NW Minnesota Soil & Water Quality Learning Exchange

The Sustainable Farming Association, in partnership with Lake of the Woods and Roseau County SWCDs, is launching a soil health & water quality focused learning exchange in Northwest Minnesota. While many similar events are held in central and southern parts of the state, distance can be a barrier to participation for our northern farmers and ranchers. This region has unique opportunities: greater crop diversity, lower land values, and more livestock—all opportunities that create a unique context. Together with local SWCDs and partner organizations, we aim to host a valuable, one-day learning exchange that equips farmers and communities with practical tools to improve soil, protect water, and strengthen ecosystems. Join us in making this inaugural gathering a success!

Schedule
8 AM Registration and networking time with Coffee and light breakfast items
9 AM Welcome and sponsor/partner recognition
9:15 Dr. Kris Nichols
10:30-11 Break & Networking
11-12 Breakout Sessions
12-1 Lunch
1-2 Breakout sessions
2-2:30 Break & Networking
2:30-3:30 Breakout sessions
3:30-4 Break & Networking
4-4:45 Farmer Application Panel-moderated by Kim Melton, Red River Basin Commission
4:45-5 Final words and wrap up

Registration: Advance registration required, no walkups. SFA members can register for $25, nonmembers for $35. Members must log in to see member pricing. Learn more about joining SFA here.

Address: Please note the location change! Seven Clans Casino – 20595 Center St E Thief River Falls, MN 56701

About Dr. Kris Nichols: Dr. Nichols is the founder and principal scientist of KRIS (Knowledge for Regeneration and Innovation in Soils) Systems. Kris is a research consultant with Food Water Wellness Foundation in Olds, Alberta and MyLand Company Inc. in Phoenix, Arizona. She has worked for Canadian Organic Growers, the Rodale Institute, and USDA-Agricultural Research Service. Kris advisor to the Real Organic Project; Savory Institute’s – Ecological Outcome Verification program, McCain’s Farms of the Future; and Health First. She has Bachelor of Science degrees in Plant Biology and Genetics and Cell Biology, a Master’s degree in Environmental Microbiology, and a Ph.D. in Soil Science. Kris has given over 300 invited presentations throughout the world; authored or co-authored more than 30 peer-reviewed publications; and been cited or interviewed for more than 100 magazine or newspaper articles, multiple books, numerous podcast and online videos, and three documentaries.

Thank you to our many partners for making this event possible: Beltrami SWCD, Cass SWCD, Koochiching SWCD, Lake of the Woods SWCD, Pennington SWCD, Red River Basin Commission, and Roseau County SWCD.

SFA staff and volunteers occasionally take photos during our workshops, cafe chats and field days for promotional purposes and to use as documentation of events to share with our funders.  If you do not wish to be photographed, please let our event host know — we’ll make every effort to make sure you are not photographed.