MN Soil Health Coalition

2021 SUSTAINABLE AGRONOMY CONFERENCE VIRTUAL EVENT & CONSERVATION IN ACTION TOUR SERIES
2021-08-24 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2021

Growing a Regenerative Crop Production System
11:00 AM-1:00 PM CT
CEU Category: 1.0 in Crop Management, 1.0 in Professional Development or 2.0 in Sustainability
Part 1: Exploring the Future of Regenerative and Organic Crop Production
Moderator – Kelly Murray Young, Field to Market
Speakers – Clint Pilcher, Corteva, Mallory Krieger, Organic Agronomy Training Service, and Anders Gurda, Organic Agronomy Training Service
Part 2: Connecting for Conservation
Moderator – Steve Werblow, Conservation Technology Information Center
Speakers – Linda Prokopy, Purdue University, TBD, Farmer, TBD, Certified Crop Adviser, and TBD, Sand County Foundation

Demystifying Regenerative Grazing and Soil Health with Dr. Allen Williams: Virtual
2021-08-24 10:00 - 15:00
The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) will host a two-part workshop in August for ag professionals, educators, and mentor farmers to provide information and hands-on training on regenerative grazing, soil health, and monitoring. NCAT soil and livestock specialists will be joined by Dr. Allen Williams of Understanding Ag, LLC. to lead these workshops. The first workshop is virtual.

Registration Link: www.ncat.org/events/

Food Safety Field Day: Composting, Livestock & Produce & Packshed Design
2021-08-24 09:30 - 12:30
Join UMN Extension, UMASH, MDA and your fellow farmers for a field day at Maple Ridge Produce focused on compost and packsheds for produce farms. Speakers include a veterinarian, public health and food safety experts and seasoned farmers.

Topics will include safely integrating livestock and manure in produce operations to improve soil health while also reducing potential for contamination. We will also take a deep-dive into packshed design including tips on low-cost hacks and improvements for postharvest handling, including how to build low-cost spray tables, dunk tanks and repurposing equipment safely and effectively to improve product quality and safety.

All participants leave with a food safety kit for packsheds including spray bottles and cleaning brushes.

This event hosted by University of Minnesota Extension, Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Farmers Union, and Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota – Greater Mille Lacs Chapter.

Methods of Pastured Pork and Poultry Production field day
2021-08-21 09:00 - 15:30
You’re invited to join SFA and two Driftless region farms for a free Methods of Pastured Pork and Poultry Production Field Day on August 21, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m!
We will visit these two farms raising pastured pork and poultry in a couple of different ways. These methods can provide opportunity for a variety of farmers in a variety of land contexts. We’ll also discuss direct marketing strategies.
The first stop will be Nettle Valley Farm in Spring Grove. Farmers Dayna Burtness and Nick Nguyen will give us a tour, featuring a pastured pork wagon wheel hub model and pastured meat chickens and turkeys. Dayna was also featured in last week’s episode of Dirt Rich.
After lunch, the field day continues at Wholesome Family Farms in Caledonia, Minnesota. Jordan and Rachelle Meyer will demonstrate their mobile pastured pork setup and pastured laying hens. The Meyers also raise grass-finished beef, goats, and other poultry.
The field day is free and open to all! Farmers marketing grass-finished beef, for example, may find benefit in adding other pastured livestock to their operation because they already have a customer base that’s interested in pasture-raised meat. This could allow you to start additional enterprises without adding additional marketing costs.
Fruit and vegetable growers may also be interested in attending. Pastured pork and poultry can be a viable method to add the fifth principle of soil health, “Integrating Livestock,” into your soil health practices.
We hope you can make it! Registration is encouraged for planning purposes and to ensure a lunch. Walkups are also welcome. REGISTER.

Pricing corn silage
2021-08-20 12:00 - 13:00
Learn about how to negotiate a fair price when buying or selling corn silage.
Ryan Sterry, from the University of Wisconsin Extension, will discuss general guidelines on how to price corn silage and demonstrate a new interactive smartphone app that allows you to use your own information to determine a more accurate value.
For more information contact:

Minnesota: Jim Salfer, 612-360-4506
Iowa: Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230
South Dakota: Heidi Carroll, 605-688-6623

Audience

Dairy and beef farmers
Industry professionals

Cost
Free
Registration
Pre-registration is required.

Central sands research farm hosting free field day August 19
2021-08-19 09:30 - 13:00
The Rosholt Research Farm Field Day will take place on Thursday, August 19, 2021 from 9:30am to 1pm. The event is free and lunch will be provided, but registration is required (link below).
Research at the Rosholt Research Farm addresses regional issues and agricultural practices that are typical in the central sands region of Minnesota. The farm’s sandy soil and need for supplemental irrigation typifies the challenges that many producers face on the outwash sands of west-central and central Minnesota. Data collection started in 2011 and the work has since been expanded to several additional research projects.
At the field day, you’ll learn about:

Nitrogen Management for Corn in Irrigated Sands: Where does the applied N go and what can be done to improve its efficient use? – Fabián G. Fernández, Ph.D., Nutrient management specialist, University of Minnesota Extension
Irrigation Management for Profitable Crop Production and Water Quality Protection – Vasudha Sharma, Ph.D., Irrigation specialist, University of Minnesota Extension
Kernza: A New Perennial Grain Crop to Improve Drinking Water Quality – Jacob M. Jungers, PhD, Assistant Professor Dept. of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota
Adding Value to Kernza: An Update on AURI’s Efforts to Identify Processing Methods and Early Supply Chain & Market Opportunities for Kernza in Minnesota – Riley Gordon, AURI Engineer

There will also be booths by partner agencies. Lunch will be prepared by Minnewaska Meats. The Rosholt Research Farm is located at 910 Old Highway 28, Villard, Minnesota, 56385.
Register online or call Holly Kovarik (District Manager, Pope SWCD) at 320-634-5327 to reserve your spot
Funding for the work at the Rosholt Research Farm has been provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR), Minnesota’s Agricultural Research and Education Council (AFREC), and the Clean Water Fund as part of the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment.
The Rosholt Research Farm is a partnership between University of Minnesota Extension, Pope Soil and Water Conservation District, Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District, Forever Green, the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Soil Health Field Day with Ray Archuleta at Red Rooster Ranch
2021-08-18 08:30 - 15:30
On Wednesday, August 18, nationally renowned soil health presenter Ray Archuleta will be joining Mervin Beachy at Red Rooster Ranch in St. Ansgar, Iowa, for a special field day. Join us for a full-day (8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.) experience guaranteed to further your knowledge of soil health.
Come for:

Soil health demonstrations.
Break-out sessions with local farmers to discuss roller crimping, cover crops, and more.
Presentations from soil health expert Ray Archuleta.

For more information and to RESERVE A SPOT for this field day, visit https://landstewardshipproject.org/events/item/1644.
Cost: $30 for single ticket, $50 for household; lunch provided!
For more information or with questions, contact LSP’s Maura Curry at mcurry@landstewardshipproject.org or 651-249-6308.
DIRECTIONS:

Red Rooster Ranch: 1247 430th Street ,St. Ansgar, IA 50472
The farm is northwest of St. Ansgar, Iowa, just off of Highway 105. The event will be marked with LSP signs.

These field days are part of a series being put on by the Lewiston office of the Land Stewardship Project. For information on LSP’s Soil Builders’ Network, see landstewardshipproject.org/lspsoilbuilders.

2021 SUSTAINABLE AGRONOMY CONFERENCE VIRTUAL EVENT & CONSERVATION IN ACTION TOUR SERIES
2021-08-17 11:00 - 13:00
TUESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2021

Protecting Pollinators and Managing Their Habitats
11:00 AM-1:00 PM CT
CEU Category: 2.0 in Integrated Pest Management or 2.0 in Sustainability
Part 1: Leveraging IPM for Pollinator Protection and Sustainable Crop Management
Moderator – Jerome Pier, Western Region Certified Crop Adviser Program
Speakers – Caydee Savinelli, Syngenta and Stephanie Darnell, BASF
Part 2: Protecting Pollinators and Building Biodiversity on the Farm Landscape
Moderator – Steve Werblow, Conservation Technology Information Center
Speakers – TBD Farmer, TBD Beekeeper, Ana Heck, Michigan State University Extension, Andony Melathopoulos, Oregon State University Extension, TBD, Corteva Agriscience, TBD, Keystone and Dale Thorenson, Assistant Director, U.S. Canola Association

Cover Crops Field Day
2021-08-17 08:30 - 13:00
Plan to attend Cover Crops: Setting up for Success on August 17 at the Southwest Research and Outreach Center in Lamberton. Check-in starts at 8:30 AM and the program will run 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with lunch included. Plan to arrive on-time as a field tour of cover crop research trials will commence promptly at the start of the event, weather permitting. The event will be held, rain or shine.

While cover crops have the potential to provide many benefits, they are currently planted on a limited number of acres in Minnesota. The field day will highlight U of MN research that provides guidance to help farmers successfully incorporate cover crops into Minnesota cropping systems.
Program details
Attendees will learn about the latest cover crop research results and management considerations, the potential role of cover crops in carbon markets, and how various cover crops perform when planted in the summer. The program is for farmers, with or without cover crop experience, and for anyone who works with farmers and would like to learn more about cover crops.

Tour stops and topics include:

Interseeding cover crops in corn
Summer seeding / prevent plant options
Planting green / termination trial
Cover crops and residual herbicides
Cover crops and carbon sequestration
NCR-SARE resources and opportunities

Speakers include:

Professor Jay Norton, Extension Soils Specialist / Director U of Wyoming Soil Resource Laboratory
Axel Garcia y Garcia, Assoc. Prof. / Sust. Crop Systems Specialist, Dept. Agronomy and Plant Genetics, SWROC, Lamberton
Ethan Ley, Graduate Research Assistant, Dept. of Agronomy and Plant Genetics
Gregg Johnson, Assoc. Prof., Dept. of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, SROC, Waseca
Liz Stahl, Extension Educator – Crops, Worthington Regional Extension Office
Wayne Martin, Extension Educator – Alternative Livestock Systems / MN SARE State Co-Coordinator

Cost and registration
There is no cost to attend, thanks to sponsorship from Minnesota North Central Region-Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (MN NCR-SARE).

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged by August 11 for planning purposes at https://z.umn.edu/covercropfieldday. Later registrations and walk-ins are still welcome but timely registration is required to ensure a meal.
For further details and to register, go to Cover crops: Setting up for success.

Timely Goat and Sheep Webinar on Preparing for the Breeding Season
2021-08-12 19:30 - 21:00
Cologne, Minn. (8/4/2021) — As the breeding season approaches there are a series of management procedures and techniques that can be used to ensure the season is a success.
The University of Minnesota Extension is hosting a webinar on Thursday, August 12th from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to discuss management strategies to assist goat and sheep farmers to properly prepare for the breeding season this fall.
Proper management and attention to the health of the goat herd or sheep flock during the breeding season will be the focus of this webinar. Farmers, 4-Hers, veterinarians, nutritionists and ag business professionals who work with farmers and those interested in goats or sheep are invited to attend.
Kyle Rozeboom, Livestock Specialist at the University of Minnesota Department of Animal Science, will lead an informative discussion about sheep and goat breeds, crossbreeding, facilities, flushing, ram to ewe and buck to doe ratio, breeding soundness of rams and bucks along with helpful tools for marking breeding animals. Proper timing of breeding and lambing/kidding dates to hit target marketing opportunities will be covered. Attendees will have the opportunity to generate more in-depth discussion by asking questions about the topics most pertinent to their own operations.
Pre-registration is required. Register at:https://z.umn.edu/GoatSheepBreed
The Zoom link will be emailed to you immediately after you register. If you are unable to attend the live session, you will receive the recording via email. Any questions please contact: Brenda Miller at nels4220@umn.edu or Colleen Carlson at traxl042@umn.edu

Soil Health Field Day at A-Frame Farms
2021-08-12 08:30 - 14:00 | A Frame Farms, 2484 Highway 40, Madison, MN, 56256, United States
This field day offers a farmer-to-farmer networking opportunity over lunch and sessions on benchmarking soil health, cover crop mixes, organic management and livestock integration. This event will highlight the work simple Mills is doing that gives farmers another opportunity to diversify rotations. Luke Peterson has eliminated fall tillage and deep tillage on annual crops and have noticed a big change in soil structure. The speakers are Crop Consultant Dorian Gatchell and farmers experienced in soil health practices from Sauk Centre, Madison and Arco, MN. This event is free to attend, but registration is required (below).

Location

A-Frame Farm
2484 Highway 40
Madison, MN 56256

Agenda
9:00am: Coffee and Conversation
Basic Techniques for gauging soil health
Cover crop mixes
Organic Management
Livestock Integration
1:00pm: Lunch (provided!)
Sponsored by Simple Mills and facilitated by Minnesota Soil Health Coalition
Contact for more information:
Mark Gutierrez
505-980-1360
mark@mnsoilhealth.org

Soil Health Institute's 6th Annual Meeting - Soil Health: Enriching Soil, Enhancing Life
2021-08-11 10:00 - 2021-08-12 15:00
Soil Health: Enriching Soil, Enhancing Life, August 11-12, 2021, will be an online virtual meeting designed to connect the science of soil health with the information requested by farmers and the environmental benefits that follow.
Registration is free but required to attend. A complete agenda will be made available as speakers are confirmed.
Sessions:
– Farmers’ Experiences with Adopting Soil Health Systems
– Business Case for Regenerative Soil Health Systems
– Agricultural Input Impacts on Soil Health
– Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation through Soil Health
– Establishing Soil Health Interpretations for Farmers and Conservation Planners
– Understanding and Managing the Soil Microbiome
When
Aug 11, 10:00 AM – Noon and 1:00-3:00 PM ET
Aug 12, 10:00 AM – Noon and 1:00-3:00 PM ET

Time
Aug 11, 2021 10:00 AM
Aug 12, 2021 10:00 AM
Time shows in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Manure Composting Workshop - Morris
2021-08-11 08:00 - 16:30
Join us for this free, in-person event and learn about manure composting through educational sessions, demonstrations, hands-on activities and discussions with an expert panel. Best management topics include:

Site selection
Composting process
Turning and temperature
Understanding analysis
Economics
Regulations
Land application

The rain date for this event is August 13, 2021.

Soil Health Field Day - Lewiston, MN
2021-08-10 16:30 - 20:00 | 25765 Cty Rd 110, Winona, MN, 25765 Cty Rd 110, Winona, MN, 55987, United States
What’s Covered?

Roller Crimping
Alternative Forages
Drone Seeding Demo
Seeding Equipment

Location: Burr Oak Farms & Unruh Cover Cropping
4:30 – 8:00 PM with supper
Questions? Contact Lance Klessig at 608-780-2134

Crop Pest Management Plot Tour at SWROC August 10
2021-08-10 13:00 - 16:00
The University of Minnesota Southwest Research & Outreach Center near Lamberton welcomes visitors on-site for a crop pest management plot tour on Tuesday, August 10th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
This tour of research and demonstration plots will feature Extension entomologist Ken Ostlie discussing corn rootworm management and Extension weed scientist Debalin Sarangi discussing corn and soybean weed management approaches. Extension IPM Specialist Bruce Potter will also highlight other current pest management issues.
This plot tour is free but participants are encouraged to pre-register. CEUs for certified crop advisors have been applied for. In the event of rain, the plot tour will be modified and moved indoors.
Register for the tour
For more information or to request special accommodations, email eneperma@umn.edu or visit swroc.cfans.umn.edu.

2021 SUSTAINABLE AGRONOMY CONFERENCE VIRTUAL EVENT & CONSERVATION IN ACTION TOUR SERIES
2021-08-10 11:00 - 13:00
TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2021

Managing Scarce Water Resources
11:00 AM-1:00 PM CT
CEU Category: 1.0 in Soil & Water Management, 1.0 in Crop Management or 2.0 in Sustainability
Part 1: Boosting Water Quality Through Sound Agronomy
Moderator – Fred Vocasek, ServiTech
Speakers – Steve Walthour, North Plains Groundwater Conservation District, Mark Rude, Southwest Kansas Groundwater Management District #3, and Shannon Kenyon, Northwest Groundwater Management District #4
Part 2: Linking Water Use Efficiency with the Carbon Cycle and On-Farm Sustainability
Moderator – Brian Olson, Bayer Crop Science
Speakers – Daran Rudnick, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Jonathan Aguilar, Kansas State University, Mark Reiman, Bayer Crop Science, and Orvin Bontrager, ServiTech

Drought woes? Extra forage? Midwest Grazing Exchange could help make a connection.
2021-08-06 13:00 - 14:00
August 6, 1:00 pm Central Daylight Time
All of the Dakotas and Minnesota, and parts of Wisconsin and Iowa, are in moderate to extreme drought. Many cattle producers in these areas are facing acute forage shortages. One potential strategy is to send cattle away to graze in other states where forage is abundant. The new Midwest Grazing Exchange was established to facilitate just this kind of movement of livestock to available grazing: connecting graziers and landowners in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin. Join a webinar Friday, August 6 at 1:00 pm CDT to learn about the Midwest Grazing Exchange: how to use it, how to enter into contract grazing, and where to find additional help with making grazing connections.
Register for this webinar: https://z.umn.edu/MidwestGrazingExchange
Learn more about the Midwest Grazing Exchange: https://www.midwestgrazingexchange.com/
This webinar is hosted by the Midwest Perennial Forage Working Group of Green Lands Blue Waters. Learn more about us: https://greenlandsbluewaters.org/midwest-perennial-forage-working-group/

National Strip Till Conference - Omaha, NE
2021-08-05 08:00 - 2021-08-06 17:00
Join top strip-tillers, agronomists and researchers for 2 days of unrivaled learning and networking!
Discover cutting-edge ideas, techniques and strategies from the most innovative, forward-thinking minds in strip-till to raise your level of strip-till profitability, efficiency and efficacy.
The 2021 National Strip-Tillage Conference offers a mix of thought-provoking general sessions featuring top experts; profit-boosting Strip-Till Classrooms led by strip-till authorities, and interactive farmer-to-farmer Strip-Till Roundtables.
Join today’s top strip-tillers, agronomists and researchers for 2-days of unrivaled learning and networking at the 2021 National Strip-Tillage Conference, Aug. 5-6 in Omaha, Neb.
Submit the online registration form below or call (262) 432-0388 or (866) 839-8455 Mon. – Fri. 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Central Time.

Guiding Resilience: A Legal Workshop for Ag Service Providers
2021-08-04 14:00 - 15:00, 2021-07-28 14:00 - 15:00
Guiding Resilience

2021 SUSTAINABLE AGRONOMY CONFERENCE VIRTUAL EVENT & CONSERVATION IN ACTION TOUR SERIES
2021-08-03 11:00 - 13:00
TUESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2021

Utilizing 4R Nutrient Management Best Practices
11:00 AM-1:00 PM CT
CEU Category: 2.0 in Nutrient Management or 2.0 in Sustainability
Part 1: Keeping Agriculture Sustainable Through 4R Basics
Moderator – Kyle Freeman, OCP North America
Speakers – Felipe Garziera, SQM Specialty Plant Nutrition and Alan Blaylock, Nutrien eKonomics
Part 2: Improving Water Quality Through 4R Phosphorus Management
Moderator – Steve Werblow, Conservation Technology Information Center
Speakers – Les Seiler, Seiler Farms, Greg Kneubuhler, G&K Concepts, Laura Johnson, Heidelberg University, Judy Smith, Heidelberg University, TBD, Conservation Technology Information Center, and TBD, Bayer Crop Science

Silvopasture Professional Development Program Workshop - Lake Elmo
2021-07-30 09:00 - 12:30
This Silvopasture Workshop will meet in the North Pavilion of Lake Elmo Park Reserve.
Address: 1515 Keats Ave N Lake Elmo, MN 55042
Map of North Pavilion location.

Presenters will include:
Keefe Keeley, Savanna Institute
Callie Bertsch, NRCS State Forester
Dan MacSwain, Washington County Parks
We will also get to see goats removing some buckthorn in the park!

Registration is free to all. A daily park pass or annual permit for Washington or Anoka County is required for all vehicles entering the park. All registrants will receive a pass via email, which should be printed and displayed on the passenger side dash. Snacks provided.

SFA’s COVID-19 Preparedness Plan will be implemented at this event. Registration strongly encouraged for planning purposes. Walk ups welcome.

This workshop is funded by a grant from the NCR-SARE’s Professional Development Program.

Livestock Producer Workshop
2021-07-30 09:00 - 12:00
LIVESTOCK PRODUCER WORKSHOP
Friday, July 30th 9:00 am to Noon
Tom Olson Farm
5798 County Road 2 NW
Williams, MN 56686
Presentations on rotational grazing,
forage productivity, Conservation Programs and Ag Certification
A free meal will be served at noon
Free soil and manure test kits will be available, 1 per farm
(Limited kits available, RSVP early to reserve kits)

RSVP by July 16th
218-634-1842 ext. 4 or staff@lakeofthewoodsswcd.org
This workshop is hosted by Lake of the Woods Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) in cooperation with their partners including Northwestern Stockman’s Association, Sustainable Farming Association, UMN Extension, MN Ag Water Quality Certification Program, Natural Resource Conservation Service and the SWCD’s of Koochiching, Beltrami, Roseau, Kittson & Marshall counties.

Rock County Fair Demonstration
2021-07-29 10:00 - 12:00
Mark your calendars! The Rock County Fair is set to take place July 28-31, 2021.
Join the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition and the Rock County Fair where we will demonstrate the rainfall simulator and discuss cost share opportunities for soil health practices.
July 29 10AM-12PM

Silvopasture Field Day - Sauk Centre
2021-07-29 09:00 - 15:00
Tyler Carlson (SFA Silvopasture & Agroforestry Lead) will be hosting this field day at his farm, Early Boots Farm in Sauk Centre. He will be presenting, as will Keefe Keeley of the Savanna Institute, and Callie Bertsch of the NRCS. A boxed lunch will be provided.

Registration is free to SFA members, and $25 to nonmembers. Members must be logged into their SFA account to see the free registration option. Become a member here.
Scholarships will be available to natural resource and ag professionals who seek professional development opportunities and aim to share information with other farmers and landowners. Apply here or reach out to Wayne Monsen at wayne@sfa-mn.org with questions.

SFA’s COVID-19 Preparedness Plan will be implemented at this event. Registration strongly encouraged for planning purposes. Walk ups welcome but cannot be guaranteed lunch.

Address: 20232 Balsam Drive Sauk Centre, MN 56378
This workshop is funded by a grant from the NCR-SARE’s Professional Development Program.

2021 Kernza® Field Days - Goodhue, MN
2021-07-28 17:30 - 19:30 | 46958 188th Street, Estelline, SD 57234, 46958 188th Street,, Estelline, 57234, United States
At this Field Day, we will tour Kaleb Anderson’s farm and discuss his experiences growing wide row corn with cover crops, planting soy and alfalfa with cereal rye, and growing/grazing the perennial grain Kernza. This event will emphasize how these practices influence soil and water health and include dinner, time to socialize, and a chance to try various Kernza products after our tour!

July 28th from 5:30-7:30 at 12535 335th St. Goodhue, MN

Northern MN small grain plot tours - Strathcona
2021-07-28 12:00 - 15:00
The Small Grain Summer Plot Tours provide farmers and crop consultants with the tools to make small grain production successful and profitable. University of Minnesota Extension small grain specialists and educators will present information on:

Production agronomics
Variety selection
Pest identification and management
Fungicide use

These programs are interactive with hands-on demonstrations of genetics, pests and growth stages. They feature tours of current research plots as well as discussions of on-farm experiences. Feel free to bring any field samples for diagnosis or discussion!
For information on plot tours at other locations, visit Small grain summer plot tours.

Cost
There is no cost to attend the plot tour.
Registration
Pre-registration is not required.
Jared Goplen, University of Minnesota Extension crops educator
gople007@umn.edu
Jochum Wiersma, University of Minnesota Extension small grains agronomist
wiers002@umn.edu

Silvopasture Field Day - Faribault
2021-07-28 09:00 - 15:00
il and Carly Crombie will host this silvopasture field day at their farm in Faribault, the Organic Compound. The Crombies will present, as will Keefe Keeley (Savanna Institute), Callie Bertsch (NRCS), and Wayne Monsen (SFA). Jared Luhman (SFA) will also present on NRCS programs and the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program. A boxed lunch will be provided.

Registration is free to SFA members, and $25 to nonmembers. Members must be logged into their SFA account to see the free registration option. Become a member here.
Scholarships will be available to natural resource and ag professionals who seek professional development opportunities and aim to share information with other farmers and landowners. Apply here or reach out to Wayne Monsen at wayne@sfa-mn.org with questions.

Address: The Organic Compound, 18157 Eiler Ave Faribault, MN 55021

SFA’s COVID-19 Preparedness Plan will be implemented at this event. Registration strongly encouraged for planning purposes. Walk ups welcome but cannot be guaranteed lunch.

This workshop is funded by a grant from the NCR-SARE’s Professional Development Program.

2021 SUSTAINABLE AGRONOMY CONFERENCE VIRTUAL EVENT & CONSERVATION IN ACTION TOUR SERIES
2021-07-27 11:00 - 13:00
TUESDAY, JULY 27, 2021

Measuring and Improving Soil Health
11:00 AM-1:00 PM CT
CEU Category: 2.0 in Soil & Water Management or 2.0 in Sustainability
Part 1: Exploring Recent Technologies for Soil Health Assessment and Improvement
Moderator – Donnie Taylor, Senior Vice President of Member Services and Corporate Relationships, Agricultural Retailers Association
Speakers – Karl Wyant, Vice President of Agricultural Science, Heliae and Sarah Lepp, Research Scientist, SoilOptix
Part 2: Boosting Soil Health Through Organic Amendments and Biologicals
Moderator – Brent Brueland, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Environmental Tillage Systems
Speakers – Jason Ellsworth, Organic Portfolio Manager, Wilbur-Ellis and Ernie Sanders, Vice President of Product Development, Pivot Bio

Strip-Till, No-Till, Animal Integration and Solar Field Day Chris Gunderson
2021-07-27 10:30 - 12:30
July 27, 10 am-12:30 pm

Chris Gunderson farm, 15818 304th Street
Spring Valley, MN 55975
Google Map »
RSVP to Barb Sogn-Frank, LSP, bsognfrank@landstewardshipproject.org

Join Member-Farmer Chris Gunderson at his rolling 1,600 acre farm to learn about his approach to controlling erosion and filtering and storing water with regenerative agriculture methods such as strip-tilling, no-till and animal integration grazing cattle after corn harvest on his row crop fields.
Lunch will be served after the presentation and tour.
The Farm:
Chris Gunderson is a fourth-generation farmer using strip-till and no-till cropping practices to grow conventional corn and soybeans near Spring Valley, Minnesota. Chris manages his 1,600 acres on his own, including grazing cattle, corn, soybeans, hay and CRP land. He’s adopted soil health practices that are manageable without additional crew to control erosion and build healthier, more water-retaining soil. He’s participated with the Preston MN LSP Soil Health Hub to share and learn from other farmers looking to build their soil’s health and better their bottom lines.
Topics:

Strip-till of conventional corn and soybeans
No-till
Pastured cattle
Integration of cattle on row crop acres
Solar array to power the farm operation and dwelling

For more information, contact LSP’s Barb Sogn-Frank via e-mail.
Register below for this event: https://landstewardshipproject.org/events/item/1648
