Farmers and ranchers to explore profitability. drought resistance
The Sustainable Farming Association (SFA) will host the eleventh annual Midwest Soil Health Summit on March 13 and 14, 2024 at the Courtyard Marriott in Mankato, Minn. (Courtesy Image)
MANKATO, Minn. — The Sustainable Farming Association (SFA) will host the eleventh annual Midwest Soil Health Summit on March 13 & 14, 2024 at the Courtyard Marriott in Mankato, Minn.
SFAThe premier soil health event brings together leading experts in soil, crop and livestock health and gives attendees the opportunity to network with fellow farmers, ranchers and other professionals. The focus of this year's Summit is “Managing for Profit with Soil Health Principles”.
“Many people see soil health and profitability as unrelated,” says SFA Soil Health & Grazing Lead and Goodhue farmer Jared Luhman. “However, we know that soil health is a tool that helps farmers increase their profits and the resilience of their land, livestock and businesses.”
With a speaker lineup that includes Dale Strickler, Burke Teichert, Mitchell Hora, Grant Breitkreutz, Stephanie McLain and several more Minnesota farmers, the Midwest Soil Health Summit can be the starting point for a more successful growing season.
The time is right
“With crop prices moving lower as we head into three of the driest years we've seen in decades, it's more important than ever to learn how you can implement soil health building practices into your operation.” says Luhman.
With parts of the Midwest still experiencing drought conditions, Dale Strickler's keynote “Building a Drought Resilient Soil” is a fitting opening for the Summit. Stickler will explore innovative techniques from around the world that farmers and ranchers have used to reduce their vulnerability to one of the most devastating events we face in agriculture, and one that Minnesota farmers have been all too familiar with in recent years. Guests will also enjoy a book signing of The Drought Resilient Farm and other titles with Strickler during a happy hour at the end of the day.
Intergenerational expertise
Burke Teichert and Mitchell Hora, both with long family lineages in agriculture, are also keynote speakers.
Hailing from Wyoming, Teichert is at least the third generation of Teicherts to focus on low-input, low-cost agriculture. His storied career in ranch management, consulting and speaking has also made him somewhat of a leader even in retirement. His presentation “Profitable Livestock and Breeding” will focus on pasture and pasture management, while also providing relevant expertise on non-livestock farms.
Hora, Iowa, earned a spot on Forbe's 2021 30 Under 30 list. Founder and CEO of Continuum Ag continues to be recognized as a leader in agricultural innovation and soil health, most recently for his work helping farmers harness low carbon ratings for premium grains.
Farmer-to-farmer education at its best
For over a decade now, farmers and ranchers have left the Summit (and returned in subsequent years) with practical tools regardless of their scale or what they raise. Information on grazing systems, for example, can apply to all species. “While your operation may not look the same as the farmers speaking and your practices may differ, the principles you will hear do not change,” says Jonathan Kilpatrick, SFA's Director of Farmer Education.
The Midwest Soil Health Summit it also helps farmers and ranchers envision a manageable path toward building soil health on their farms, no matter how they currently operate. Many Minnesota farmers will share their journey from conventional farming to businesses focused on soil health, including Grant Breitkreutz of Redwood Falls, who will show how he managed to sell his grain for $5 above the Chicago price Board and how it accelerated the animals. soil health at Stoney Creek Farm.
The farmer-to-farmer discussions that take place during the presentations—even in the coffee aisles—often provide valuable insights and opportunities for Summit participants. “Maybe it's learning better grazing management to increase forage production, or using cover crops to help life in your soil, reducing fertilizer inputs, or reducing the carbon intensity of your operation through cover and open crops to get a premium for the wheat you produce,” Luhman explains. There is no shortage of opportunities and peers to help you along the way.
Sign up
Two-day registration for the Summit is available for $200 and $150 for members of the SFA.
The full schedule, additional information and registration are available at https://sfa-mn.org/midwest-soil-health-summit.
Location: Courtyard Marriott, 901 Raintree Road Mankato, MN 56001
Information: Jonathan Kilpatrick, jonathan@sfa-mn.org
Mission: The Sustainable Agriculture Association promotes environmental stewardship, economic resilience and strong, diverse communities through farmer networking, education, demonstration and research.
— Sustainable Agriculture Association
