Nearly 150 people attended the Aug. 16 kickoff event for the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition, a newly formed group focused on improving soil health and sustainability. SFA Executive Director Theresa Keaveny spoke as did Minnesota State Conservationist Troy Daniell, soil health experts Gabe Brown and Ray Archuleta (shown above) and Minnesota Ag Commissioner Thom Petersen. The kickoff was held at Grant and Dawn Breitkreutz's Stoney Creek Farm in Redwood Falls.
SFA is a member of the Coalition and is committed to its mission of promoting soil health as well as working to eliminate farm program barriers to implementation of soil health principles. Some of the new board members of the coalition will be featured in a second edition of our Soil Health Case Studies published by SFA, CINRAM and RSDP. Watch for this in early 2020.
Minnesota Farm Guide profiled the event; read reporter Janelle Atyeo's article with photos here. Also, connect with the MN Soil Health Coalition on its Facebook page.
'SFA's annual "Dirt Rich: Building Soil Health Experts" field days are returning in 2019 with on-farm education and demonstration, tours, and networking.
The first is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thurs., Sept. 5, starting at the Dave & Will Grommesh Farm, 18044 Hwy 34, Barnesville; a bus will take attendees to view additional sites at Ryan & Michael Hough’s farm before returning at 2:30 p.m. Topics include soil pit discussion, grazing full-season cover crops, no-till, perennial pasture management and interseeding cover crops in cash crops. Cost is $20 with a $10 discount for veterans. Lunch, coffee & all materials included. Rainfall simulator will also be displayed. REGISTER FOR BARNESVILLE.
Scholarships are available for ag professionals seeking soil health expertise and consist of additional soil health training, beginning with a special educational seminar from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Wed., Sept. 4, at Bigwood Event Center, 925 Western Ave, Fergus Falls. Speakers include SFA Livestock & Grazing Specialist Kent Solberg, NRCS Grazing Specialist Jeff Duchene and farmer Dana Didrickson. Dinner and lodging are available as part of this scholarship. After breakfast on Sept. 5, scholarship recipients travel to the Grommesh farm for the day's programming. To apply, click here. Scholarship value is approx. $250. To download a scholarship flyer, click here.
The second is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wed., Sept. 18, at Tom Barthel and Gail Wilkinson's Snake River Farm, 18251 62nd St, Becker. Snake River Farm is 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. Cost is $25 for SFA members/$35 nonmembers; registration includes lunch, coffee and all materials. REGISTER FOR BECKER.
For more information on these events, including speakers, sponsors, downloadable flyers and more, visit our Dirt Rich homepage.
Meet your neighbors and the farmers who grow your food as SFA Lake Superior Chapter hosts its 26th annual Harvest Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat., Sept. 7, at Bayfront Festival Park, 350 Harbor Dr, Duluth.
With the largest farmers market in the region as well as artisan vendors, live music, hands-on demonstrations, childrens' activities and a renewable energy fair, this free family friendly event celebrates the diverse bounty of the Superior region as well as the sustainably minded residents working to preserve our natural resources.
Harvest Festival activities include maypole dancing, chicken poo bingo, a blacksmith and crafting with Duluth Folk School. Food available will include ice cream, coffee, baked goods, a Mexican food truck, wood-fired pizza and much more.
For a lineup of all the vendors, exhibitors, sponsors and activities, visit sfa-mn.org/harvest-festival. To sign up as a volunteer, exhibitor or vendor, or for more information, contact Julie Allen at lakesuperior@sfa-mn.org or 630.750.8322.
- Also: Learn the basics of planting, growing and processing hazelnuts as Lake Superior hosts a field day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Sat., Aug. 24, starting at Seven Ponds Winery, 87380 Betzold Rd, Bayfield, Wis., where U. of Wisconsin Extension agent and hazelnut expert Jason Fischbach will lead a tour of the winery’s plantings and discuss techniques for establishment and maintenance of commercial hazelnuts. The group will caravan to Northland College at noon for lunch and a tour of its hazelnut processing equipment. Cost is $15 for SFA members and $20 for nonmembers. Lunch included. REGISTER.
Celebrate local foods, farmers and all things salsa at Minnesota Salsa Fest, the signature event of the Sustainable Farming Association's Central Chapter, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sat., Sept. 14, at Burlington Northern Park, 100 Aldrich Ave SW, Wadena.
Admission is free to this family friendly, community-focused event that includes a local farmers market, regenerative agriculture classes, salsa dance lessons, live music, artisan vendors and more. Childrens' activities and clean energy resources will be available, as well as diverse food options and local beer.
Classes and demonstrations are slated on seed saving, fruit tree production, livestock & grazing, soil health, garlic growing and mushroom growing. Also, participants are welcome to compete in our Salsa Contest, in both professional and amateur categories.
To sign up for the salsa contest or as a Salsa Fest vendor or volunteer, contact Michael Dagen at central@sfa-mn.org. For a complete schedule and more information about Salsa Fest, visit our homepage or its Facebook event page.
By Kent Solberg • SFA Livestock & Grazing Specialist
Wildlife habitat is often cited among landowners and farmers as a reason to alter management on their land, including moving to a focus on soil health. For some species generalists such as deer, downy woodpeckers and Canada geese, this is easy as they can thrive in suburban areas, golf courses and parks as well as on farms and in wilderness areas. However, species like sharp-tailed grouse, canvasbacks and bobolinks have more specific habitat requirements and are often those in the greatest need of our help.
So, what is "wildlife habitat?" Is there "one-size-fits-all"? This blog from Practical Farmers of Iowa provides an introductory overview of habitat needs and what farmers and landowners can offer on their property.
- New producers come to SFA all the time with a growing interest in small ruminant production, and the two big management hurdles to successfully raising small ruminants are internal parasites and predators. This article can help with the parasite issue.
- Take a deeper dig into Dr. David Hooker's economic assessment of including small grains in the corn-soybean rotation in this article.
- More evidence that matching the animal to the environment helps profitability is here.
- An excellent visual on the impact of continuous vs. managed grazing – in time lapse video.
The SFA Annual Conference will be Feb. 8, 2020, at the Gorecki Center at the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, Minn., and session topic voting is now open.
SFA uses an online voting system to tap the wisdom of our farming community to pinpoint the most relevant session topics. What sessions should we present? What should we repeat? Enter your ideas and vote on your favorites here. Remember, this wiki survey works best when multiple votes per person are entered, so vote early and often.
Annual Conference registration is coming soon. Watch SFA Connect for details.
Participate in a hands-on energized fencing workshop as the Crow Wing River Basin Forage Council hosts a demonstration as part of Central Lakes College's Ag and Energy Field Day.
The workshop, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. this Fri., Aug. 23, at the College, 26505 County Rd 2, Staples, will focus on portable energized fence, which is essential to grazing management and improving pasture forage production. SFA Livestock & Grazing Specialist Kent Solberg will demonstrate portable energized fence, discuss tips and techniques and offer attendees a chance to work with a variety of fence equipment.
Additionally, the Field Day, which begins at 9 a.m., includes daylong programming on northern fruits, garden tour, a drone flight and much more. Free and open to all. Info: Melody at 218.894.5123 or clcmn.edu/ag-energy-center.
On Sat., Aug. 24, local farmer/maker/producer network Driftless Grown is teaming up with Sweet 16 Farm and SFA Driftless Chapter to host its first annual Driftless Grown Vendor Fair during Hop Harvest Music Fest at Sweet 16 Farm, 21215 State Hwy 16, Houston. The Vendors Fair will run from 2-6 p.m. on Sat., Aug. 24. All vendors must be loaded in and set up by 2 p.m. A $25 nonrefundable vendor fee is required. To reserve your spot, please fill out the vendor application form. Info: Sarah Mann at contact@driftlessgrown.com.
A SFA Soil Health Network event, "Healthy Ecosystems: Soil and Pollinators," is scheduled for 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sun., Aug. 25, at Pow Wow Grounds Coffee, 1414 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis.
Sponsored by Pillsbury United Communities and the U. of Minnesota, this event focuses on the importance and interconnectivity of pollinators, soil health and composting. Topics include how to build soil health through a composting and cover cropping, how planting certain flowers can increase crop production by attracting pollinators, and more. Bring a soil sample to test for lead, pH and texture. Presenters include Michele Manske of PUC and U. of M. researchers Julie Weisenhorn, Kat Labine and Jennifer Nicklay.
This event is free and open to all; no RSVP is required. Info: Manske at MicheleM@pillsburyunited.org.
Learn how intensive grazing management is a more sustainable and profitable practice as SFA and U. of M. Extension host a grazing management field day from 1 to 4 p.m. Thurs., Aug. 29, at Pinederosa Produce, 11131 Lakeview Heights Rd, Pine City, where Rod Greder farms using rotational grazing. He and SFA Livestock & Grazing Specialist Kent Solberg will be on hand to discuss grazing tools and techniques.
This event is free and open to all. Info/RSVP: gred0014@umn.edu or 763.689.8254.
Dive into everything asparagus from choosing planting sites, looking at varieties, and expanding your knowledge of seed versus crowns as SFA and Big River Farms are co-hosting Growing and Marketing Minnesota Asparagus from 5:45 to 8 p.m. Wed., Sept. 11, at Big River Farms, 14220B Ostlund Trl N, Marine on St. Croix. This course will be taught by experienced asparagus farmer Paul Schmidt of Schmidt Farm in Preston and Annie Klodd, U. of M. Extension Educator. Cost is $10. REGISTER. Info: laura@mnfoodassociation.org.
Learn the basics of silvopasture, how it can enhance your production and view two farms using silvopasture practices as SFA Greater Mille Lacs Chapter co-sponsors a workshop on Sept. 16-17 in Palisade, Minn. This workshop begins at 4 p.m. Mon., Sept. 16, with presentations of two silvopasture case studies at Long Lake Conservation Center, 28952 438th Ln, Palisade. The workshop continues at the Conservation Center the morning of Sept. 17 with presentations on silvopasture design, establishment and management. After lunch, attendees will travel to view Lynn Mizner's Chengwatana Farm and Jane Jewett's Willow Sedge Farm to view their crop and livestock management systems.
Cost is $45 and includes three meals. REGISTER. Info: Allison Rian at allisonjrian@gmail.com or 218.831.8890.
SFA is co-sponsoring an upcoming free workshop that aims to improve understanding of local food regulations for anyone interested in serving or selling local food – farmers, restaurant owners, educators, school food service directors, churches or the general public. This workshop, “Blazing Trails Through the Jungle of Food Regulations,” set for 8 a.m.-noon Wed., Sept. 18, at Steele County Community Center, 1380 S. Elm Ave, Owatonna, will educate attendees how to navigate local food and foodservice regulations.
An RSVP for planning purposes is requested; but walk-ins are welcome. RSVP to Claire LaCanne at lacanne@umn.edu or 507.444.7691. This workshop is funded by a North Central Region SARE Professional Development Program grant.
Learn why gardeners should incorporate the same principles of soil health as farmers during an Autumn Gardening Expo hosted by U. of M. Extension and Sherburne County Master Gardeners from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat., Sept. 21 at Oliver Kelley Farm, 15788 Kelley Farm Rd NW, Elk River.
This SFA Soil Health Network event features Dr. Anne Sawyer, Extension Educator, who will present "The Dirt on Soil: Best Practices for a Bountiful Garden." Other speakers include climatologist Mark Seeley and several master gardeners.
Cost is $25. Learn more and register here. Info: sawye177@umn.edu.
Join Zachary Paige of North Circle Seeds for an informative Seed Saving Gathering hosted by SFA Lake Superior Chapter from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sun., Sept. 22 at Little Chili Farm, 7217 Hill Rd, Two Harbors.
Paige will present a hands-on demonstration of seed processing as well as discuss opportunities for interested growers to partake in North Circle, which seeks to specialize in seed varieties that thrive in northern Minnesota. There will also be a farm tour plus plenty of networking time for seed growers and keepers to share seedy knowledge. Bring a potluck dish to share. Cost is $5 for SFA members and $10 nonmembers. REGISTER. Info: lakesuperior@sfa-mn.org.
Also: North Circle Seeds and SFA Lake Agassiz Chapter are co-hosting a field day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat., Oct. 12, at Paige's farm, 26253 485th St, Vergas. Visit the North Circle Seeds processing facility, tour the seed plots, swap seeds and more. This event is held in concert with Lake Agassiz's Deep Roots Festival. Info: zacharypaige@gmail.com.
Aiming to enhance profitability for existing and new farmers by improving premium garlic production in Minnesota, a Minnesota Premium Garlic Project workshop will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. Wed., Oct. 2 at Little Chili Farm, 7217 Hill Rd, Two Harbors.
This workshop will cover the elements of garlic growing, to be followed with a hands-on demonstration of planting an actual garlic plot. Presented by the Garlic Project and the Lake Superior Chapter, the class includes seed selection, planting, mulching, weeding, harvest, curing and cleaning. Then, attendees will go out to the garlic patch and get their hands dirty. A potluck social will follow at 6 p.m.
This event is free and open to all but registration is required. REGISTER. Info: jerry@sfa-mn.org.
SFA Lake Agassiz Chapter is hosting a new signature event, the Deep Roots Festival, from 1 to 9 p.m. Sat., Oct. 12 at Milt's Barn, 47000 180th Ave, Pelican Rapids. This new festival celebrates fall root crops and local farms and features an afternoon of farm tours and hands-on educational workshops followed by an evening of good music and catered farm-to-table dinner. More information coming soon. For volunteer opportunities, email kelseylwulf@gmail.com.
Do you have insights on the Halal and Kosher meat market in Minnesota? We want to hear from you. The U. of M. Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships are teaming with SFA, the MN Dept. of Agriculture and AURI to investigate the market for Halal and Kosher meat in Minnesota. If you are a producer, processor, broker, retailer or consumer engaged in (or interested in engaging in) this market, please fill out this form and someone from our research team will reach out to you shortly. Info: Ariel Kagan, MDA Food Business Development Administrator, ariel.kagan@state.mn.us or 651.201.6643.
SFA Livestock & Grazing Specialist Kent Solberg was interviewed at Farmfest by Jon Stevens of Maple Grove Farms, discussing soil health, prevent planting and much more. Watch it here.
Photographer extraordinaire Crystal Liepa once again documented our 2019 Annual Conference, held Feb. 9 at the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, Minn. To learn more about Crystal, visit her website.
Pumpkin Field Day: Join UMN Extension and the MN Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association for a field tour on pumpkin production on no-till and low-till soil at Rod's Berry Farm, 28624 Zodiac St NE, North Branch. Tour a trial of 32 pumpkin varieties grown on minimally tilled and no-till soil following cover crops, discuss production practices with other farmers, and learn about options for managing insects and diseases in pumpkins. Dinner is provided. Free for MFVGA members; $15 non-members. RSVP here.
LSP Dairy Fact Sheet: Both the U.S. Congress and Minnesota Legislature have passed programs aimed at addressing the crisis in the dairy industry, and the Land Stewardship Project has created a nifty fact sheet that includes program information and signup details. Get it here.
Farm Stress Brochure Available: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture and USDA Farm Service Agency have made copies of the "Coping with Farm and Rural Stress in Minnesota" brochure available at FSA offices in USDA County Service Centers across the state. The brochure highlights key resources that can help people struggling with financial, legal, emotional, and relationship problems. Minnesotans can also call 651.201.6012 to receive a free copy in the mail or can download the brochure at www.minnesotafarmstress.com.
MDA Produce Safety Inspections: The Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture is reminding Minnesota produce growers of new on-farm inspections that are required under the Produce Safety Rule which is part of the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Minnesota produce growers are encouraged to fill out a questionnaire that will aid the MDA in determining how the rule applies to their farm. Monitor SFA's events calendar, the MDA website and the U of M Extension website for upcoming class announcements starting in the fall of 2019.
Free Farm Law Workshop: Farm Commons is hosting a free full-day interactive farm law training workshop for agricultural service providers in Minnesota, "Guiding Farmers to Legal Resilience," Wed., Sept. 11, in St. Paul. Subject areas include business structures, land purchasing and leasing, insurance and liability, employment law, and agritourism and adding value. Info/RSVP: farmcommons.org/guidingfarmersminnesota.
Hazelnut Input: U. of M. Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships and the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA), in partnership with the American Hazelnut Company (AHC), seek input from hazelnut growers in the Upper Midwest. If you have grown hazelnuts or have interest in growing them, please share your experience in this survey. Information gathered through the survey will be used to support and connect hazelnut growers, processors and distributors in the Upper Midwest. For additional information, please contact Connie Carlson.
