The focus of this event is for farmers, ranchers, and landowners to understand the importance of fire on the landscape, remove the fear of burning, and to discuss the equipment needed and how to set up burn logistics for a safe and effective fire.

Fire has long been a natural and valuable tool for maintaining healthy landscapes, yet many farmers and landowners are unsure how to use it safely and effectively. “Bringing Fire Back to the Farm” is a hands-on learning event designed to remove the mystery and fear around prescribed burning while demonstrating its practical benefits for working lands. During this half-day workshop, farmers and landowners will learn why fire matters on the landscape, how it behaves, and how it can be used to improve pasture, wildlife habitat, and overall land health.

The morning begins with a classroom-style session, covering the science and benefits of fire, range management considerations before and after burning, safety protocols, and resources available to landowners—including how prescribed burn associations can help farmers work together. Following the classroom portion, participants will take part in a pre-burn briefing and then observe a live prescribed burn demonstration, allowing them to see ignition techniques, fire behavior, and burn management in real time. The event concludes with a debrief and lunch, providing time for discussion and questions.

Agenda:

9:00 am: Classroom · Why fire is important · How fire works · Benefits of fire on the land · Pre-fire/Post-fire range management · Burn resources · Prescribed burn associations, Fire safety

10:00 am: Pre-burn Meeting

10 – 10:30am:  Fire ignition; Observe fire at key points

Noon: Debrief/complimentary lunch

Registration: Free Admission. Advance registration is required, space is limited.

Rain Date: May 14

Partners:

Pheasants Forever

The Nature Conservancy

The Sustainable Farming Association

Lac Qui Parle SWCD

MN Land Trust

DNR Parks and Trails

DNR Non-Game