LAKE BENTON — Farmers gathered recently to learn ways to improve soil health at the Highway 14 CLASIC (Crop, Livestock, and Soil Innovation Conference) Tour. The conference highlighted the power of sharing ideas and experiences among farmers to build healthier soil.
Keynote speaker Andy Linder, a farmer from Easton, Minnesota, noted that many attendees were already practicing no-till farming and were eager to learn more. “The real value is in networking,” he said. “They come to share their experiences.”
Linder, who has been using no-till practices and cover crops for about ten years, shared his journey. His interest began when a friend invited him to a similar event. Shortly after, he joined the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which set him on the path to adopting new farming techniques. Now, he and his father manage about 2,400 acres with corn, soybeans, and occasionally small grains.
Over the last decade, Linder has seen firsthand the benefits of no-till farming. “It’s helped build up soil structure and prevent erosion,” he explained. Erosion is a significant concern for him; he finds it hard to watch soil wash away, especially during winter.
Linder remarked that soybeans are easier to grow with no-till methods than corn. “They’re more forgiving,” he explained. However, he also pointed out the financial advantages of not using tillage, seed treatments, or fungicides. “[With soybeans], it’s more about resource management. We’re not spending on unnecessary treatments,” he added.
It’s not just about planting; it’s also about flexibility. Linder enjoys that he can plant when conditions are right, without worrying about when to return to the fields after heavy rain.
Despite the growing interest in no-till farming, Linder believes there’s still a significant mindset shift needed. “Change is slow,” he said. “Many are hesitant to move away from traditional methods.”
A significant focus of the CLASIC event was on funding sources available for farmers interested in enhancing soil health. Blake Giles mentioned the One Watershed, One Plan program, which helps fund priority areas in watersheds. Jared House from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources highlighted that $17 million in competitive grants is now available to help local soil and water conservation districts.
Furthermore, House said Minnesota recently received $25 million from the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, with an additional $5 million from the state to support practical measures. There was some uncertainty regarding the timelines for accessing these funds, particularly with ongoing federal evaluations linked to the Inflation Reduction Act.
Several expert discussions revealed a heightened awareness about sustainable practices. The Advancing U.S. Pork Sustainability Grant, brought up by Liam Bork of Ducks Unlimited, emphasizes in-field practices like cover cropping and reduced tillage as essential for improving soil health while enhancing pork production sustainability.
Peter Noding from the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition shared details about a new mentor program aimed at supporting farmers in their transition to sustainable practices, including the introduction of private funding for cover crops.
The conversation around soil health is not only critical for farmers but also reflects broader environmental concerns. With recent studies showing that healthier soils can sequester more carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the connection between farming practices and climate health is becoming clearer. As more farmers embrace sustainable techniques, the potential for positive environmental impact grows.
By focusing on knowledge-sharing, innovative farming techniques, and available resources, farmers can work together to foster soil health for future generations.
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