Minnehaha Conservation District

SOIL HEALTH SCHOOL
September 4-6, 2019
Kurt and Kathy Stiefvater farm near Salem, SD

Designed for agriculture producers and others interested in managing their soils for resiliency and profit, the Soil Health School brings together soil health experts, experienced producers and those new to soil health, to discuss tried and true management practices.

“Attending the Soil Health School changed my whole perspective on soil,” explains Don Nickelson, a Frederick farmer. Prior to attending the Soil Health School, Nickelson had been struggling to farm saline areas of a field. He implemented what he learned and instead of crops, he planted salt-tolerant perennial grasses for grazing and forage. “Today, I think about treating the cause of soil issues, instead of symptoms. I’m doing this with my kids in mind. I want to pass on good soils and management principles instead of bad habits.”

During the Soil Health School held on Kurt and Kathy Stiefvater’s farm, participants will get to see for themselves how management practices like no-till and cover crops impact soil health. They can check out soil pits to see how roots burrow into soil structure and allow for water and nutrients to penetrate the clay and the alkaline earth. Stiefvater will also demonstrate how soil health practices improve soils resistance to compaction and ruts as well as livestock integration. Plus, there will be plenty of time for Q & A with experts and experienced producers like SD Soil Health Directors and Stiefvater.

Registration is limited, so do not wait. Send in your registration today!! “For anyone interested in soil health, this is one of the best events to attend,” says Leola farmer, Trevor Zantow. “The presenters are not only involved in the practices but are knowledgeable of the science. This experience helped build my confidence to change my farming practices.”

To attend the 2019 Soil Health School, register at www.sdsoilhealthcoalition.org and click on the Events tab.

For more information on the Soil Health School, the scholarship available or if you have questions about the event, contact Cindy at sdsoilhealth@gmail.com or call 605-280-4190.