MN Soil Health Coalition

Navigating Farm Financial Risks for Beginning Specialty Produce and Livestock Farmers
2021-11-16 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
Have you wondered if you were being protected by your current marketing contracts? Do you know about risk management products and relief programs?
In this risk mitigation webinar hosted by Land Stewardship Project you will have the opportunity to dive into Marketing Contracts, Whole Farm Revenue Protection, Relief Program Updates and ask your specific legal questions.
Farmers Legal Action Group (FLAG) attorneys Stephen Carpenter and Lindsay Kuehn will offer their legal expertise to help beginning and specialty crop and livestock farmers mitigate risk. Working from existing marketing contracts, Stephen and Lindsay will highlight strengths and weaknesses of contracts; provide an overview of Whole Farm Revenue Protection policies that can provide protection for some diverse farmers. Some time will be spent updating information about state and federal relief programs. There will also be time at the end for individual legal questions.
If you have any questions please contact Karen Stettler at 507-458-0349.

Know to Grow: A webinar series for small farms and local foods producers
2021-11-17 16:00 - 17:00
Register at: z.umn.edu/know2grow
Join the University of Minnesota Extension for a four-part webinar series to help small Minnesota farms grow.
This webinar series will take place from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m, November 15-18, 2021
The session topics are:

Wednesday, November 17: Product of the Farm: the legal side of things with Jane Jewett from Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (MISA) – This session will provide you with resources on how to successfully navigate the legal side of marketing your products. (Minnesota specific) Visit their website to learn more about their business: https://www.misa.umn.edu/

Know to Grow: A webinar series for small farms and local foods producers
2021-11-18 16:00 - 17:00
Register at: z.umn.edu/know2grow
Join the University of Minnesota Extension for a four-part webinar series to help small Minnesota farms grow.
This webinar series will take place from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m, November 15-18, 2021
The session topics are:

Thursday, November 18: Fitting in Food Safety with D&S Gardens and Untiedt’s – In this session, two very different farms will share their food safety stories. Why food safety matters to them and how they started growing their understanding. This session will offer ideas and insight to keep farms of all sizes providing safe and reliable food to your customers. Visit their website to learn more about their business: https://www.facebook.com/DSgardenspepin/ and https://www.untiedts.com/

[Webinar] Testing and Vetting Today’s Ag Biological Products
2021-11-24 10:00 - 12:00
Understanding how ag biologicals fit into your operation can be tough. There are so many products on the market today, and often times there’s not enough data associated with each one to enable farmers to make a confident adoption decision. Hear from two experts on how they ID biological companies and products that are worth testing and how they use small scale strip plots and commercial scale testing to validate biological products for their customer bases.
When: November 24 @ 10am Central
Click here to register for free.
Email Julia Gerlach at No-Till Farmer with any questions about the webinar.

Pomme de Terre River Annual Meeting
2021-11-30 18:00 - 19:30
The Pomme de Terre River Association is pleased to invite you to our annual meeting regarding the state of the Pomme de Terre River watershed on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 from 6:00-7:30 pm at the Old No. 1 Southside Room in Morris, MN.

This annual meeting will be a chance for Pomme de Terre River partners to get an update on what’s been happening in the watershed recently, including the Drywood Creek Dam removal, soil health field days, and the completion of the Pomme de Terre River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan. Steve Rosenzweig with General Mills will be joining us to give a guest talk on regenerative agriculture practices, and Paul Wymar from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will give an update on water monitoring efforts in the watershed. We will also provide dinner – a two-meat buffet with sides.

Please RSVP by November 23rd with your name and number of people attending to micayla.lakey@pdtriver.org. Space at the meeting is limited so please respond to reserve your spot. Feel free to contact me or your local SWCD office with any questions regarding the meeting.

Cafe Chat
2021-12-01 09:00 - 11:00
Farmers, ag professionals, landowners and others interested are invited to two free Café Chats this week! Coffee and bakery goods will be provided free of charge.

The Chats will be focused on grazing woodlots, wooded acres in pastureland, and building natural shade and other forest products into existing pasture. Local farmers, SFA staff, U of MN Extension educators and others will provide management background and real-world experiences to help others get more from their wooded pasture acreage:
Wednesday, December 1 | 9 AM-Noon | Dundas
Speakers will include Gary Wyatt, Travis Bruce, Jake Langeslag, Brad Gordon, and Claire LaCanne.

Building Resiliency: Farm and Ranch Profitability with Burke Teichert
2021-12-01 19:00
Wednesday, December 1 at 7:00 pm central
Take advantage of Burke’s vast experience on increasing farm and ranch profitability to fine tune your operation.

Cafe Chat
2021-12-02 09:30 - 12:00
Farmers, ag professionals, landowners and others interested are invited to two free Café Chats this week! Coffee and bakery goods will be provided free of charge.

The Chats will be focused on grazing woodlots, wooded acres in pastureland, and building natural shade and other forest products into existing pasture. Local farmers, SFA staff, U of MN Extension educators and others will provide management background and real-world experiences to help others get more from their wooded pasture acreage:
Thursday, December 2 | 9:30 AM-Noon | Cotton
This chat will highlight silvopasture opportunities in northern Minnesota, and include speakers Tyler Carlson, Tom Gervais, and Troy Salzer.

Call December 3 at noon on marketing small grains
2021-12-03 12:00 - 13:00
Friday, December 3 | Noon – 1 p.m. CT

Small grain prices are looking good, but marketing isn’t as easy as with corn and soybeans. On our December shared learning call hear from Mike Schulist as he describes common challenges and opportunities for marketing small grains like oats and wheat for food and feed markets.

Mike is the marketer for NF Organics and the organic grain program manager at National Farmers Organization. He has been helping farmers market their organic grain for 14 years.

Come with your marketing questions! There will be information for both organic and conventional growers.

New! We’ll be convening on Zoom
To join by computer: click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83632167882
To join by phone: dial +1-312-626-6799 and enter meeting ID 836 3216 7882 followed by #

THE BIG SOIL HEALTH EVENT
2021-12-06 - 2021-12-07
Our mission is to provide FARMER FIRST education, training, and networking to increase soil health and function, quality of life, and ROI.

Time & Location

Dec 06, 8:30 AM CST – Dec 07, 4:00 PM CST
Riverside Casino, 3184 IA-22, Riverside, IA 52327, USA

About the Event

THE BIG SOIL HEALTH EVENT provides an expected 500 farmers, rural landowners, and ag industry members with a ground-up educational experience. While many conferences inspire and teach, THE BIG SOIL HEALTH EVENT encourages and illuminates soil health practice adoption. It also provides practical boots-on-the-ground training for not only new farmers and early adopters of regenerative ag, but landowners and industry professionals as well.

Minnesota Soil Health Coalition Board Meeting
2021-12-07 10:00 - 12:00
We meet at the Pizza Ranch in Redwood Falls, MN the first Tuesday of every month from 10AM-12PM.

Direct Marketing Workshop: How to Market to Your Ideal Customer and Manage Your Limited Time!
2021-12-09 18:00 - 20:00
Rachelle Meyer of Wholesome Family Farms will share specific and
actionable tips for building your ideal customer and figuring out which
marketing strategies work for them by using technology to track
customer activity and communicate effectively. Rachelle combines tried
and true marketing principles with firsthand experience as a farmer/direct
-marketer to help you refine your marketing approach, avoid needless
pitfalls and focus on what’s working well for your business and customer.

Register online at landstewardshipproject.org & click on “Upcoming Events”
Questions? Contact LSP’s, Alex Romano at
aromano@landstewardshipproject.org, 612-767-9880

About Wholesome Family Farms:
Rachelle, and her husband, Jordan, Meyer started Wholesome Family
Farms in 2018 which includes their five kids Natalie, Layne, Ashton,
Gabe, and Kade, with one on the way! The Meyer’s have a passion
for small town, small business, regenerative agriculture, and family-
centered food. So when the opportunity came to start growing their
own food and selling it to the community they knew that was their
calling.
Wholesome Family Farms livestock includes Angus beef, pork,
chicken, and goats. Animals are rotationally grazed over organic
pastures and woods. Beef and goats are 100% grass fed and finished.
Their pork and chicken are fed NON-GMO grain. Meats can be
purchased individually by-the-cut, in bulk, or in weekly special
combination boxes. The Wholesome Family Meat club offers
customized boxes based on the size of the family and cooking
preferences. They also offer home delivery within 30 miles of the
farm, offer on farm pick up, and cuts that can be shipped anywhere
in Minnesota.
To learn more, visit wholesomefamilyfarms.com

2021 Soil Management Summit
2021-12-14 - 2021-12-15 | Mayo Clinic Event Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
Cultivating soil productivity and health
The Soil Management Summit 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.
The Summit features presentations and Q&A with researchers, farmers and agricultural advisors, information from sponsors, and conversations with farmers experienced in different soil health practices.
Attendees who attend the entire conference will be offered 9.5 CCA continuing education units (CEUs).

Cost
Registration for this event is $155 for the in-person event for both days and $100 for the 2-day limited virtual webinar.
Scholarships are available to help with the registration cost. For more information, contact Shane at sbugeja@umn.edu.
Agenda
Tuesday, December 14
8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Opening Keynote address
The keynote address will be given by Dr. Rattan Lal, a Distinguished University Professor at Ohio State’s College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. As one of the world’s top soil scientists, Dr. Lal has focused on sequestering carbon in agriculture and restoring soil health, with the goal of mitigating global warming. The agricultural practices Lal has advocated, such as no-tillage, cover crops and agroforestry, are now at the heart of efforts to improve agricultural systems in the tropics and globally. He has received numerous international awards for his work over the years, including the World Food Prize, the Canada-based Arrell Global Food Innovation Award and the Norman Borlaug Award.
For a detailed agenda, click here.

Speakers

Francisco Arriaga, University of Wisconsin – Madison
Dr. Francisco Arriaga is an Associate Professor and Extension State Specialist with the Department of Soil Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and UW-Extension. His research and outreach programs focus on management practices for soil improvement of agricultural systems, including soil health and water quality. Dr. Arriaga is the recipient of the Rothermel-Bascom Professorship in Soil Science and is a fellow of the Soil and Water Conservation Society.

Dr. Anna Cates, University of Minnesota

Dr. Cates is the State Soil Health Specialist for the University of Minnesota Extension. She studied soil science, agroecology, and agronomy at UW-Madison, receiving an MSc and PhD. Dr. Cates’ research focuses on soil organic matter storage and cycling and developing soil health systems for upper Midwest cropping systems. Dr. Cates leads the MN Office for Soil Health, a collaboration between the MN Board of Water and Soil Resources and the MN Water Resources Center.

Jodi DeJong-Hughes, University of Minnesota Extension
Jodi DeJong-Hughes has been a Regional Educator with the University of Minnesota Extension for over 24 years. Her area of specialization includes tillage systems, soil compaction, and improving soil health. Jodi’s work focuses on reducing soil erosion and building soil health to improve the grower’s bottom line and to reduce the movement of soil and nutrients to our natural waterways. She enjoys working alongside growers, ag industry, and government agencies to bring high quality, educational programs and research to the people of Minnesota.

Greg Entinger, Farmer
Greg Entinger farms 1,000 acres of corn and soybeans near New Prague, Minnesota. In 2015, Greg strip-tilled all of his acres and admitted that he “bet the farm” on the practice, but the calculated gamble paid off with measurable economic returns including equipment cost savings and fertilizer reduction, and he became an accidental conservationist. Greg is currently using strip-tillage on soybean stubble to plant corn and is using no-till techniques to plant soybeans into corn stubble.

Marla Riekman, Manitoba Agriculture
Marla Riekman is the Soil Management Specialist with Manitoba Agriculture. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Agroecology and a Master’s Degree in Soil Science, both from the University of Manitoba. Before joining Manitoba Agriculture in 2007, Marla worked as the Farm Manager for the Manitoba Zero Tillage Research Association and also as a Soil Conservationist with the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration. Marla’s main focus is to provide extension on dealing with problem soils and maintaining long-term productivity by managing soil health. Marla’s passion for soil has even crept into her personal life – she is known to create jewelry with soil in her spare time.

Megan Roberts, University of Minnesota Extension
Megan Roberts joined Extension in 2017. Previously, she was an agribusiness faculty member at South Central College. Her interdisciplinary work focuses on farm transition, farmer resiliency, and ag policy. She holds a BS and MS from the University of Minnesota and a doctorate from a joint program of Texas A&M and Texas Tech Universities. She is also currently completing her financial planning (CFP) certificate. Megan grew up on a dairy farm in central Minnesota and currently lives on a hog and crop farm in southern Minnesota with her husband and son.

Dean Sponheim, Farmer
Dean is a fourth generation Mitchell County farmer, located southwest of Osage, Iowa. He owns and operates the family’s Century Farm with his wife, Cindy, and his son, Josh. He is known as the “Accidental Conservationist”. Dean started many different practices for reasons other than conservation. He began strip tilling in 1999 and in 2004 started a custom strip till business. He began strip cropping in 2011. Dean started aerial applying cover crops in the fall of 2012 and in 2014 started a cover crop seed business, Sponheim Sales and Services. In 2019, Dean began no-tilling all of his acres of corn and soybeans. He is a member of the Rock Creek Watershed Advisory Board. In 2014 the board, with the assistance from Iowa Soybean Association, developed the first watershed project plan in the state of Iowa based on the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy Goals. Since 2014, Dean has shared his story to many groups. He has spoken at the Iowa Soil and Water Conservation District Commissioners’ Annual Meeting, National Strip Till Conference, Iowa Farm Bureau State Convention, Iowa Corn Growers Annual Meeting, Iowa Soybean Association Research Conference, Practical Farmers Annual Conference, Soil Health Conference, and many other events. Dean has hosted and presented at many field days across Iowa and Minnesota. His real passion is helping producers work through the psychological challenges when implementing “Change”.

Jeff Vetsch, University of Minnesota Southern Research and Outreach Center
Jeff Vetsch manages soil science research at the University of Minnesota, Southern Research and Outreach Center in Waseca. He conducts applied research in the areas of nutrient management, water quality and cropping systems, primarily in corn and soybean. His research emphasis is on nitrogen management in corn. Jeff earned his BS and MS degrees from the University of Minnesota and he is a Certified Professional Soil Scientist. He received the researcher of the year award from the Fluid Fertilizer Foundation in 2013. He has authored 21 refereed publications and eight extension publications. During the last 10 years, he has given 275 professional and extension presentations to more than 14,000 attendees.

Jochum Wiersma, University of Minnesota
As Minnesota’s Small Grains Specialist located at the Northwest Experiment Station, Jochum’s extension mission is to develop educational programs, to organize grower and industry meetings, and to handle inquiries and requests from the public. His research mission is to develop programs that meet the small grain production and management needs of Minnesota’s producers so small grains production is profitable and sustainable.

Melissa Wilson, University of Minnesota
Melissa Wilson is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist of Manure Management at the University of Minnesota. Her research and Extension programs focus on best management practices for land application of manure for crop production. She has a M.S. and Ph.D. in Water Resources Science from U of MN with a focus on nutrient management and agricultural water quality.

Lodging
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hilton Garden Inn in Mankato for a special rate of $119 per night. To reserve a room, call 507-344-1111 and mention the “Soil Management Summit.” The special rate is offered until November 22, 2021.
Thanks to our sponsors
Thank you to our generous sponsors for supporting this event!
Platinum level
Agassiz Seed and Supply
Minnesota Corn Growers Association
Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council
Minnesota Sustainable Agricultural Research and Education (SARE)
Gold level
Agoro Carbon Alliance
TruTerra
Silver level
ETS/Soil Warrior
Exhibitor
AgFocus
Aguru
Farm Power
Hiniker Company
Kuhn Krause Inc.
Martin Till
Minnesota Soil Health Coalition
Orthman Manufacturing
Saddle Butte Ag Inc.
Salford Group
State of Minnesota
Sustainable Farming Association
University of Minnesota
Yetter Farm Equipment

Soil Health Nexus Webinar Series
2021-12-15 14:00 - 15:00
The December Soil Health Nexus Digital Cafe will feature Bruno Basso – University Foundation Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Michigan State University. Dr. Basso will be discussing his research on using soil stability maps to improve management for soil health and the carbon market.
Join us Wednesday, December 15 at 2pm CT to hear more!

Coteau Ridge Chapter Organizing Meeting
2021-12-16 18:00 - 19:00
The Sustainable Farming Association is seeking to form a new Coteau Ridge chapter, and we’re looking for sustainable farmers, farm supporters and like-minded consumers who are interested in being a part of it. With an area that includes Eastern South Dakota and southwest Minnesota, we are actively looking for leaders and members to build this chapter!
Join us for our first biweekly Zoom call on Thursday, December 16th at 6:00pm. Click here to register.
The Sustainable Farming Association is a non-profit that has been operating for about 30 years and has over 900 active members.

Learn how to create resilient and robust farm lease agreements at Extension’s Farm Management Fridays webinar in December
2021-12-17 11:00 - 12:00
Wisconsin farmers lease over 33 percent of all land in the state according to the 2017 U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Census of Agriculture. Learn what makes for a fair, robust and resilient ag or farm lease agreement by attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension’s Farm Management Friday webinar on Dec. 17, 2021. 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
“The amount of rented farmland continues to rise each year,” said Katie Wantoch, UW-Madison Extension Dunn County Agriculture Educator. “Leasing of farmland can provide an easy mode of entry for beginning producers or established farmers who would like to expand their production. Communication between the farmer and landowner is key to establishing a relationship that will meet both party’s needs. How you start that conversation can impact building the strong, solid, and long-lasting farmer-landowner relationship.”
There is no charge to participate in the sessions, but pre-registration is required to allow access to the session. Register online at go.wisc.edu/FarmReadyResearch.
Farm Management Fridays webinars are a part of UW-Madison Extension’s Farm Ready Research winter programming for farmers and ag professionals to improve business profitability and lifestyles through informed decision-making.
Learn the most up-to-date information on topics from dairy and livestock production to forage and farm management. Farm Ready Research webinars begin in December 2021 and continue until May 2022.

Using Soil Microbes to Improve Fertilizer Efficiency and Soil Health
2022-01-11 08:00 - 17:00
Using Soil Microbes to Improve Fertilizer Efficiency and Soil Health
February 10, 2022 | 11:00 am CT

FREE to all registrants!

Fertilizer is essential to crop production, yet studies show much of the fertilizer applied never goes to the intended crop. Nutrients are lost to runoff, erosion, and volatilization, as well as to chemical reactions in the soil that limit plant availability. Soil microbes are effective at unlocking and retaining nutrients in the root zone, resulting in more fertilizer going into the crop. Given high fertilizer prices and pressure to reduce the environmental impacts of lost fertilizer, microbes can be a powerful tool to reduce inputs and pollution while building soil health and grower profitability.

Click the Register Now button below to see speakers and additional webinar informatio

Cultivating Soil Health
2022-01-17 09:00 - 12:00, 2022-01-19 09:00 - 12:00
Learn about soil health, cover crops, alternative forages, and mental health_NO RSVP DATE
Two winter soil health seminars in January. On January 17, 2021, the group will be speaking at the VFW in Little Falls, MN and on January 19, 2021, at The V by HH in Maple Lake, MN. Both events will start at 9:00am with registration. Following registration topics of farmer success stories, coping with farm and rural stress, and a question-and-answer session about alternative forages and cover crops will be discussed. The program will run until 12:00pm, with lunch to follow.
For inquiries and reservations, please contact Larobak@centrasota.com / 612-400-3974

Economics of Soil Health: Contributions of Reduced Tillage and Cover Cropping
2022-01-18 11:00 - 12:00
January 18, 2022 | 11:00 am CT

Weighing the costs and benefits of soil health management practices is a primary concern for producers considering the adoption of such practices. However, the economic information needed for making data-driven, science-based decisions is difficult to find. Recognizing that cropping and operating systems, climate, and soils vary, the Soil Health Institute has done extensive research to develop partial budgets to fill the knowledge gap on the economics of soil health systems. Using data from more than 100 corn and soybean production partial budgets from across the United States, this webinar will provide an in-depth analysis of how cover cropping affects expenditures and management practices in reduced tillage systems. It will also discuss details on cover crop seed mixes, planting, and termination strategies.

Click the Register Now button below to see speakers and additional webinar information.

MSHC 2022 Annual Meeting
2022-01-24 - 2022-01-25 | Willmar Conference Center, 240 23rd St SE, Willmar, 56201, United States
Join us January 25, 8 AM – 12:30 PM for our 2nd Minnesota Soil Health Coalition Annual Meeting! This is a virtual event. Thanks to our sponsors for making this a free event!
Come meet your board members, hear about carbon markets, biologicals and the 2022 plans for the Coalition.
Speakers
Jodi DeJong-Hughes
Jodi has been a Regional Extension Educator with the University of Minnesota Extension for over 23 years. Her area of specialization includes tillage management systems, soil compaction, and soil health management. She has published many factsheets, articles, and peer reviewed journal articles and has presented at numerous state-wide and regional meetings. She has organized the Conservation Tillage Conference and Strip Tillage Expos throughout Minnesota. She works primarily with producers, Ag business, government agencies, and crop consultants in Western Minnesota and the Dakotas.

Trevor Greenfield
A ordinary guy in blue jeans started up a business in his garage twenty years ago, with a passion for agriculture and a burning desire to impact the lives and communities of rural folks across North America. He has a thing about status quo – he says it make him nauseous – and he is fiercely courageous about doing the right things by the people he serves: men and women in agriculture today. With a rare authenticity and a never-forgotten sense of his humble beginnings, Rio Nutrition CEO and Founder, Trevor Greenfield leads a fast growing family business in rural America. Their focus? Helping farmers and ranchers drive profitability – and sustainability – to their operations. “We’re on a quest to bring life back to agricultural communities – both literally and figuratively – and we love what we do!”

If you are a mentor or want to be more involved in the Coalition strategic planning please join us in Willmar, MN January 24 at 12 PM for a strategic planning session and in depth conversation about the Mentor Program. We have a full agenda but there will be time for networking with your board members and fellow mentors.
Where:
Wilmar Conference Center
240 23rd Street SE
Willmar, MN 56201
Holiday Inn Express
250 23rd St SE
Wilmar, MN 56201
320-321-2601
Registration

Role of Cation Exchange in Nutrient Management
2022-01-25 11:00 - 12:00
January 25, 2022 | 11:00 am CT

FREE to all registrants!

Cation exchange capacity (CEC) is a basic soil concept that plays a significant role in nutrient management. Soils naturally carry a net negative charge that holds cations in an exchangeable form. In general, as clay and organic matter contents increase, so does the CEC, which means the soil can hold more total cations. This webinar will explore how CEC impacts fertilizer use and how it can help guide nutrient management decisions.

Click the Register Now button below to see speakers and additional webinar information.

2022 Northern Soil Compaction Conference
2022-01-26 - 2022-01-27 | Virtual
Every operation on agricultural fields has the risk to cause compaction and drag down your yields and profit. Making each pass work for you is essential for maximizing your crop productivity year after year.
Join us at the Northern Soil Compaction Conference on January 26-27, 2022 for the latest in technical advice for alleviating your current compaction, building proven strategies to minimize your risk in the future, and the benefits you can expect.
Registration is $50 for both days.
A total of 5.5 CEUs will be available for Certified Crop Advisors (4.5 SW and 1 NM).
This event is co-sponsored by University of Minnesota Extension, North Dakota State University and Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development.
More info at: https://extension.umn.edu/event/northern-soil-compaction-conference

Wednesday agenda

Time
Topic
Speaker
Session

9:00 – 9:10 a.m.
Welcome
Jodi DeJong-Hughes
Extension educator – Soil and water quality, University of Minnesota Extension

9:10 – 10:00 a.m.
The behavior and character of soil compaction
Aaron Daigh
Associate Professor, Soil Physics and Hydrology, North Dakota State University
1

10:00 – 10:35 a.m.
What’s happening underground? How compaction may affect IDC and salinity
Marla Riekman
Soil management specialist, Manitoba Ag and Resource Development
2

10:35 – 10:45 a.m.
Break

10:45 – 11:35 a.m.
Compaction COST$!
Peter Johnson
Resident agronomist, Real Agriculture, Ingersoll, Ontario
3

11:35 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.
What do tillage, fertilization and soil compaction have in common?
Francisco Arriaga
Associate Professor, Soil Fertility and Physics, University of Wisconsin – Madison
4

12:05 – 12:15 p.m.
Grab lunch

12:15 – 1:00 p.m.
Choose a Table Talk

Thursday agenda

Time
Topic
Speaker
Session

9:00 – 9:05 a.m.
Day 1 summary and reminder of importance of healthy, well-structured soil
Marla Riekman
Soil management specialist, Manitoba Ag and Resource Development

9:05 – 9:35 a.m.
Can we utilizer cover crops and crop rotations to alleviate soil compaction?
Shannon Osborne
Research Agronomist, USDA-ARS
5

9:35 – 10:00 a.m.
Alleviating compaction with iron
Jodi DeJong-Hughes
Extension educator – Soil and water quality, University of Minnesota Extension
6

10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Controlled traffic farming: A Manitoba experience
Adam Gurr
Farmer and on-farm researcher, Agritruth Research, Inc.
7

10:30 – 10:40 a.m.
Break

10:40 – 11:30 a.m.
Soil compaction causes and mitigation strategies
Scott Shearer
Professor and Chair, Agricultural Engineering, The Ohio State University
8

11:30 – 12:10 p.m.
Soil compaction: Causes, consequences and avoidance
Thomas Keller
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciencesand Agroscope research institute
9

12:10 – 12:15 p.m.
Wrap Up

12:20 – 12:30 p.m.
Grab lunch

12:30 – 1:15 p.m.
Table Talk

Table talks
Table talks will run from 12:15 to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 26 and from 12:25 to 1:10 p.m. on Thursday, January 27. You may select from the following topics:

Terranimo program, Thomas Keller, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Soil compaction: Not a place to compromise, Ian MacDonald, Crop Innovation Specialist, OMAFRA, University of Guelph
How pipeline and electrical lines affect your land, Aaron DeJoia, Director Environmental Solutions at Pilgrim Construction Co. LLC
Tractor performance and fuel efficiency (Thursday only) Lorne Grieger, Agricultural Research and Development, Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute (PAMI), Manitoba
Strategies to minimize compaction impacts, Peter Johnson, Real Agriculture, Guelph
Diagnosing compaction in your field, Francisco Arriaga, University of Wisconsin-Madison
When is subsoiling the right decision? Marla Riekman, Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development
Iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) and soybeans: What works and what doesn’t on your farm? (Thursday only), R. Jay Goos, Professor Ermitus, Soil fertility & management, North Dakota State University
Controlled traffic farming, Adam Gurr, Farmer and on-farm researcher, Agritruth Research, Inc
Precision inflation, Ken and Sally Brodbeck, Central Tire Inflation Systems (CTIS) for agricultural equipment
Utilizing cover crops to improve soil compaction, Shannon Osborne, Research agronomist, USDA-ARS
Tires and tracks: What can I do about compaction on my farm? Scott Shearer, Professor and Chair, Ag Engineering Department, The Ohio State University
Nutrients and compaction, John Heard, Soil fertility specialist, Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development
Plant disease concerns in 2021 (Wednesday only), Andrew Friskop and Samuel Markell, North Dakota State University

Conference speakers

Francisco Arriaga, University of Wisconsin
Dr. Francisco Arriaga is an Associate Professor and Extension State Specialist with the Department of Soil Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and UW-Extension. His research and outreach programs focus on management practices for soil improvement of agricultural systems, including soil health and water quality. Dr. Arriaga is the recipient of the Rothermel-Bascom Professorship in Soil Science and is a fellow of the Soil and Water Conservation Society.

Aaron Daigh, North Dakota State University
Aaron Daigh is an Associate Professor of Soil Physics and Hydrology in the Soil Science Department at North Dakota State University. He has a PhD in Soil Science and Environmental Science from Iowa State University and has worked at NDSU since 2013 where 90% of his time is dedicated to research. Much of his research has focused on soil water management, reclamation, remediation, and agronomy.

Jodi DeJong-Hughes, University of Minnesota Extension
Jodi DeJong-Hughes has been a Regional Educator with the University of Minnesota Extension for over 24 years. Her area of specialization includes tillage systems, soil compaction, and improving soil health. Jodi’s work focuses on reducing soil erosion and building soil health to improve the grower’s bottom line and to reduce the movement of soil and nutrients to our natural waterways. She enjoys working alongside growers, Ag. industry, and government agencies to bring high quality, educational programs and research to the people of Minnesota. @SoilLorax

Jay Goos, Professor Emeritus, North Dakota State University
Jay grew up on a farm in western Iowa, received his PhD in Agronomy from Colorado State University, and has been on the faculty of the Department of Soil Science at NDSU since 1980. He recently retired.

Adam Gurr, Manitoba farmer
Adam is a proud husband and father to four children between the ages of 6 and 14. He owns and operates a third-generation small grains farm with his family located NE of Brandon, Manitoba. In 2015 he started Agritruth Research Inc. with his brother in-law; they deliver agronomic data generated on their farm through a web platform to interested parties and they also conduct field-scale agronomic research trials under contract to companies in the agriculture industry. Adam has a diploma and degree in Agronomy from the University of Manitoba and a Master’s degree in Agronomy from Iowa State University. Adam hopes to share with you a little about their cropping system, in particular the CTF component as he feels it is a relevant discussion in this new era of Soil Health and that it has a role to play in the development of more sustainable cropping systems.

Peter Johnson, Real Agriculture
Peter, @WheatPete, is the resident agronomist with Real Agriculture, where he posts a weekly podcast “Wheat Pete’s Word”. He is a regular on “Agronomy Monday” on Real Ag radio, Sirius Satellite Radio 147. Peter spent 30 years as the Ontario Cereal Specialist, and loves to talk anything agriculture, especially wheat! He leads the Middlesex Soil and Crop Improvement Association’s applied research program, is the Environmental Advocate for the Land Improvement Contractors of Ontario, and is a member of the Ontario Compaction Team. Peter operates a small farm near Lucan, Ontario, where he constantly tries out new production ideas, and where the “rubber hits the road”! He is enthusiastic and passionate about agriculture, and loves to be challenged by growers. So “have at him”!!!

Thomas Keller, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Thomas Keller is a professor of soil mechanics and soil management at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala, Sweden, and a scientist with the Agroscope research institute in Zürich, Switzerland. His research interests include soil structure dynamics due to natural processes and soil management, earthworm bioturbation and soil-plant interactions, soil mechanical processes related to soil compaction and soil tillage, impacts of soil management on soil structure and soil functions.​

Shannon Osborne, USDA-ARS
Dr. Osborne is a Research Agronomist with the US Department of Agricultural-Agricultural Research Service whose research focuses on understanding how soil and crop management options influence the soil environment and how these practices can be developed into production systems that maintain or improve our soil resource conservation and environmental quality, while providing production efficiency.

Marla Reikman, Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development
Marla Riekman is the Soil Management Specialist with Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Agroecology and a Master’s Degree in Soil Science, both from the University of Manitoba. Before joining Manitoba Agriculture in 2007, Marla worked as the Farm Manager for the Manitoba Zero Tillage Research Association and also as a Soil Conservationist with the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration. Marla’s main focus is to provide extension on dealing with problem soils and maintaining long-term productivity by managing soil health. Marla’s passion for soil has even crept into her personal life – she is known to create jewelry with soil in her spare time!

Scott Shearer, The Ohio State University
Scott Shearer received his Ph.D. in agricultural engineering from The Ohio State University (OSU) in 1986. Currently, he serves as Professor and Chair of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering at OSU. Highlights of his research career include development of methodologies and controls for metering and spatial applying crop production inputs, modeling of agricultural field machinery systems, autonomous multi-vehicle field production systems and strategies for deployment of UAVs in agriculture. He has lead research supported by over $12M in grants, authored more than 200 technical publication, and has made numerous invited presentations at international conferences, professional meetings and farmer forums. Dr. Shearer is a Fellow of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.

NPSAS Food & Farming Conference
2022-01-27 - 2022-01-29
The NPSAS Food & Farming Conference is known for networking among farmers, farmer-led workshops, and an annual membership meeting.

About this event

A robust lineup of speakers and topics is in the works for Northern Plains Sustainable Ag’s 2022 winter conference, Jan. 27-29. We are thrilled that we can plan to gather again at the Holiday Inn in Fargo, N.D.
Part of the schedule this year will be a collaboration with Food Tank, a national nonprofit aiming to build a global community for safe, healthy, nourished eaters.

Update on Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry
2022-02-07 12:50 - 13:30
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has emphasized USDA’s commitment to partnering with producers, land managers and rural communities to deliver climate solutions through voluntary, incentive-based approaches that strengthen rural America. On Monday, February 7, Secretary Vilsack will provide an update on USDA’s plan to support climate-smart commodities while expanding market opportunities during an event at Lincoln University of Missouri, an 1890 Land Grant University. Remarks will begin at 12:50 p.m. CT.

https://www.usda.gov/media/live?utm_campaign=asktheexpert&utm_content=jackcarlile&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

2022 I-90/Hwy 14 Tour - CLASIC Crop, Livestock, and Soil Innovation Conferences
2022-02-08 - 2022-02-11
2022 CLASIC I90_Hwy14 Tour
The Crop, Livestock, and Soil Innovation Conferences (CLASIC) provide a unique opportunity for those in the agriculture industry to network on the latest trends and innovations. CLASIC is made up of two tours, traveling along Interstate 90 and Highway 14, consisting of fours stops each that brings both expert keynote speakers and local farmers to a city near you for a convenient way to learn how they are successfully implementing the latest crop, livestock, and soil innovations.
Brought to you by the following: Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Freeborn, Houston, Jackson, Lincoln, Martin, Nicollet, Redwood, Steele, Waseca SWCD’s as well as the USDA-NRCS, MAWQCP, Heron Lake Watershed District, and the MSHC.
I – 90 Tour Information Theme: Fertility
Feb 8, 2022 – Hokah, MN
Feb 9, 2022 – Albert Lea, MN
Feb 10, 2022 – Fairmont, MN
Feb 11, 2022 – Heron Lake, MN
Keynote Speaker: Mitchell Hora
Mitchell Hora is a 7th generation Iowa farmer and the founder/CEO of Continuum Ag, a soil health data company. The Hora’s have been using no-till since 1978 and cover crops since 2013, while also experimenting with relay cropping, 60” corn, diverse rotations, and a wide array of trials all aimed at creatively implementing the soil health principles. To document and learn, the farm uses weekly Haney Soil Health testing and has been able to see massive increases in soil carbon, microbial activity, water infiltration, and a 45% decrease in needed synthetic fertility. Mitchell also co-hosts the Field Work Podcast, is a NACD Soil Health Champion, and was named to the AgGrad 30 under 30 list.
Highway 14 Tour Information Theme: Benefits & Challenges of Soil Health Practices and The Basics of Carbon
Mar 1, 2022 – Lake Benton, MN
Mar 2, 2022 – Lamberton, MN
Mar 3, 2022 – New Ulm, MN
Mar 4, 2022 – Waseca, MN
Keynote Speaker: Dorian Gatchell
BS Agronomy/soils – South Dakota State University, MS Agronomy – Iowa state University. Certified as CCA and CPAg from American Society of Agronomy. Worked in Agronomy field since 1994, in agribusiness to 2009, then founded an independent agronomy consultation company; Minnesota Agricultural Services. Advise crop growers on all aspects of crop production with a focus on profitability with professionalism and high standards in economics, technology and environmental stewardship.
Keynote Speaker: Don Reicosky
Don Reicosky is a retired Soil Scientist for the USDA-ARS, North Central Soil Conservation Research Laboratory, Morris, MN, and Adjunct Professor in the Soil Science Department, University of Minnesota, St. Paul. Later research focused on tillage and residue management measuring gaseous losses of soil carbon following intensive tillage with a portable chamber. The gaseous losses of carbon following tillage were related to the volume of soil disturbed in the tillage operation. The short-term tillage-induced losses after moldboard plowing can help explain the long-term decline in soil carbon associated with intensive cropping. Results from this research suggest a need for improved conservation agriculture methods. In retirement, he continues to write about carbon management and environmental issues.
More information to come!
To get on a contact list for more info, contact:
Mark Gutierrez (505) 980-1360 mark@mnsoilhealth.org

2022 I-90 Tour CLASIC Hokah Stop
2022-02-08 16:30 - 19:30
Hokah Feb. 8th Flyer
Join the Root River Soil & Water Conservation District for this FREE soil health workshop!
This event is part of the I-90 Soil Health Tour with stops in:
Hokah (Tues, 2/8) Fairmont (Thurs, 2/10)
Albert Lea (Wed, 2/9) Heron Lake (Fri, 2/11)
FOR MORE INFORMATION call Root River SWCD
507-724-5261 ext.3
Learn how soil health practices such as reducing tillage, using cover crops, and implementing diversity in the system helps cut soil fertility needs.
• Reduce fertilizer and herbicide inputs
• Improve nutrient use efficiency
• Optimize fertility recommendations
• Implement reduced rates of fertilizer through reduction in tillage

Mitchell Hora – Seventh generation Iowa farmer and podcast host of Field Work with experience in reducing fertilizer inputs by 45%.
Myron Sylling – Local soil health innovator from Spring Grove, MN. He has 26 years of experience with practices such as no-till and cover crops.

2022 I-90 Tour - CLASIC Albert Lea Stop
2022-02-09 08:30 - 15:30
Albert Lea Feb. 9th Flyer

Join the Freeborn Area Soil Health Team for this FREE soil health workshop!
Come learn about soil health practices farmers can implement on their land to benefit the soil, environment, crop yield, and more!
Bring this flyer with you to the event to be entered in to win a prize the day of the event!
This event is part of the I-90 Soil Health Tour with stops in:
Hokah (2/8), Albert Lea (2/9), Fairmont (2/10), and Heron Lake (2/11).
RSVP at:
507-320-3728
lindsey.zeitler@mn.nacdnet.net
RSVP for Lunch by January 28
Speakers:
Mitchell Hora – Seventh generation Iowa farmer and podcast host of Field Work with experience in reducing fertilizer inputs by 45%.Dean Sponheim – Fourth generation farmer from Northern Iowa with experience in strip till and cover crops.
Anne Sawyer – University of Minnesota extension educator in water resources with an expertise in the function of carbon in the soil.
CEU’s will be available at this event!

[Webinar] Top 10 Lessons about Soil Fertility
2022-02-10 10:00 - 12:00
One of the major challenges for the 2022 crop season is the higher cost and limited availability of commercial fertilizers. Many producers are looking at new and different ways to feed their crops while managing input costs, including the role of soil biology in managing fertility.
To learn more about the practical links between soil fertility and biology, join No-Till Farmer along with Midwest Bio-Tech’s Doug Miller for a free webinar, “Top 10 Lessons About Soil Fertility,” on Thursday, Feb. 10, at 10 a.m. CT.
Some of the most common questions Miller will answer regarding fertility efficiency and the role soil biology plays include:

How much nutrients can my soil microbes convert for use by my crop?
What if 2022 is a wet or dry year?
How quickly can I improve my soil health to enhance fertility?
What is the role of residue decay and organic matter?

Midwest Bio-Tech has been involved in managing soil fertility and biological activity on farms for more than 40 years, and this is the 10th webinar Miller has presented to No-Till Farmer followers in the past decade.
Register for this free webinar today!
When: February 10, 10am Central Time

2022 I-90 Tour - CLASIC Fairmont Stop
2022-02-10 10:00 - 13:45
Fairmont Feb 10th Flyer

Traveling along Interstate 90, the tour consists of 4 stops that bring both expert keynote speakers and local farmers for a convenient way to learn
how soil health practices such as reducing tillage, using cover crops, and implementing diversity in the system helps cut soil fertility needs.
Speakers
Mitchell Hora
Mitchell is a 7th generation Iowa farmer and founder/CEO of Continuum Ag, a soil health data company. The Hora’s have been using no-till since 1978 and cover crops since 2013 along with experimenting in relay cropping.
AJ Krusemark
AJ farms in Martin County, MN where he produces corn, soybeans and livestock. AJ started using cover crops in 2016 and has been no-tilling / strip-tilling since 2017.
This is a FREE event with FREE food!
Feb 8, 2022 – Hokah, MN, Feb 9, 2022 – Albert Lea, MN, Feb 11, 2022 – Heron Lake, MN
Please RSVP by Friday, February 4th at 507-235-6680 EXT 107 or at holly.martinswcd@gmail.com
