MN Soil Health Coalition

Ward Lab Soil Health Webinar Series - Part 2
2022-04-12 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
Ward Lab Soil Health Webinar Series:Join Ward Laboratories and Zach Wright for a 3-part webinar series, Soil Health: A New Approach. Each webinar has its own Zoom link, so be sure to register for all 3 individually!

Part 2:Practical Example of Nature’s FunctionsPanelists: Patrick Freeze, Willie Pretorius, Zach WrightDate: April 12Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6316474401119/WN_VM5gb0ZZSk64qabKIwsvfgDescription: Willie Pretorius and Patrick Freeze of Ward Laboratories and Zach Wright of Living Soil Compost Lab LLC follow up from part 1 of our webinar series with a practical example of nature functioning in soil.

Grower Perspectives on Carbon market opportunities and unknowns
2022-04-06 11:00 - 12:00
The proliferation of carbon markets is creating both opportunity and confusion in agriculture, including for in-field advisers, agricultural retailers, Extension personnel, and growers. This confusion, largely resulting from the various unknowns associated with these markets, is impeding participation in these market opportunities. This three-part webinar series will explore and address key risks and unknowns associated with carbon markets, so that those interested in entering a carbon market can do so with greater knowledge and confidence.

Grower Perspectives on Carbon Market Opportunities and Unknowns

A limited series of American Society of Agronomy and Soil Science Society of America webinars produced with the support of American Farmland Trust, American Soybean Association, United Soybean Board, and The Nature Conservancy.

Date: Wednesday, April 6, 2022Time: 12:00 Noon-1:00 PM Eastern/11:00 AM-12:00 Noon Central/10:00-11:00 AM Mountain/9:00-10:00 AM Pacific

Carbon markets have been proposed as a viable avenue by which to provide economic benefits to farmers while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, to date, few farmers have signed up for these markets. This webinar will discuss carbon markets utilizing a panel of four growers with first-hand experience in this area. These growers will discuss how they weighed the costs and benefits of management changes, records requirements, and general uncertainties in the rapidly-evolving carbon marketplace. By the end of this webinar, farmers, farm advisers, and market developers will gain valuable insights into why farmers are, or are not, signing up for carbon markets.

Speakers:

Jean Brokish, Midwest Program Manager, American Farmland TrustBuck Hill, Agricultural Lender, Compeer FinancialPaul Overby, Co-Owner, Lee FarmsLarry Thorndyke, Co-Owner, Thorndyke FarmsMeagan Kaiser, Chief Operating Officer, Perry Agricultural Laboratory

CEUs:CCA/CPAg: 1.0 Crop ManagementCPSS/CPSC: 1.0 Professional Meetings

FREE to all registrants. Register Now!

Registration for the webinar includes access to the live webinar and to the recording.

Ward Lab Soil Health Webinar Series
2022-03-29 12:00 - 13:00
Ward Lab Soil Health Webinar Series:Join Ward Laboratories and Zach Wright for a 3-part webinar series, Soil Health: A New Approach. Each webinar has its own Zoom link, so be sure to register for all 3 individually! Part 1:How Nature FunctionsPanelists: Patrick Freeze, Willie Pretorius, Zach WrightDate: March 29Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/7016474400834/WN_l5uHMq3cQmiG9Pqi4VAcZADescription: Willie Pretorius and Patrick Freeze of Ward Laboratories and Zach Wright of Living Soil Compost Lab LLC come together to discuss nature’s functions in the soil and how it relates to soil health.

Grow Your Dollar CARBON cREDITS TO pRECISION pLANTING
2022-03-29 08:00 - 17:00
Carbon Credits to Precision PlantingTuesday March 29, 2022 Wheaton American Legion

10:00 Welcome and IntroductionsBruce Johnson, Traverse SWCD Technical Manager10:05 Cover Crop Demonstration Grant OverviewBruce Johnson, Traverse SWCD Technical ManagerAn Overview of Federal Programs: Cover Crops, Reduced Tillage, & Soil HealthCory Walker, District Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service10:30 Economics of Cover Crops, with an Interactive ExerciseSam Porter, Economist, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)11:30 Dinner – Please RSVP for Meal by Calling Traverse SWCD 320-563-8218 ext. 3Meal TBD: Catered by the Wheaton American Legion12:00 Carbon SmartJodi DeJong-Hughes, Regional Educator-Water Quality, University of MinnesotaExtension1:00 Precision Planting with Conservation TillageAdam Bjerketvedt, Owner, Precision Ag 3602:00 Program Conclusion

Can Healthy Soil Harvest More Rain?
2022-03-23 10:30 - 13:00
Horse Creek Area Farmer-Led Council will be sharing the outcomes of their research plot which has been managed for 7 years. They will also have a presentation by Dennis Busch who performed an infiltration study on all of the plots last fall. Please consider attending and sharing with your networks. To see the 2021 report on the test plot, visit our website: https://farmerledwatershed.org/horse-creek-watershed/

Carbon, Cowboys, and Cow Pies!
2022-03-17 10:00 - 14:30
At the 2022 Annual Todd County Feedlot Meeting
RSVP to 320-732-2644
Where:
1830 Airport Rd, Staples- Door 3)
Topics:
 Husband & wife, Grant & Dawn Breitkreutz, Common Sense Cover Crops in Central MN
 Don Reicosky, Carbon Myths & Must Haves- What Works- What Doesn’t
 Appreciation Buffet: Roast Beef and Meatballs, Mashed Potato, Cole Slaw; Green Beans,
Dinner Roll, Milk and what other than Cow Pies (Chocolate Cream) for Dessert?
 ToddTALKs, Cost-Share Panel: Cut the Spending- Grants Available for Farm
Improvements throughout Todd County
 Nathan Wiese & Keith Olander, Opportunities ($$) for updating Irrigation Technologies
 Tyler Carlson, Silvaculture- Is that a Thing?
 David Endicott, Meat Cutting
Feedlot Updates, New Local Finance Options, Grant Opportunities & More
Win one of our Agricultural Door Prizes Donated by Area Businesses!
SAVE the DATE! RSVP by March 10, 2022
Thursday, March 17, 2022
10:00 to 2:30pm at Central Lakes College- Door 3, Staples
(Coffee and Pastry Social Starting at 9:30)

Ag Lunch and Learn
2022-03-16 09:00 - 12:00
Ag Lunch and Learn Flyer

MARCH 16TH
9:00AM -12:00PM
AT ARMED FORCES
RESERVE &COMMUNITY CENTER
505 Spirit River Drive S
Cambridge, MN 55008
Over lunch, you will learn about new opportunities to enhance your good farming practices such as:
Carbon markets
Cover Crop Successes
Funding programs: local, state, and federal technical and financial assistance opportunities.
Visit www.isantiswcd.org for more information. RSVP by March 6th. 763-689-3271 | Lgodfrey@isantiSWCD.org

2022 Soil Health Innovations Conference: Soil for Water
2022-03-15 - 2022-03-16
Registration is now open for the National Center for Appropriate Technology’s Soil Health Innovations Conference: Soil for Water, March 15 and 16.
This two-day virtual conference will be highly interactive, offering producers and educators from around the country the chance to participate in a critical conversation about soil health.
Speakers will include David Montgomery of Dig2Grow, Alejandro Carrillo of UnderstandingAg, and agroforestry expert Dr. Hannah Hemmelgarn. Find the full conference agenda, here.

When: March 15-16, 2022
Where: Online
Registration: SOILINNOVATIONS.NCAT.ORG
Organizations, agencies, and individuals who would like to sponsor the conference can find sponsorship information here.
Exhibitor and vendor information is available here.
For more information, contact Rex Dufour at rexd@ncat.org or Sandra Booth at sandrab@ncat.org or call 406-494-4572.

NCAT’s second Soil Health Innovations Conference
2022-03-15 - 2022-03-16
Mark your calendars for NCAT’s second Soil Health Innovations Conference, set for Tuesday and Wednesday, March 15 and 16, 2022. This will be a virtual conference offering plenty of networking opportunities with presenters and fellow attendees.

Join us to hear from presenters such as David Montgomery of the University of Washington and Dig2Grow, Alejandro Carillo of UnderstandingAg, and agroforestry expert Dr. Hannah Hemmelgarn.

Watch our conference website, SOILINNOVATIONS.NCAT.ORG, for a complete agenda and registration information.

We look forward to seeing you in March for this important event.

Exploring Cover Crops Winter Workshop
2022-03-11 09:30 - 12:30
Hosted by Lac qui Parle Soil and Water Conservation District
March 11th 9:30- 12:30 at the Madison Mercantile
601 1st St, Madison, MN 56256
Join local farmers and educators as we discuss cover crops- from the basics to managed grazing, to economics & profitability. Bring your questions and your experience!
Free to attend, Lunch provided!
Call (320) 598-7321 ext 3 or email to RSVP
Guest Speakers:
Dawn and Grant Breitkreutz of Stoney Creek Farm
Over the past 20 years the Breitkreutz have converted a conventional crop and cow/calf operation into a multi-enterprise regenerative family business. Their crops have changed from a corn/soy rotation to at least a three-crop rotation, with cover crops incorporated and grazed whenever and wherever possible in their no-till cropping system.

CLASIC Hwy 14 Tour - Waseca Stop
2022-03-04 09:30 - 14:00
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hwy-14-tour-clasic-waseca-tickets-238421514167
Waseca Flyer

Location

Farm America
7367 360th Ave
Waseca, MN 56093

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.

CLASIC Hwy 14 Tour - New Ulm Stop
2022-03-03 09:30 - 14:00
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hwy-14-tour-clasic-new-ulm-tickets-238418786007
New Ulm Flyer

Location

New Ulm Country Club
1 Golf Dr
New Ulm, MN 56073

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.

CLASIC Hwy 14 Tour - Lamberton Stop
2022-03-02 09:30 - 14:00
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hwy-14-tour-clasic-lamberton-tickets-238416087937
Lamberton Flyer

Location

U of MN Southwest Research Center
23669 130th Street
Lamberton, MN 56152

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.

CLASIC Hwy 14 Tour - Lake Benton Stop
2022-03-01 09:30 - 14:00
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/234270157347
Lake Benton Flyer

Location

Lake Benton Community Center
114 Center Street South
Lake Benton, MN 56149

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.

2022 I-90/Hwy 14 - CLASIC Crop, Livestock, and Soil Innovation Conferences
2022-03-01 - 2022-03-04
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, Pipestone and Lyon SWCD’s as well as the USDA-NRCS, MAWQCP, Heron Lake Watershed District, and the MSHC.
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.

MONTAG MANUFACTURING - Legacy Conference
2022-02-23 12:30 - 16:00
You are invited to join us at our Legacy Conference, please see attached flyer for details and we hope you will be able to join us for this event.
For those who can’t attend in person we will have a virtual option available.
Please join us for two interactive presentations
“Healthy farming with conservation in mind”
with Martin Larsen – Fifth-generation farmer from Byron MN.
“Where we’ve been and where we’re going”
with Anthony Montag – CEO Montag Manufacturing.

The Conference will be held at the Shores at Five Island in Emmetsburg, IA, on Wednesday, February 23rd. Registration at 12:30pm, talk beginning at 1:00 – see attached flyer for details.
Please register by Wednesday, February 16th – please RSVP to Will Montag marketing@montagmfg.com or call 712-852-4572

Managing Soil Health with Ray Archuleta – Spring Valley, MN
2022-02-18 09:00 - 15:00 | 5 Wynds, 1047 N Broadway Ave, Spring Valley, MN, 55975, United States
February 18, 9 AM – 3PMFree Event with Free Lunch at 5 Wynds
5 Wynds, 1047 N Broadway Ave, Spring Valley, MN 55975Come Learn about Soil Health, hear from Ray Archuleta and a farmer panel of dairymen and row crop farmers.
Spring Valley Ray Archuleta Flyer

About Ray Archuleta
Ray Archuleta is a Certified Professional Soil Scientist with the Soil Science Society of America and has over 30 years’ experience as a Soil Conservationist, Water Quality Specialist, and Conservation Agronomist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). During his tenure with the NRCS Ray served in New Mexico, Missouri, Oregon, and North Carolina. Ray received his AS degree in Livestock Science from Northern New Mexico College and a BS degree in Agricultural Biology plus 30 hours of graduate work in soil related courses from New Mexico State University. He served in the Peace Corps for two years in Guatemala as a Livestock Specialist.
After his retirement from the NRCS in 2017, Ray founded Understanding Ag, LLC, and Soil Health Academy, LLC, to teach Biomimicry strategies and Agroecology principles for improving soil function.
Contact Mark Gutierrez at 505-980-1360 or mark@mnsoilhealth.org with questions.

Managing Soil Health with Ray Archuleta – New Richmond, WI
2022-02-17 09:00 - 15:00 | Ready Randys, 1490 131 St, New Richmond, MN, 54017, United States
February 17, 9 AM – 3PM
Free Event with Free Lunch at Ready Randy’s
1490 131 St. New Richmond, WI 54017
Come Learn about Soil Health, hear from Ray Archuleta and a farmer panel of dairymen and row crop farmers.
Managing Soil Health Flyer

Ray Archuleta
Ray Archuleta is a Certified Professional Soil Scientist with the Soil Science Society of America and has over 30 years’ experience as
a Soil Conservationist, Water Quality Specialist, and Conservation Agronomist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS). During his tenure with the NRCS Ray served in New Mexico, Missouri, Oregon, and North Carolina. Ray received his AS degree in Livestock Science from Northern New Mexico College and a BS degree in Agricultural Biology plus 30 hours of graduate work in soil related courses from New Mexico State University. He served in the Peace Corps for two years in Guatemala as a Livestock Specialist.
After his retirement from the NRCS in 2017, Ray founded Understanding Ag, LLC, and Soil Health Academy, LLC, to teach Biomimicry strategies and Agroecology principles for improving soil function.
Contact Mark Gutierrez at 505-980-1360 or mark@mnsoilhealth.org with questions.

Farming for Soil Health with Ray Archuleta – Plainview, MN
2022-02-16 09:00 - 15:00 | Plainview American Legion, 215 3rd St SW, Plainview, MN, 55964, United States
February 16, 9 AM – 3PM
Free Event with Free Lunch at Plainview American Legion
Plainview American Legion, 215 3rd St SW, Plainview, MN 55964
Come Learn about Soil Health, hear from Ray Archuleta and a farmer panel of dairymen and row crop farmers.
Farming for Soil Health Flyer

Ray Archuleta
Ray Archuleta is a Certified Professional Soil Scientist with the Soil Science Society of America and has over 30 years’ experience as a Soil Conservationist, Water Quality Specialist, and Conservation Agronomist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). During his tenure with the NRCS Ray served in New Mexico, Missouri, Oregon, and North Carolina. Ray received his AS degree in Livestock Science from Northern New Mexico College and a BS degree in Agricultural Biology plus 30 hours of graduate work in soil related courses from New Mexico State University. He served in the Peace Corps for two years in Guatemala as a Livestock Specialist.
After his retirement from the NRCS in 2017, Ray founded Understanding Ag, LLC, and Soil Health Academy, LLC, to teach Biomimicry strategies and Agroecology principles for improving soil function.
Contact Mark Gutierrez at 505-980-1360 or mark@mnsoilhealth.org with questions.

Farmers Managing for Soil Health and High Inputs with Ray Archuleta – Osseo, WI
2022-02-15 09:00 - 15:00
February 15, 9 AM – 3PM
Free Event with Free Lunch
Northwoods BrewPub, 50819 West St, Osseo, WI 54758
Come Learn about Soil Health, hear from Ray Archuleta the “Soil Guy”
Farmers Managing for Soil Health and High Inputs Flyer

About Ray Archuleta
Ray Archuleta is a Certified Professional Soil Scientist with the Soil Science Society of America and has over 30 years’ experience as a Soil Conservationist, Water Quality Specialist, and Conservation Agronomist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). During his tenure with the NRCS Ray served in New Mexico, Missouri, Oregon, and North Carolina. Ray received his AS degree in Livestock Science from Northern New Mexico College and a BS degree in Agricultural Biology plus 30 hours of graduate work in soil related courses from New Mexico State University. He served in the Peace Corps for two years in Guatemala as a Livestock Specialist.
After his retirement from the NRCS in 2017, Ray founded Understanding Ag, LLC, and Soil Health Academy, LLC, to teach Biomimicry strategies and Agroecology principles for improving soil function.
Contact Mark Gutierrez at 505-980-1360 or mark@mnsoilhealth.org with questions.

SFA's Annual Conference Returns to St. Joseph in February
2022-02-12
The SFA team is excited to announce that we’ll be hosting our 32nd Annual Conference at the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota on Saturday, February 12, 2022. In 2020, 310 farmers, ag professionals, growers, homesteaders, and local foods supporters convened for this day of farmer-to-farmer education, and we look forward to gathering together again. As the planning team continues to build a schedule of sessions based on building farm profitability and sustainability, you can vote on session ideas and contribute your own. Stay tuned to the Conference webpage for program announcements.
Early bird registration is open now! Members can look forward to a discounted rate of $50, and nonmembers $75. Be sure to login to your SFA account to receive the member rate. Prices will go up after December 31, 2021, so register early. Like last year, emerging farmers may register for free.

2022 I-90 Tour - CLASIC Heron Lake Stop
2022-02-11 08:30 - 13:30
Heron Lake Feb 11th Flyer

Join the Jackson and Nobles County Soil and Water Conservation Districts for this free event!
Learn how soil health practices such as reducing tillage, using cover crops, and implementing diversity in the cropping system helps cut soil fertility needs.
• Reducing fertilizer and herbicide inputs
• Optimizing fertility recommendations
• Implementing Soil Health Practices
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)
Speakers
Mitchell Hora— Seventh generation Iowa farmer. Reduced his fertilizer inputs by 45%. His family has been utilizing no-till since 1978. Co-host of the Field Work Podcast.
Jerry Ackerman—Jackson County Farmer for over 47 years. Active in on-the-farm research and test plots for soil health practices. Jerry is a mentor with the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition.
Tom Fick—Rock County Farmer for over 27 years. Incorporated cover crops, multiple crop rotation, and minimum tillage into his operation. Tom is the Treasurer of the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition.
RSVP by February 4th, 2022
(507) 662-6682 ext. 3
Joey.Boyer@co.jackson.mn.us
http://covercroprsvp.eventbrite.com

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

[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 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!

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/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

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

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.

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.
