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Getting a Bio-Reaction from Soil

How Farmers Involved in an LSP Project Hope to Use the Johnson-Su Composter to Boost Biology

By Bairet Eiter
January 13, 2022

Calling all microbe enthusiasts! Looking to learn about better composting methods that encourage the soil biome to thrive, all with minimal effort? Then you may be interested in research the Land Stewardship Project and some of our farmer-members are doing on the “Johnson-Su Composting Bioreactor.” Developed by molecular biologist and research scientist David Johnson, along…  Read More →

Ear to the Ground No. 257: The House that Biology Built

Tillage can do a lot of things, but building soil isn’t one of them. Soil expert Steve Lawler and Minnesota farmer Jon Jovaag talk about the importance of using nature as a guide when preparing a seed bed and bolstering the soil’s structure. • For more information on how to build soil health profitably, check…  Read More →

Ear to the Ground 406: Pasture Peers

“How do I make this pasture pay?” beginning farmer Heidi Eger asked a group of fellow graziers during an LSP Soil Health Hub gathering. They answered by measuring out an ideal paddock and putting pen to paper. More Information • Radicle Heart Farm • Ear to the Ground 265: Diving into Safer Waters • Ear…  Read More →

Ear to the Ground 405: High Voltage

Chad and Melissa Crowley are using managed rotational grazing, soil health, and solar arrays to create a good energy flow on the dairy farm they’re transitioning into. They are also utilizing LSP’s Soil Health Hub to field a few burning questions and recharge their batteries. More Information • LSP’s Soil Builders’ Network • Blog: Soil Health…  Read More →

Bringing Lawmakers to the Farm

Legislative Ag Leaders Get a Firsthand Look at Challenges, Opportunities SE MN Farmers Face

By Laura Schreiber
August 7, 2026

On a recent July afternoon, southeastern Minnesota farmer Martin Larsen stopped his Gleaner R-62 combine in the middle of oat harvest, climbed down the ladder, and walked a hundred yards or so to where the Chair of the Minnesota Senate Agriculture Committee was standing at the edge of the field. Larsen then described to Sen.…  Read More →

Ear to the Ground 404: Closing the Loop

Paul and Delores Moechnig are working to prove to the next generation that the road to farming’s future doesn’t have to pass through corn and soybean fields. It turns out the bluebirds and swallows appreciate the offramp they’ve taken into rotational grazing as well.    More Information • LSP’s Soil Builders’ Network • Blog: Soil Health…  Read More →

Ear to the Ground 401: The Belly of Belief

Livestock producer Frances Kelliher admits to being a bit cynical and burnt-out on her first day in LSP’s Farm Beginnings course. But the program helped revitalize her belief that regenerative grazing can renew one’s relationship with the land and community.   More Information • LSP’s Farm Beginnings Course (2026-2027 Early Bird Discount Deadline Aug. 1, 2026;…  Read More →

Ear to the Ground 400: Small Farms, Big Markets

Vision Quest

An LSP Soil Health Hub Gathering Illustrates the Power of Dreams Anchored in Reality

By Brian DeVore
March 20, 2026

On a recent morning in late February, a couple dozen farmers stood in front of a wall of words and pictures, imagining what the future might look like. Just a few minutes before, the farmers had sat at tables in a sunny room of the Chatfield Center for the Arts in southeastern Minnesota, using felt-tipped…  Read More →

Ear to the Ground 396: Accountable Ag