The Latest from SFA
Old-fashioned skills. Real food. Lasting memories.
All are welcome to attend Sowing Seeds: Celebrating Local Foods + Lost Skills on Sunday, July 13 at Alternative Roots Farm in Madelia.
Whether you're curious about self-sufficiency or simply want to support local farms and makers, this is your invitation to slow down, get inspired, and plant new seeds of possibility in your own life.
Family-friendly event. Advance ticket required.
Join us at Lift Bridge Brewing's Stillwater taproom every third Saturday this Summer!
Enjoy a Farm Day beer (proceeds support SFA) and a showcase of the absolute best in local produce, meat, cheese, pickled vegetables, hot sauce, as well as amazing local talented artists, craftsmen and vendors.
The next market is July 19 from 11 AM - 3 PM.
Summer is in full swing, and we have an absolutely packed season of events lined up!
Take the opportunity to get out in the field with your peers to learn about postharvest handling, urban beekeeping, electric fencing, wildlife habitat, and so much more. Take a peek at our event calendar to find something near you.
Principles of Soil Health
Soil health is foundational to all of SFA's work.
Keep the Soil Covered
Build and maintain vegetation.
Limit Disturbance
Minimize or eliminate mechanical and chemical soil disturbance.
Build Diversity
Manage to increase plant, microbe, livestock and wildlife diversity.
Living Root
Keep living plants in the soil as much as possible.
Integrate Livestock
Healthy soils require appropriate livestock integration.
Context
Apply these principles within your unique operation.
Soil Health Principles
Healthy soil is fundamental. Our health, wealth, and future depends on the ecosystem beneath our feet. SFA's work promotes agricultural community and prosperity through soil health.
We provide consulting and technical assistance as well as educational and networking opportunities to farmers and landowners in the areas of grazing, dairy, cropping, silvopasture, and fruit and vegetable production.