Ear to the Ground 270: It Doesn’t Rain Grass

In an area that receives 8-10 inches of precipitation annually, Mexican rancher Alejandro Carrillo’s philosophy is: “It’s not how much rain you get, it’s what you do with it.” That’s why he makes sure that water falling out of the sky has a friendly reception on the ground.

More Information

• Understanding Ag case study of Las Damas Ranch
• Understanding Ag Webinar — Building Resiliency: Ranch Resiliency with Alejandro Carrillo
• Las Damas Sacred Cow movie excerpt
• LSP Soil Health web page

You can find LSP Ear to the Ground podcast episodes on Spotify, Stitcher, iTunes, and other podcast platforms.

**Alejandro Carrillo on Las Damas Ranch in Chihuahua, Mexico.**

Upcoming Events

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

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