Midwest Grazing & Soil Health Summit
March 19 & 20, 2025
Willmar Conference Center
Willmar, Minnesota
Registration coming soon.
The Evolution of SFA's Midwest Soil Health Summit
For 11 years, the Sustainable Farming Association has proudly hosted the Midwest Soil Health Summit, an educational event developed during a time when soil health was still a budding concept.
As the importance of soil health has become more widely recognized and soil health education more readily available, we are shifting the educational focus of the Summit and rebranding the event as the Midwest Grazing & Soil Health Summit.
More than just a name change, this evolution acknowledges and celebrates the deep connection between soil and livestock in building thriving ecosystems and communities.
This new emphasis allows us to explore the dynamic harmony between grazing and soil health—together, they create a regenerative path forward for farmers and ranchers.
What would you like to see at the 2025 Summit?
Our staff are busily preparing for our next conference season. What kinds of speakers or topics would you like to see?
Take this quick survey to let us know.
Our 2024 Sponsors
BLOOM SPONSOR
The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) is a voluntary opportunity for farmers and agricultural landowners to take the lead in implementing conservation practices that protect our water.
SAPLING SPONSORS
Pattern Ag predicts next season's risk of pests and disease by measuring the soil's DNA. Additional results include soil biofertility measures and soil attributes. By knowing what to expect next season, farmers can make the optimal decisions on seed selection, crop protection, and fertility needs.
Manufacturers of equipment for improving soil biology (regenerative solutions)
The mission of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is to enhance all Minnesotans' quality of life by ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy
Sea-90 Ocean Minerals is the first step in regenerative agriculture. Sea-90 offers nature’s complete spectrum of minerals and trace elements to remineralize your soil, grow more nutrient dense plants, pastures, and food, and support the health and vitality of your animals. Naturally created by the power of the ocean, Sea-90 is OMRI listed and fully organic certified. Sea-90 offers solutions for all gardeners, farmers, and ranchers. Bring the power of the ocean to your operation today with Sea-90 Ocean Minerals!
USDA agency that works to promote conservation practices.
SPROUT SPONSORS
The Forever Green Initiative is developing and improving winter-hardy annual and perennial crops that protect soil and water while driving new economic opportunities for growers, industry, and communities across Minnesota.
For non-traditional agriculture operations marketing products to consumers or through local and regional food systems, Compeer can help with your financing needs. We provide dedicated underwriting, fast turnaround, exceptional client service and technical expertise and training opportunities - benefits that are generally hard to compe by for non-traditional operations.
Farmers Union is a grassroots, member-driven organization working for family farmers and rural communities. We believe in fair farm and rural policy that guarantees a safe and abundant food supply, provides family farmers with fair prices for their labor, and revitalizes rural Minnesota.
We are a non-bank private capital provider focusing on unique debt options specifically for regenerative and organic farms.
The state soil and water conservation agency charged with helping meet the state's goals for clean water and healthy soil. BWSR’s mission is to improve and protect Minnesota's water and soil resources by working in partnership with local organizations and private landowners. Core functions include implementing the state's soil and water conservation policy, comprehensive local water management, and implementing the Wetland Conservation Act.
The “Match Made In Heaven” survey needs your help to understand what’s working and what isn’t in integrating crops and livestock. Click on the picture to participate.
Surveys will also be available at the Midwest Soil Health Summit
“Match Made In Heaven” is a partnership between crop farmers, livestock farmers, crop & livestock associations, universities, public agencies, and soil/water groups, all working together to develop crop/livestock integration resources to benefit farms.
SEED SPONSORS
2024 Onsite Exhibitors
Albert Lea Seed
Pattern Ag
Forever Green Initiative
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Minnesota Soil Health Coalition
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Thousand Hills Lifetime Grazed 100% Grass Fed Cattle
Solar Farm, LLC
Hiwassee Products, LLC
Minnesota Farmers Union
Practical Farmers of Iowa
Conservation Technology Information Center
Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources
Pheasants Forever
MNL
Match Made in Heaven
Mad Capital
USDA Farm Service Agency
Leaf River Farm Fence Supply
A look back at our 2023 summit:
Under the theme “Pioneering the Future: The Soil Health Mavericks,” we brought in a mix of Minnesotan farmers, researchers like Anna Cates, PhD, and pioneers from across the country such as Dr. Elaine Ingham, Gene Goven, and Dave Brandt.
Presentations included personal on-farm soil health journeys, research conducted on Minnesota farms, and discussions on nutrient management and soil biology. Read all about it here.