Whether you’re in the cab, on your lunch break, or at the shop—you can join from anywhere. Each month, we bring you a short, engaging discussion with experienced voices, live Q&A, and insights you can apply directly to your operation.

Zoom Link to Join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82388417314

This Month’s Cover Crop Chat Guest: Joe Ailts

An independent crop consultant/agronomist and owner of Ailts Agronomy where he serves farmers in NW WI. Prior to starting his own business, he worked as a field agronomist for Pioneer Seed for 8 years. He is a WI Certified Crop Advisor with the Sustainability specialty certification. Driven by a combination of a green thumb, insatiable curiosity, and a competitive spirit, he researches and implements soil health and regenerative agriculture practices on the farms he consults for. Joe, his wife Ilisa, and 4 boys live on a 3 acre hobby farm in Deer Park, WI where they grow pumpkins, sweet corn, cover crops, and soil.

yard & garden expo - Project ardan
2026-03-07 10:00 - 15:00
The Minnesota Soil Health Coalition will have a booth at the event — stop by and say hello.

Class Schedule:10:15am – Shade Perennials with Master Gardener Nyle Zikmund11:15am – Oak Tree Health with Rainbow Treecare12:15pm – Lawn Care with Beisswenger’s Mark Armstead1:15pm – Gardening Education with Horticulture Society2:15pm – Turn Your Lawn into a Food Forest or Pollinator Garden with Eternal Harvest

Compost Webinar - Alex Udermann, Windrow Compost System
2026-03-17 13:00 - 14:00
Whether you’re in the cab, on your lunch break, or at the shop—you can join from anywhere. Each month, we bring you a short, engaging discussion with experienced farmers, live Q&A, and insights you can apply directly to your operation. We meet every third Tuesday to discuss more ways to compost!

Community Field Day At Alex Uderman's
2026-06-13 08:00 - 17:00
More Information coming soon!

Compost Webinar - Dan Janski
2026-06-16 13:00 - 14:00
Whether you’re in the cab, on your lunch break, or at the shop—you can join from anywhere. Each month, we bring you a short, engaging discussion with experienced voices, live Q&A, and insights you can apply directly to your operation.

Dan will discuss a more technical look at composting and describe his experience with his Johnson-Sue bioreactor!

Clay County Field Day - Dan Grefsrud
2026-06-30 09:30 - 15:00

TUNE Camp MN 2026
2026-07-10 12:30 - 15:30
The Ultimate Nature Experience – T.U.N.E. Camp MN 2026.

A Conservation and Ecology Camp for Girls and Boys Ages 11-16. Minnesota Soil Health Coalition will be there July 10th doing demonstrations and educating youth on the benefits of soil health practices.

Russell Hedrick Events
2026-07-15 08:00 - 2026-07-17 17:00
