SFA Midwest Soil Health Summit to explore 'Farm as Reflection of Farmer'

Agriculture producers and other interested parties are invited to stay on the leading edge of regenerative agriculture by attending the Sustainable Farming Association's annual Midwest Soil Health Summit, set for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, at Oliver Kelley Farm, 15788 Kelley Farm Rd NW, Elk River.

The seventh version of this dynamic event, titled "Farm as Reflection of Farmer," features a bevy of expert farmer speakers, including keynotes Jon Stika (right), author of "A Soil Owner's Manual: How to Restore and Maintain Soil Health," and John Mesko, senior director, Soil Health Partnership.

In addition to the keynotes are two distinct educational tracks, "Agronomic" and "Silvopasture," in which each attendee can access relevant education to help meet their unique farm goals; the Silvopasture track features information on managed woodland grazing and restoring oak savanna.

Other speakers include Kristin Brennan, Assistant State Soil Scientist; Troy Daniell, NRCS State Conservationist; Thom Petersen, Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner; Keefe Keeley, Savanna Institute Co-Director; and farmers including Mikayla Tabert, Jon Stevens, Ben Dwire and Tom Barthel. Panel discussions include (more may be added):

"Moving Forward With Soil Regeneration: Our Experiences and Challenges"

"Vegetable Proteins: Friend or Foe for Soil Health?"

"Overview of Silvopasture Principles"

"Overcoming Farmer and Landowner Resistance to Silvopasture"

"Restoring Savanna With Livestock"

Also planned are the ever-popular "Discussion Tables," this year featuring farmer experts from the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition. Farmer networking time, a full trade show and more are also scheduled.

Registration is $50 for SFA members and $75 for non-members and includes lunch, coffee and all conference materials. This event sold out in 2019 – guarantee your spot by registering today at http://www.sfa-mn.org/soil.

The 2020 SFA Midwest Soil Health Summit is sponsored by Albert Lea Seed, Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program, Agassiz Seed, Soil Health Partnership, NCR-SARE, Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture, Minnesota Farmers Union and Organic Valley.

Jason Walker is Communications Director for the Sustainable Farming Association.