The SFA Annual Conference and Midwest Soil Health Summit are behind us, but we’re already looking forward to next year’s editions of our popular conferences.
The 2017 MSHS (above) was held in a new venue but remained just as energy-filled as the past few years’ events. For two days, expert speakers delivered germane, sensible information on topics that, for many, not only educate but inspire.
Dr. Allen Williams’ presentation capped the Summit with his usual expert panache but also an overarcing message that we can not wait any longer to make changes to our farming systems. Our ability to feed and water ourselves will be at risk unless serious widespread changes are made, and everyone at the MSHS knows soil health is the answer – and that Upper Midwestern farmers have the capacity to solve this problem themselves by adopting the Five Principles of Soil Health.
Further, as commodity prices continue to stumble, those who stick with the status quo may be at greater risk of losing their ability to make money. Soil health is the future, and thankfully SFA farmers are leading by example on their farms and in their communities.
On Feb. 11, over 300 people attended the SFA Annual Conference, where in addition to the usual plethora of pertinent educational sessions many were able to meet our new Executive Director, Theresa Keaveny. It turns out that, as we learned at the night-before social, Theresa can not only can sing but play the guitar, too. Look for photos from the SFA Conference coming soon on our Facebook page and here in SFA Connect. Also:
- The 2018 SFA Conference will be next Feb. 10 at St. Ben’s. Do you have feedback on the date or time? The night-before social hour? Do you know people we should invite? Give us a holler at info@sfa-mn.org, or look for a survey in the coming weeks.
- The online survey tool for the 2018 Annual Conference is now live! Enter your session topic ideas and vote on your favorites right on the AC homepage.
- Also, SFA Livestock & Grazing Specialist Kent Solberg gave a popular presentation at the SFA Annual Conference, “Introduction to Soil Health and Restoration.” This presentation, along with many more soil health-related informational resources, are now available for download on our Soil Health Portal under “Resource Library.”
Thanks to all who attended both conferences. We will announce a 2018 MSHS date as soon as possible; meantime, keep helping us spread the word in your community so that more people can benefit from SFA programming.
SFA Deep Roots Farmer Development Program is hosting another edition of its short course on Wintering Livestock from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on March 4 at Seven Pines Farm, 18618 County Rd. 23, Verndale.
Join SFA Livestock & Grazing Specialist Kent Solberg for a farm tour reviewing low-cost wintering techniques for layers, hogs and cattle. Tour hoophouse structures for layers, a deep-straw system for hogs, low-cost housing for sows, outwintering via bale grazing for cattle, windbreak options and cold weather watering systems.
Cost is $30/person. Click here to register. Info: kent@sfa-mn.org.
Anyone considering adding goats or sheep to their sustainable food production should attend our SFA Deep Roots class, Intro to Small Ruminant Husbandry, set for 1-5 p.m. Sat., May 13, at Paradox Farm, 11643 State Hwy 78, Ashby, Minn. The course is particularly suitable for beginning farmers and class size is small; there is ample opportunity to handle animals and equipment and to ask questions.
Held in a working-farm setting, this class will teach students how small ruminants can fit in a natural systems farm. Course topics include: holistic management, animal selection, animal handling, nutrition, fencing, shelters, grazing, and holistic veterinary care. Wear clothing appropriate for working with animals: closed-toe shoes, gloves, long pants.
Course instructors are Sue Wika, Ph.D., and Tom Prieve, DVM, of Paradox Farm. Cost is $100. Click here to register.
SFA Cannon River Chapter is hosting a planning meeting from 7:30 to 9:30 tonight at Simple Harvest Organics, 9800 155th St E, Nerstrand. This meeting is free and open to all; no RSVP is required.
The Cannon River planning committee will discuss updates and board structure & elections. Other topics to be discussed include moving forward and building teams to build our local food shed; next steps for teams created at our annual meeting earlier this month; infrastructure, equity and jobs; and marketing in our region.
Info: cannonriver@sfa-mn.org.
SFA Livestock & Grazing Specialist Kent Solberg will speak at the 6th annual Hubbard County Grazing Workshop, set for 8:45 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 28 at Guthrie Community Center, 44255 Rail Rd, Guthrie, Minn. Solberg, who will discuss “Developing a Forage Chain,” will be joined on the program by SFA members Ivan & Dayle Reinke who will discuss “Grazing Management at Cloverleaf Grass Farm." This event is free and includes lunch; an RSVP is required by calling 218.732.0121.
Additionally, Solberg will speak at an installment of the Minnesota Dairy Initiative Winter Dairy Series from noon to 2:30 p.m. March 13 at State Bank of New Prague, 1101 First St SE, New Prague. His presentation will focus on grazing alternatives and forage options for dairy operations. This event is free and lunch and materials are included; preregistration is preferred but not required. Info/RSVP: Alison Rickeman at abenson@co.carver.mn.us or 952.466.5322.
By Kent Solberg • SFA Livestock & Grazing Specialist
Here's a amazing set of videos from Alberta, all of them only a few minutes long. If they can do it there, we can do it here! Have a look and make it happen. "Managing Risk in Winter Grazing Systems."
Black Leg Ranch, owned by 2015 Midwest Soil Health Summit speaker Jerry Doan, was named 2016 Environmental Stewardship Award winner for its commitment to sustainability. Read more here.
Photographer extraordinaire Crystal Liepa once again documented our 2017 Annual Conference, held Feb. 11, 2017, at the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, Minn. To learn more about Crystal, visit her website.
WCROC Outwintering Field Day: The dairy research team at West Central Research and Outreach Center evaluates various outwintering options and their effects on herd health and comfort, and an upcoming field day will include tours of the WCROC herd. The event is 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. March 9 at the center, 46352 State Hwy 329, Morris. The event is free and no preregistration is required. Info: hein0106@umn.edu or 320-589-1711 ext. 2118.
Registration is now open for the Great Lakes Indigenous Farming Conference, set for March 2-5 at Maplelag Resort in Callaway. Sponsored by the White Earth Land Recovery Project, this conference will discuss a wide array of topics and discussions such as: community land revitalization, seed saving, tribal food and farm policy, native agricultural techniques, raised bed and elder gardening programs, food preservation and much more! Register at welrp.org. Info: weseedlibrary@gmail.com or 218.375.2600.
Women’s Environmental Institute is hosting three upcoming workshops at its farm campus in North Branch. First, is “Pruning, Grafting and Organic Orchard Care,” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 25. Then is “Introductory Class on Beekeeping,” from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 26. Finally, a nine-week “Organic Farming 101” class begins Feb. 6 and is weekly through April 3. Register for these events and learn more at w-e-i.org. Info: 651.583.0705.
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