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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Latest from SFA
Derek Schmitz has never dreamt of being anything other than a farmer. He also really doesn't like doing field work. An adaptively managed, perennial grazing dairy just makes sense.
In this episode of Dirt Rich, Schmitz shares how fellow dairy farmers helped him get started, and how genetics, observation and building his own farm team through the Minnesota Dairy Initiative have been key to his success -- and has even reduced his labor by about half.
Listen to episode 70: Building Your Dream Team and Farm with Derek Schmitz anywhere you get your podcasts!
Our Annual Conference will return to the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minn. on Saturday, February 10, 2024.
Featuring topics largely requested by our members, the SFA Annual Conference is a showcase of the wisdom of the Minnesota ag community.
Early bird registration is now open! This event has sold out for the past few years, register today to save your spot.
Our Annual Conference is known for its warm and welcoming environment, enjoyed by budding and seasoned farmers alike. We hope you can join us!
Our biggest soil health event of the year is coming to Mankato on March 13 & 14, 2024!
Early bird registration is now open.
MSHS draws together local national experts in the field with attendees for discussion, networking, and education.
Hailing from different parts of the country, keynote speakers Mitchell Hora, Dale Strickler, Burke Teichert will bring unique expertise on crop farming, ranching, drought resilience, farm profitability, and much more.
Farmers, ag resource professionals, agency staff, hungry learners - all are welcome to attend and learn together.