MN Soil Health Coalition

Soil Health & Cover Crop Field Day
2019-09-20 08:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | pin 321 Mabel St, Maynard, MN 56260, United States, 321 Mable St, Maynard, MN, 56260, United States
The Renville SWCD and Hawk Creek Watershed are hosting a soil health & cover crop field day. Visit local farms implementing cover crops and no-till/strip-till:
Using cover crops in a corn/soybean rotation
Interseeding cover crops early in the growing season
Seeding after early harvest crops (small grain, canning, silage)
Realizing the benefits of cover crops with livestock and grazing
Start at the Maynard Community Center (321 Mabel St), then load buses to field locations, followed by a free lunch to those who RSVP’d
RSVP by Friday, September 13
Contact the Hawk Creek Watershed Project at 320-523-3666 or heidi@hawkcreekwatershed.org

2019 Cover Crop Field Talk
2019-09-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Cecil Deschene Farm, 28755 360th Ave NW, Argyle, MN, 56713, United States
When: September 19, 10 am to noon.
Where: Cecil Deschene Farm, 28755 360th Ave NW, Argyle, MN 56713
Topics include soil structure and biology, benefits of cover crops and results of soil health plots. Demonstrations include rainfall simulator comparison of cropping and tillage methods and a soil pit. Speakers include: Cecil Deschene and Brandon DeFoe, NRCS Soil Scientist. Event is free; lunch is included. Questions? Contact Cecil at 218-201-0236.

Safe Talk - Preventing Suicide in Ag Communities
2019-09-19 08:00 - 17:00
When a neighbor’s tractor gets stuck, you don’t hesitate to help. But when you see a family member, friend, or client stuck in a rut—and possibly suicidal—it can be daunting to try and help and can leave you feeling powerless. Suicide is a significant public health issue in Minnesota. It involves the tragic loss of human life and causes agonizing grief, fear, and confusion in families and communities. The impact can even extend across generations.

This training focuses teaches in-depth skills you can learn in half a day. You’ll learn how to recognize someone having thoughts of suicide, how to engage them, and how to make sure they get help. This evidence-based training is effective for people as young as 15. All six sessions will include a unit specially designed to address the stigma associated with suicide and mental illness among farmers and farm workers.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Farmers, lenders, mediators, agency staff, clergy, educators, veterinarians, health care and social service providers, agricultural advisors, businesspeople, and anyone else who interacts with people who farm.
REGISTER AT: http://safeTALK-agriculture.eventbrite.com
This training is free. Pre-registration is required. Enrollment at each location is limited to 30.
2019 DATES
October 10, Thief River Falls, Northland Community & Technical College
October 11, Moorhead, MERIT Center
November 20, Faribault, South Central College
November 21, Austin, Riverland Community College
December 3, Marshall, Southwest MN State University
December 4, Waite Park, Minnesota State Quarry Center

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
This training challenges attitudes that inhibit open talk about suicide and will teach you to:

Recognize a person who might be having thoughts of suicide

Learn how to address stigma associated with suicide and mental illness.

Engage people at risk of suicide in direct and open talk about it.
Listen to their feelings about suicide to show that they are taken seriously.
Move quickly to connect the at-risk with someone trained in suicide intervention.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Chaplain (Colonel-Retired) Glen Bloomstrom is the Military Representative and Faith Community Liaison for LivingWorks Education, an international suicide intervention training company. He is also an adjunct professor at Bethlehem Seminary in Minneapolis. Glen served on active duty as a US Army chaplain for 30 years. His expertise includes suicide prevention, pastoral counseling, and military deployment. He is a member of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention and serves on the Faith Communities Task Force.

FAQ
I’ve been to a QPR suicide prevention workshop. Should I attend safeTalk? QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer), is a 1-hour introductory-level training that increases awareness about suicide. safeTALK is a more in-depth and comprehensive training that offers both education and experiential learning. safeTALK also addresses the stigma issues related to suicide and mental health. (If you are interested in QPR, contact NAMI Minnesota, which is offering the program in rural communities.)

Are CEUs available? We will provide you with a certificate of attendance that you can use to self-certify with your licensing board or organization.

Who do I contact about disability accommodation? Call Stephen at 651-201-6012 or via TTY at 711 at least one week before the session you want to attend.

This workshop is supported by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2018-38640-28416 through the North Central Region SARE program under project number ENC18-170. The State of Minnesota and USDA are equal opportunity employers and service providers. The opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this workshop do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Individuals with a disability who need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event please contact Stephen Moser at 651-201-6012 or through the Minnesota Relay Service at 711 at least one week prior to the session you want to attend.

Regenerative Tools School
2019-09-18 10:00 - 15:00 | IA-FLOLO Farms, 12517 220th St, West Union, MN, 52175, United States
Check out this regenerative tools filled day with presenter Jay Fuhrer, Keith Berns, Kevin Kimberley, and Dawn Equipment hearing about implementation, watch an equipment demo, and tech talk. Lunch is included with registration https://northeastiowarcd.org/ Questions contact Northeast Iowa RC&D 563-864-7112 or ross@northeastiowarcd.org

Dirt Rich: Building Soil Heath Experts
2019-09-18 09:00 - 15:30 | 18251 62nd St, Becker, MN 55308, 18251 62nd St, Becker, MN, 55308, United States
View Tom Barthel and Gail Wilkinson’s Snake River Farm, which operates a diverse grass-based farm with bison, beef cattle, and
pastured pork and poultry. Learn the principles of silvopasture, oak savanna restoration and grazing mangement, and how these techniques can boost your farm profitability.
Speakers:
• Tom Barthel & Gail Wilkinson, farmers
• Kent Solberg, SFA livestock & grazing specialist
• Gary Wyatt, Extension Educator
• Diomy Zamora, Extension Educator
Cost is $25 for SFA members/$35 nonmembers;
registration includes lunch, coffee and all materials.
Register at sfa-mn.org/soil

Relay-Cropping School
2019-09-17 10:00 - 15:00 | IA-FLOLO Farms, 12517 220th St, West Union, MN, 52175, United States
Check out this relay-cropping filled day with presenter Jay Fuhrer, John Kutz, Tim Boring, and Lucas Criswell hearing about implementation, watch an equipment demo, and hear from a panel of producers implementing thee practices. Lunch is included with registration https://northeastiowarcd.org/ Questions contact Northeast Iowa RC&D 563-864-7112 or ross@northeastiowarcd.org

Women Conserving the Land
2019-09-12 09:00 - 14:30 | American Legion 60 6th Ave, Granite Falls, MN 56241, 60 6th Ave, Granite Falls, MN, 56241, United States
At this one-day workshop, you’ll hear from local soil and conservation women using a “learning circle” style that allows women to meet, share, and discuss their hopes for their land and to learn about conservation. Attendees will learn what makes soil healthy and more productive and tips for building a good farmer-landowner relationship which benefits them and the land. Friends and family members are welcome if included in your RSVP. Space is limited so please register early. Event is free. Registration is required; space is limited. Register by contacting Heidi Rauenhorst at (320) 523-3666 or heidi@hawkcreekwatershed.org.

Life in the Pits
2019-09-10 09:00 - 15:30 | American Legion 60 6th Ave, Granite Falls, MN 56241, 60 6th Ave, Granite Falls, MN, 56241, United States
University of Minnesota Extension, Minnesota Corn Growers, Renville and Yellow Medicine SWCD and Hawk Creek Watershed invite you to a unique, small-group field day that will equip participants with the skills to identify different levels of soil structure and help them understand management strategies to improve it, connecting the visual and physical impacts below-ground to how soil is treated above ground. Event is free and includes lunch. Registration is required; space is limited. Register: call Mary Jo at 320-235-0726 Ext. 2001.

LINC Education
2019-09-10 | Redwood Falls, MN
Lead, inspire, network, and create! LINC engages community members to lead, inspire, network and create to build a sustainable future in Redwood County. The Minnesota Soil Health Coalition will present on the value of healthy soils and perform the rainfall simulator and wind erosion simulator

Cover Crops for Soil Health, Forage, and the Bottom Line
2019-08-26 09:30 - 16:00 | Arco, MN
Visit MN Soil Health Coalition Board Member and Mentor Ben Dwire at his farm to learn and experience:
Rainfall/wind simulator
Kent Solberg presenting on soil health and agronomic benefits
Farmers’ panel (Ben Dwire, Kurt Dagel, Chris Noble)
Site visit to soil pit and cover crop field
Strip till and no-till planter demonstrations

Kickoff Event
2019-08-16 13:00 - 16:30 | Stoney Creek Farm, 38270 Kenwood Ave, Redwood Falls, MN, 56283, United States
Join us to celebrate the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition official kickoff! Enjoy the festivities at Stoney Creek Farm, a family farm that has been employing the five soil health principles for over a decade. Troy Daniell, the Minnesota Natural Resources Conservation Service State Conservationist, will be performing the ribbon cutting ceremony to commence the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition’s launch and the partnership between the organizations. Speakers Gabe Brown and Ray Archuleta will provide you with valuable information, the rainfall and wind erosion simulator will be displaying soils from various managements, discover the underground happenings with soil health management at the soil pit, and take some time talking with producers and vendors passionate about improving soil health. Refreshments will be provided.
1:00 Welcome
1:30 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with Troy Daniell, Minnesota Natural Resources Conservation Service
2:00 Speakers

Gabe Brown
Ray Archuleta

3:00 Rotating Stations (20 mins each)

Rainfall Simulator
Wind Erosion Simulator
Soil pit in cover crop field
Keep Your Boots Clean Touring Multi-Species Cover Crops walk

RSVP to:
Jennifer Hahn
Coalition Coordinator
651-485-7848
coordinator@mnsoilhealth.org

4R Technology Review Field Day
2019-08-14 09:00 - 15:00 | 16659 667th Ave, 16659 667th Ave, Buffalo Lake, MN, 55314, United States
Farmers, agronomists and others interested in nutrient management and innovative conservation are invited to a free 4R Technology Review Field Day on Aug. 14 at Ryberg Farms near Buffalo Lake, Minn.
Hosted by the Minnesota Agricultural Water Resource Center in partnership with The Mosaic Co., Environmental Tillage Systems, New Leader Manufacturing, The Fertilizer Institute and other industry leaders, this free event will provide attendees:

Information on 4R practices
Research and technology sessions
Demonstrations

Brian and Sandy Ryberg, owners of Ryberg Farms, are recognized leaders in incorporating reduced tillage, cover crops and precision fertilizer management to improve soil structure and minimize impacts to water resources while maintaining productivity.
The field day will also include a stop at the nearby Discovery Farms water monitoring site at Joe and Adam Griebie’s family farm. The Griebies are participants in Discovery Farms, a multistate, on-farm water research program administered by MAWRC.
The event will be held Aug. 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ryberg Farms, 16659 667th Ave., Buffalo Lake, MN.
RSVPs are requested to facilitate with planning and to get a head count for the free lunch. Send an email RSVP to info@mawrc.org.

Soil Health Academy: Regenerative Farming and Ranching
2019-08-13 - 2019-08-15 | Stoney Creek Farm, 38270 Kenwood Ave, Redwood Falls, MN, 56283, United States
Learn how to increase profitability, build resiliency into the land, decrease input costs and improve nutrient density of food and agricultural products.
Learn More

Field Day in Regenerative Ag
2019-08-10 14:00 - 18:00 | Blue Dasher Farm, 46958 188th Street, Estelline, SD, 57234, United States
Farmers and ranchers who are prioritizing and promoting soil health and life on the farm are supporting their families, neighbors, and communities.
Join them for a field day covering topics like radically traditional farming with Will Harris from White Oaks Pastures, farming for profit regeneratively with Steve Tucker, and a round table discussion with members of the Blue Dasher Farm “Soil Builders” Coffee Club.
A free, locally catered supper for up to 200 attendees will follow the field day.

Cover Crop "How To"
2019-08-01 08:00 - 17:00 | Luverne, MN
Topics
• How to fit cover crops into your operation
• How to integrate cattle and cover crops for more profit
• Termination suggestions and recommendations for best management practices
• Benefits of cover crops for soil and plant health
Speakers
• Grant and Dawn Breitkreutz – Cover Crops and Livestock (MN Soil Health Coalition Mentors)
• Joel De Yong – Iowa Extension Educator: Cover Crop Integration Strategies
Demonstrations
• 20-demo plots (single and multiple species mixes)
• Soil structure demo (slake test)
• Hands-on infiltration test
Local-farmers to Share Cover Crop Experiences
• Tom Fick Terry Aukes Brent Fluit Brad Petersen
At Tom Fick, MN Soil Health Coalition Board Member’s farm

Prevent Plant Meeting-Wabasso
2019-07-02 08:00 - 17:00 | Wabasso, MN
Come and learn about options for prevent plant acres including single species, mixes, and management of cover crops.

Community Dinner & Meeting - Le Sueur River Watershed Meeting
2019-06-27 17:00 - 20:00 | Indian Island Winery
Hear from local conservation offices about available programs, the status of the watershed projects and health, and Lee Tesdell, a farmer from Iowa discussing his soil health management. Panel speakers include the Freeborn and Faribault Soil Health Team, the LSRWN, and the MN Soil Health Coalition.

Prevent Plant Meeting - Sleepy Eye
2019-06-24 10:00 - 15:00 | Sleepy Eye, MN
Learn about cover crop options and management for cover crops on prevent plant acres and ask the farmer panel questions on trouble shooting.

TUNE Camp Soil Health Youth Event
2019-06-21 08:00 - 10:30 | TUNE Camp
A hands on learning about soils-management, biology, erosion, and the importance of building soils. Soiled undies, slake, soil search for life, and building their own edible soil profiles including critters. The kids learn the dynamics of life underground by being the soil organisms and plants exchanging air, water, and nutrients and what happens with soil disturbance.

Water Bank Program Applications Due
2019-05-31

Women Caring for the Land - New Ulm
2019-05-30 13:00 - 16:00 | New Ulm, MN
Are you a woman farmland owner? Would you like to learn more about caring for your land
and protecting your investment? Renewing the Countryside and the Sustainable Farming
Association invite you to attend one of the following free workshops, conducted in
partnerships with the Women, Food & Ag Network.
We’ll discuss new practices that enhance and sustain soil—and other
natural resources—as well as improve your bottom line. Learn aboout strategies for talking to
and working with tenant farmers and management companies, including how to incorporate
conservation into lease agreements. Agriculture and natural resource professionals from
various agencies will share information and resources to help you reach your goals.

5th Grade Field Day at Gilfillan
2019-05-16 08:00 - 17:00 | Gilfillan Estates
Local 5th graders have the opportunity to have hands-on experiences learning about soil, water, wildlife, natural resources, and agriculture. Hold on to your hats while you run the wind erosion simulator!

CSP Applications Due
2019-05-10

MOSH Stakeholder Meeting
2019-04-16 16:00 - 19:00 | St Paul, MN
Organizations with interest in soil health converse about how we can work together and provide excellent resources in Minnesota

Water Storage Forum
2019-04-04 08:00 - 17:00 | Mankato, MN
The Minnesota River Basin Water Storage Forum will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2019 at the Kato Ballroom in Mankato, MN from 10AM to 3:30PM. The goal of the forum is for conservation partners and citizens to learn together about water storage and the diversity of water storage solutions to slow the flow of water to the Minnesota River. Research shows the long-term solution to improve Minnesota River water quality is to reduce peak flows and store more water on the landscape. This can take many forms from improved soil health and multi-purpose drainage management, to upland impoundments and urban rain gardens. The Minnesota Soil Health Coalition will present on how soil health practices affect water storage on the landscape.

Children's Water Festival 2019
2019-02-06 | Mankato, MN
Local youth come and learn about soil, water, plants, wildlife, and conservation!
