Bringing Fire Back to the Farm: Taking the Mystery Out of Burning

The focus of this event is for farmers and landowners to understand the importance of fire on the landscape, remove the fear of burning, and to discuss the equipment needed and how to setup burn logistics.

Agenda:

9:00 am: Classroom · Why fire is important · How fire works · Benefits of fire on the land · Pre-fire/Post-fire range management – Patrick Toomey(SFA) · Burn resources · Prescribed burn associations
– TJ Boettcher, DNR Non-game, Fire safety
– Mark Peper, Pheasants Forever

10:00 am: Pre-burn Meeting

10 – 10:30am:  Fire ignition; Observe fire at key points

Noon: Debrief/complimentary lunch

Rain Date: May 14
Free Admission
Registration requested 

Fire has long been a natural and valuable tool for maintaining healthy landscapes, yet many farmers and landowners are unsure how to use it safely and effectively. “Bringing Fire Back to the Farm” is a hands-on learning event designed to remove the mystery and fear around prescribed burning while demonstrating its practical benefits for working lands. During this half-day workshop, farmers and landowners will learn why fire matters on the landscape, how it behaves, and how it can be used to improve pasture, wildlife habitat, and overall land health.

Participants will hear from experienced practitioners about planning burns, the equipment needed, and how to coordinate logistics for a safe and effective fire.

The morning begins with a classroom-style session, covering the science and benefits of fire, range management considerations before and after burning, safety protocols, and resources available to landowners—including how prescribed burn associations can help farmers work together. Following the classroom portion, participants will take part in a pre-burn briefing and then observe a live prescribed burn demonstration, allowing them to see ignition techniques, fire behavior, and burn management in real time. The event concludes with a debrief and lunch, providing time for discussion and questions.

This event is designed for farmers, ranchers, and landowners interested in improving grasslands, pastures, and habitat while learning how prescribed fire can be used safely and effectively.

Partners:
Pheasants Forever
The Nature Conservancy
The Sustainable Farming Association
Lac Qui Parle SWCD
MN Land Trust
DNR Parks and Trails
DNR Non-Game
Funding/Fiscal Agent: State Wildlife Grant and Minnesota Land Trust/Lac Qui Parle SWCD