Crow Wing River Basin Forage Council

Learn, explore, and network

Contact: foragecouncil@sfa-mn.org or 1.844.922.5573 Ext. 714.

Since 2000, Crow Wing River Basin Forage Council, a Networking Group of the Sustainable Farming Association, has provided thousands of people with opportunity to learn, explore, and network through winter workshops and summer land and water tours. The group is open to all who wish to participate.

Upcoming Events

Forage Council Grazing School

Friday, September 12 & Saturday, September 13

Verndale Community Center
109 1st Ave SE Verndale, MN 56481

The Forage Council Grazing School: The Why, What, How, and Who for Grazing. Taking grazing to the next level.

This is a two-day event. Lunch provided both days, along with a Friday evening meal at the Community Center in Verndale.

See the flyer at right for more details, and see below for presenter bios.

Advance registration is required.

$175 SFA members
$200 non members

Members must log in to see member pricing. Learn more about joining SFA here.

Refunds for cancellations can be requested up to 48 hours prior to the event.

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Grazing School Host Farms

Flanagan Farms

Steve & Susan Flanagan Bluffton, Minn.

In 2005 we purchased a small, rocky, one cut hay farm and converted it into a grazing cell utilizing the EQIP program.

We initially grazed only stockers and then converted them to a mixed yearling and cow-calf herd.

The land has marginal drainage and above average deer pressure, so grain production is difficult. We now do a long rotation on the better drained acres. that currently consists of one to two years of annual forage which acts as a biological primer, followed by a grass/legume mix.

West 80 South Polls

George & Krystal Heller Verndale, Minn.

George Heller is a first-generation rancher based in Verndale, Minnesota. Together with his wife, Krystal, the couple manages a 330-acre operation that includes both owned and leased grazing land. Their work is rooted in a commitment to animal performance, soil health and regenerative practices-most notably adaptive grazing, which helps them maintain low input costs while enhancing ecosystem resilience.

Their diversified livestock enterprise includes sheep, cattle, and guardian dogs, strategically integrated to make the most of their land and resources. By stacking enterprises and implementing smart grazing strategies, the Hellers are able to increase efficiency and profitability on limited acreage.

Outside of ranching, George and Krystal also run a concrete construction business that currently demands much of their time. Despite the balancing act, they have been steadily growing their ranching operation over the past five years. With a clear vision and relentless work ethic, they are working toward a long-term goal: building a profitable, sustainable agricultural enterprise that can support them into retirement and leave a lasting legacy.

Heller, George & Krystal West 80 South Polls

Pasture Walk Series

From April through October, SFA will host a free pasture walk every fourth Thursday night of the month. Locations and topics will vary — stay tuned for more information and registration.

The Forage Council will host the pasture walks on June 26 and August 28.