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 ‘Farming in Karst Country’ Workshop July 6 at Niagara Cave in Harmony

Discussion to Focus on how Soil Healthy Practices can Improve the Health of Underground Streams

June 16, 2022

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HARMONY, Minn. — The intersection of soil-building farming practices, water movement and karst geology will be the focus of a special Land Stewardship Project (LSP) “Farming in Karst Country” workshop Wednesday, July 6, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Niagara Cave in Harmony (29842 Co. Hwy. 30). The cost to attend is $20 for adults and $10 for people under 16; the fee covers a cave tour* and dinner from True Smoke BBQ. Space is limited to 75 participants. To reserve your spot, contact LSP’s Maura Curry at 651-249-6308 or mcurry@landstewardshipproject.org, or visit bit.ly/LSPCaveTour.

Directions: Heading south on U.S. 52 into Harmony, take a right onto MN-139 and continue to head south for three miles, then turn right again onto County Road 30. After two miles, the cave will be on your left; look for “Niagara Cave” and “LSP” signs.

Presenters will include farmers, cavers, naturalists and Kernza researchers sharing how practices like no-till, cover cropping and perennial cover can improve the health of the soil and underground streams.

Local crop farmer Martin Larsen will share his insights on practices like no-till and cover cropping. Larsen works for the Olmsted County Soil and Water Conservation District and is the vice president of the Minnesota Caving Club.

“Soil, water, farming and our Karst geology are intricately connected and produce the freshwater streams, plant diversity and unique landscape of the Driftless Region,” said Larsen. “Improving the health of our soils will help maintain the integrity of our agricultural production, groundwater and unique region.”

Will Varela will speak on the geology of the area and how water quality affects our fish habitat. Varela works as an interpretive naturalist at Mystery Cave and is pursuing a doctorate in riverine ecosystem form and function at the University of New England Armidale. Aaron Bishop and his family have stewarded the Niagara Cave system since 1995, hosting hundreds of thousands of visitors over the years. Bishop will share his knowledge and observations of underground water movement, water quality and the changes his family has seen in the cave over the past 25 years, especially in relation to extreme weather events.

For information on other LSP soil health workshops and field days being held in the region this summer, see landstewardshipproject.org.

*Note that this will be a physically active field day with a topside walking tour and a cave tour that includes 550 stair steps and a mile walk in a humid environment. The cave tour is not recommended for people with heart or respiratory conditions.

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Cavers exploring the karst geology of southeastern Minnesota. (Photo Courtesy of Martin Larsen)
Category: News Releases
Tags: cover cropping • Driftless Region • groundwater • karst geology • Martin Larsen • Niagara Cave • no-till • soil health

Contact

Maura Curry, LSP, 651-249-6308, mcurry@landstewardshipproject.org 

Photo Available

For a photo illustrating the interaction between water and karst geology, contact LSP’s Brian DeVore at bdevore@landstewardshipproject.org

Upcoming Events

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December 2023

Thursday December 7 – Friday December 8

U of M Soil Management Summit
Thursday December 7 – Friday December 8
U of M Soil Management Summit
Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center, 2100 Arrowwood Ln, Alexandria, MN 56308, USA

The Soil Management Summit emphasizes proven farmer experience and applied science. Straight from the fields, learn how heavier, colder soils aren’t necessarily the challenge they’re made out to be. Hear from no-till, reduced tillage, and cover crop farmers as they share their experiences, so you can be spared the same hard-learned lessons.

The summit features presentations and Q & A with researchers, farmers and agricultural advisors, information from sponsors, and conversations with farmers experienced in different soil health practices.

Those who attend the entire conference can earn Certified Crop Adviser continuing education units (CEUs).

For more information and to register, click here.

Tuesday December 12

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Online Farmer Forum: Exploring Water Management on Vegetable Farms
Tuesday December 12
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Online Farmer Forum: Exploring Water Management on Vegetable Farms

Join Jody and Mike Lenz of Threshing Table Farm and Dana Swanson from NRCS to explore creative ways to manage water in our changing climate. This forum will include a short presentation followed by questions, ideas and solutions from attendees.
Register here:https://secure.everyaction.com/8R2DmcpyQkOkPANzarGpAA2

Saturday December 16

9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Iowa Farmers of Color Conference
Saturday December 16
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Iowa Farmers of Color Conference
2400 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321, USA

Calling all Midwestern Black farmers! Join us at the Iowa Farmers of Color Conference — an empowering gathering where connections flourish and knowledge blooms. Over the past two years, we’ve had the honor of building relationships with minority farmers from the South. Now, we’re extending a heartfelt invitation to YOU to be part of this transformative event. Connect with fellow farmers, engage with expert speakers spanning ag policy, research, and crop insurance, and get the answers you seek to thrive in your farming journey. Whether you’re seasoned or just starting out, this conference is a space designed to empower, educate, and uplift.

For details, check out this flier.

To register, click here.

January 2024

Saturday January 13

10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Fillmore County Well Screening Clinic
Saturday January 13
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Fillmore County Well Screening Clinic
Fillmore Central Elementary School K-6, 702 Chatfield Ave NW, Preston, MN 55965, USA

Free nitrate and chloride screenings will be offered onsite, with results available within 15 minutes. While you wait, you are invited to talk one-on-one with water experts about your results, questions, and options. This consultation is free and confidential. If further testing is advised, a voucher for a free certified test will be provided. Questions can be directed to Responsible Ag in Karst Country at responsibleaginkarstcountry@gmail.com.

Tuesday January 16

12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
In-Person Training: Introduction to Climate Resiliency for Farmers
Tuesday January 16
12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
In-Person Training: Introduction to Climate Resiliency for Farmers
St. Cloud, St Cloud, MN, USA

Join LSP and UMN Extension to build resiliency on your farm through examining local climate trends, identifying risk and planning adaptations for mitigation. Additionally, there will be several farmers presenting on the climate resiliency strategies they are implementing on their farms. Lunch is included and registration is required.

Register here: https://secure.everyaction.com/nyGLdKfUikG6EZmR8mcwbw2

View Full Calendar

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