Ear to the Ground 207: Feed the Cow-Feed the Soil

How a visiting student’s critique set a farm on a path toward profitably integrating crops, pasture and livestock.

Upcoming Events

August 2025

Monday August 18

All Day: Soil Health Master Class: Worthington
Monday August 18
Soil Health Master Class: Worthington
At the Barn, 1815 East Ave, Worthington, MN 56187, USA
Details are here.

Tuesday August 19

10:00 am – 3:00 pm: Field Day: Organic Grain Soil Health, Testing & an Introduction to Agroforestry
Tuesday August 19
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Field Day: Organic Grain Soil Health, Testing & an Introduction to Agroforestry
Spring Green, WI 53588, USA
During this University of Wisconsin Organic Grain Resource and Information Network field day, join Gary Zimmer, Patrick Michaels, and Sandy Syburg as they discuss cover cropping for nitrogen, testing to make informed soil health decisions, and the work of the Rye Revival organization. Attendees will tour the organic grain farm and get an introduction to the farm’s expanding agroforestry enterprise.

For more information and to register, click here.

Thursday August 21

8:30 am – 4:00 pm: Adaptive Grazing & Fencing Workshop
Thursday August 21
8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Adaptive Grazing & Fencing Workshop
Olmsted County, Minn.
Farmers, ranchers, and landowners interested in improving their grazing systems and fencing strategies are invited to attend the Adaptive Grazing & Fencing two-day workshop scheduled for August 21–22, in Olmsted County.

This workshop is being hosted by Olmsted County Soil and Water Conservation District, Minnesota Grazing Lands Conservation Association, and the University of Minnesota Extension in Olmsted County, and is open to all those interested.

Led by grazing specialist Kent Solberg, this practical, hands-on workshop will explore strategies to enhance forage productivity, soil health, and profitability through adaptive grazing.

Day 1 will be held at Alan Bedtka’s Farm and will focus on the big picture of grazing, its effects on soil health, riparian zones, weed management, and grazing economics.

Day 2 will take place at John Meyer’s Farm and will delve into cost-effective fencing, water systems, and real-world adaptive grazing practices that can be tailored to changing conditions.

Cost: $75/person (includes lunch both days)
Scholarships: 10 scholarships available for those needing financial assistance (inquire early).

More Information: For more information and to register, see the Minnesota Grazing Lands Conservation Association website. You can also contact: 507-328-7070 or e-mail PWService@olmstedcounty.gov.

Friday August 22

8:30 am – 4:00 pm: Adaptive Grazing & Fencing Workshop
Friday August 22
8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Adaptive Grazing & Fencing Workshop
Olmsted County, Minn.
Farmers, ranchers, and landowners interested in improving their grazing systems and fencing strategies are invited to attend the Adaptive Grazing & Fencing two-day workshop scheduled for August 21–22, in Olmsted County.

This workshop is being hosted by Olmsted County Soil and Water Conservation District, Minnesota Grazing Lands Conservation Association, and the University of Minnesota Extension in Olmsted County, and is open to all those interested.

Led by grazing specialist Kent Solberg, this practical, hands-on workshop will explore strategies to enhance forage productivity, soil health, and profitability through adaptive grazing.

Day 1 will be held at Alan Bedtka’s Farm and will focus on the big picture of grazing, its effects on soil health, riparian zones, weed management, and grazing economics.

Day 2 will take place at John Meyer’s Farm and will delve into cost-effective fencing, water systems, and real-world adaptive grazing practices that can be tailored to changing conditions.

Cost: $75/person (includes lunch both days)
Scholarships: 10 scholarships available for those needing financial assistance (inquire early).

More Information: For more information and to register, see the Minnesota Grazing Lands Conservation Association website. You can also contact: 507-328-7070 or e-mail PWService@olmstedcounty.gov.

Sunday August 24

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Livestock Consolidation Town Hall With AG Ellison in Central MN
Sunday August 24
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Livestock Consolidation Town Hall With AG Ellison in Central MN
Central Minnesota
LSP will be hosting a town hall meeting Sunday, Aug. 24, in central Minnesota on consolidation in livestock agriculture. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison will be on-hand to hear from producers about their experiences with monopoly power. This meeting is for small to mid-sized livestock producers and others who want to push back against consolidation in agriculture.

This town hall will be held somewhere in central Minnesota; an exact location will be determined shortly.

To reserve a spot, click here. For more information, contact LSP organizer Matthew Sheets via e-mail or at 612-767-9709.

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