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
For anyone who is unfamiliar with the Emerging Farmers Office or what “emerging farmer” means, the latest episode of Dirt Rich is a great conversation to listen to to get a sense of the Office's approach to helping Minnesota’s farmers find success!
Lillian Otieno and Assistant Commissioner Patrice Bailey of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture share how the Office came to be, the value it brings to our agricultural landscape, and the impacts they are seeing.
Listen to episodes 65: The Emerging Farmers Office anywhere you get your podcasts!
We're all coming out of hibernation, and there's plenty of opportunities to reconnect or get involved with your local chapter or networking group!
Check out our event calendar to see what's happening near you, including:
- Chapter meetings & Networking nights
- An introductory workshop to beekeeping
- Farm tours
- Organic fruit & vegetable workshops
- A tour the University of Minnesota Bee Lab
Now that it’s finally safe to stop layering before heading outside, many farmers are finding themselves hitting it hard to make up for lost time this spring.
May is such a busy time for farmers, especially so this year, and that can be stressful. We hope you can take a moment or two during the next few weeks to ask yourself “How am I doing?” and to reach our for help if you need it.
Minnesota farmers & rural residents can find local support, as well as nationally available programs, presentations, and more.