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
Our latest podcast episode tackles the elephant in the room this season: drought.
Five of SFA's farm consultants from across MN discuss how they are approaching and planning ahead for drought conditions on their varying grazing operations.
While conditions continue to change since this conversation was recorded, their goals and decision-making strategies are evergreen.
Listen to episodes 68: Dealing with Drought Roundtable anywhere you get your podcasts!
Featuring topics largely requested by our members, the SFA Annual Conference is a showcase of the wisdom of the Minnesota ag community.
Save the date for Saturday, February 10, 2024 at the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minn.
Our Annual Conference is known for its warm and welcoming environment, enjoyed by budding and seasoned farmers alike. We hope you can join us!
Stay tuned for a registration announcement. In the mean time, you can suggest and vote on session topics by clicking here.
Our biggest soil health event of the year is coming to Mankato on March 13 & 14, 2024!
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.