Conservation field day: Creating a soil health legacy

  • News
  • Jun 7, 2024

The Olmsted Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), in collaboration with Wabasha SWCD and Winona SWCD, announces the upcoming Conservation field day: Creating a soil health legacy. This event will occur on August 1, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Larry and Ross Greden Farms at 16764 County Rd 114, Altura, MN. All attendees are invited to enjoy a complimentary lunch. 

The SWCDs invite farmers from across Southeast Minnesota to share strategies for enhancing soil health and protecting water quality. 

Larry and Ross Greden Farms is family-owned and operated with a history spanning more than 150 years. The Greden family has been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability, ensuring their farm legacy endures for future generations. 

What to expect: 

  • Farm tour: Explore the diverse landscape of Larry and Ross Greden Farms, which includes a native prairie, a living snow fence, cover crop test plots, high-protein hay, no-till corn, a runoff control structure, and many trees planted over the years. 
  • Discussion session: Participate in facilitated small group sessions on a topic of interest. Topics include converting to reduced or no-till practices, starting cover crops, growing small grains, and nitrogen crediting of manure and cover crops. Share your experiences and learn from others dedicated to improving soil health. 
  • Farmer panel: Hear from a panel of farmers experienced in various conservation practices, how they got started, trials they have done, programs they have participated in, and more. 
  • Steps to cost share: Many conservation practices have cost share programs, and new ones are emerging. Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Natural Resource Conservation Service staff, and other conservation organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, MN Soil Health Coalition, Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program, and Practical Farmers of Iowa will have information on funding opportunities. They will share steps to gaining cost-share assistance. 

This unique opportunity allows farmers to connect, share experiences, and learn from each other while seeing practical applications of soil health practices in action. Whether new to creating a soil health legacy or having years of experience, this solutions-focused event is for all landowners. 

Those planning to attend can register online or call Wabasha SWCD Conservation Planning and Outreach Technician Jenna Rasmusson at 651-560-2051.