The Midwest Soil Health Summit

Midwest Soil Health Summit

The 11th Annual Midwest Soil Health Summit

Managing for Profit with the Soil Health Principles

Wednesday, March 13 & Thursday, March 14, 2024

Courtyard Marriott Mankato
901 Raintree Road, Mankato, MN 56001 

This is our biggest soil health event of the year, drawing together local and national experts in the field with attendees for discussion, networking, and education. Farmers, ag resource professionals, agency staff, hungry learners and more - all are welcome to attend and learn together.

Register today!

Registration costs are $150 for members and $200 for nonmembers.
Early Bird rates ended January 15, 2024.

Registration cancellation deadline for refunds is Noon, Monday, March 11, 2024.

Become a member here.
Members must log in first to see member pricing.

SFA photographs scenes at this event for promotional purposes. Your registration acknowledges your willingness to be photographed.

 

Click to download flyer.

See the current Speaker Schedule HERE.

Click HERE to see the printed program.

 

Keynotes

Keynote Speakers

Mitchell Hora, Continuum Ag
Dale Strickler, Agronomist, Rancher, Author
Burke Teichert, Rancher, Consultant

Hailing from different parts of the country, each keynote speaker will bring unique expertise on crop farming, ranching, drought resilience, farm profitability, and much more.

Stephanie McLain
Stephanie McLain
Grant & Dawn Breirtkreutz

 

 

 

Featured Speakers

Stephanie McLain, MN NRCS soil Health Specialist 
Grant Breitkreutz, Stoney Creek Farm, Redwood Falls MN

 

Farmer Panel

Jon Luhman, Goodhue County MN
Scott Haase, Blue Earth County MN
Derek Schmitz, Stearns County MN

Breakout Session Speakers

Jolene Carlson, Nutritionist
Phil & Robin Smith, Renville County MN
Troy Salzer, Extension Educator and Farmer
Grant Breitkreutz, Burke Teichert, Dale Strickler

Sponsor Opportunities

Please consider partnering with us on SFA's premier soil health event of the year. You may apply using either form option below.

 

Note: As of February 14, we are sold out of exhibitor tables. We welcome your sponsorship, though we won't be able to provide you with exhibitor space.


Sponsorship information and fillable PDF form

Apply online

Lodging:

SFA has room blocks at:

  •  The Courtyard Marriott Mankato. Mention "Soil Health Summit" when reserving at (507) 388-1234. The last day to reserve with the room block discount is Tuesday, February 20.

Meals:

Included with registration are Wednesday evening social with hors d'oeuvre and cash bar, and Thursday lunch.

Info:

Questions? Contact Jerry Ford, jerry@sfa-mn.org

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

Albert Lea Seed provides farm-proven products including Blue River Organic and Viking non-GMO corn, soybean and alfalfa seed, as well as a quality line of forages, cover crops, small grains, conservation seed and turf seed.

 

Manufacturer of natural and organic fertilizers and feed supplements. Consulting and custom blending available.  Healing the earth and feeding the world better, naturally.

 

Producer driven education, outreach, and adoption utilizing information exchange to promote the principles of soil health practices. Reduce inputs and increase profits through farmer driven conservation and education.

Powerflex Rotational Grazing Supply is an end to end grazing supply company whose mission is to help farmers and ranchers access the resources and supplies they need to graze successfully.

Solar Electric (PV) System Design, Sales & Installation.

 

Pheasants Forever's mission is to conserve pheasants, quail, and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public access, education, and conservation advocacy.

 

It is our mission to champion, promote and provide information on climate smart technologies and sustainable agricultural systems that conserve and enhance soil, water, air and wildlife resources and are productive and profitable.

Leaf River Farm Fence Logo

We are authorized resellers of Timeless Fence, non conductive fence posts. We carry a full line of fencing supplies for permanent and temporary electric fencing.

Core Bio Ag is a manufacturer of biological extraction equipment and biological products. Our Compost Extractor is designed to meet the demands of all levels of acres with high efficiency and high volume so that you can make your own biological fresh and when you need it!

Practical Farmers of Iowa works to equip farmers to build resilient farms and communities. Our values include: welcoming everyone; farmers leading the exchange of experience and knowledge; curiosity, creativity, collaboration and community; resilient farms now and for future generations; and stewardship of land and resources. Our programs are guided by the interests and priorities of our members.

 

MNL (Minnesota Landscapes, Inc) is a leading provider of comprehensive environmental  restoration services and premium native seeds/plants. 

 

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) implements agriculture policy, administers credit and loan programs, and manages conservation, commodity, disaster and farm marketing programs for agricultural producers.

Since our founding in 2003, Thousand Hills has been focused on one Mission: To nourish the soil, the plants, cattle, and people by holistically grazing cattle for their lifetime. What began as a passion to simply share the nutritional benefits of Lifetime Grazed 100% Grass Fed Beef with more people has evolved into a full embrace of regenerative agriculture—with its many critical benefits to people and planet.

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

youtube-video-thumbnail

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.