Bringing Farmer-led Soil Health Resources to the Cannon River Watershed

Mark Gutierrez, Executive Director of the Minnesota Soil Coalition, demonstrates rainfall infiltration at a farm in Goodhue County in 2023. Photo credit: Brian DeVore, Land Stewardship Project.

Clean River Partners (CRP) and the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition (MSHC) have partnered to help farmers in the Cannon River Watershed adopt soil health practices to benefit their land, water, and bottom line. This partnership aims to empower farmers by providing mentorship programs, collaborative events, and improved support for soil health and farm profitability. 

Soil health practices, such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, and nutrient management, have numerous benefits. These practices can increase soil organic matter, reduce input costs, and improve crop yields, ultimately leading to higher farm profitability and long-term sustainability. Additionally, these practices also play a crucial role in improving the health of the watershed.

MSHC offers a farmer mentorship program that connects farmers who have already implemented soil health practices with those who want to learn from them. Farmers can share their experience and knowledge of planning, implementing, and troubleshooting with other farmers. According to Mark Gutierrez, Executive Director of the MSHC, this partnership will strengthen the mentorship program and help farmers in the Cannon River Watershed avoid mistakes that their mentors have already made.

The conservation team at CRP has been a leader in raising awareness of the benefits of soil health practices for almost a decade. This partnership presents an opportunity to collaborate on events and expand the reach of both organizations in the region. Jennifer Tonko, Executive Director of Clean River Partners, expressed her excitement for bringing Minnesota Soil Health Coalition's farmer-led experience and resources to the Cannon and Straight River Watershed. "Healthy, living soils keep our water clean and our farms profitable," she shared.

Join both organizations at an upcoming event in Owatonna, MN, supported by Compeer Financial, to learn how you can take soil health to the bank! The "Getting Paid for Low Carbon Farming" workshop will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at the Owatonna Eagles Club and will include a free lunch and presentation. You'll learn about the importance of "carbon intensity score," how the principles of soil health can help you reduce your carbon intensity score, and how you can be ready to sell low-carbon produce for a premium price. Learn more and register online at https://www.cleanriverpartners.org/events. 

Farmers and other stakeholders interested in learning more about the partnership, soil health practices, and the farmer mentorship program can contact Alan Kraus, CRP Conservation Program Manager, by email at alan@cleanriverpartners.org or phone at 507-786-3913.