The Land Stewardship Project’s Soil Health Steering Committee got together in September 2024 to discuss ways of helping farmers in the region successfully adopt cover cropping, managed rotational grazing, no-till, and other regenerative practices. Discussions focused on developing a more viable small grains marketing infrastructure, supporting livestock integration into cropping operations, strengthening the Soil Builders’ Network, and making deeper investments in our localized peer learning groups such as soil hubs and grazing groups.

Over the past five years, LSP’s Soil Builders’ Network has grown to 4,000 people covering the region that encompasses southern Minnesota, northeastern Iowa, and southwestern Wisconsin. Based on surveys, it’s estimated that the Network has directly supported farmers in implementing regenerative practices such as cover cropping, reduced or no-till, and managed rotational grazing on more than 38,000 acres. For details on joining the Soil Builders’ Network, click here.

Are you interested in guiding LSP’s Soil Health Program vision? We will be recruiting new members for our Soil Health Steering Committee this spring. Contact LSP’s Alex Romano at aromano@landstewardshipproject.org if you are interested or would like more information. Are you interested in joining a farmer-to-farmer soil hub? Contact LSP’s Shea-Lynn Ramthun at slramthun@landstewardshipproject.org for more information.

See below for short bios on the farmers who currently belong to LSP’s Soil Health Steering Committee.

Stacie Madson

I live by Hartland, Minn., about 15 minutes north of Albert Lea, with my husband Casey and our three children. We raise organic corn, soybeans, oats, peas, and conventional corn and soybeans. We tine harrow, cultivate, flame cultivate, ridge till, weed zap, and plant cover crops. This year we planted a few prairie strips. I joined LSP because I am interested in more sustainable practices for farming, and I’m excited to learn more from other’s experiences.

Stacie has served on LSP’s Soil Health Steering Committee since the fall of 2024.

Josh Nelson

I’m from Wright County, Iowa, over in the north-central portion of the state. My wife Kate and I run Cardinal Creek Farm, a diversified farm raising corn, soybeans, cereal rye, oats, and other assorted small grains, along with a commercial hog operation. I’m focused on implementing the soil health principles and improving market access for “alternative” crops here in the land of King Corn. I use cover crops on all my acres, and strip-till or no-till techniques for my various crops. I also use extensive crop and soil testing to figure out ideal rates for fertilizers, focusing on utilizing animal manures when I have access. I previously raised registered Highland cattle and sold wholesale vegetables through a regional food cooperative. I joined LSP’s Soil Health Steering Committee to see if there was some broader regional cooperation that can be done to improve the state of ag in our area.

Josh has served on LSP’s Soil Health Steering Committee since the fall of 2024.

Tony Hackbarth

I took on this role to offer my perspective as a young farmer navigating the challenges of starting a farm from scratch. My journey through agriculture thus far has introduced me to some excellent role models. Many of these influences have helped shape my journey by showing me tons of different ideas and production models. I have also been blessed to have some very financially-minded people explain the importance of business in my farming journey. This spice-mix of styles has allowed us to create a healthy hybrid system that allows us quality-of-life and financial freedom. This lifestyle we have chosen is far from a career and the risks thus far have been rewarded by enjoying our time together. The mentors I have did a fantastic job of teaching me that success is self-defined — it is not to be determined by your neighbors. I hope I can help in any way by sharing my experiences.

Tony has served on LSP’s Soil Health Steering Committee since the fall of 2024.

Mark Klinski

I am from Caledonia, Minn., where I raise organic crops. My farm has been certified organic since 2015, and I have grown corn, soybeans, oats, wheat, rye, and peas. I retired in 2021 from my day job as a heavy truck mechanic in LaCrosse, Wis. I first got interested in soil health to add to my organic ground “livestock” and have been trying some biologicals/biochar to improve soil life. I enjoy living in the Driftless Area with scenic hills where I spend time in the woods to relax, forage for mushrooms, and hunt for ginseng. I joined LSP’s Soil Health Steering Committee to continue working with leaders in soil health. Field days, events on composting and grazing, and working with people that are doing good things and promoting these ideas are all things that get me excited to do this work. I also try to promote soil health in my neighborhood when and where I can.

Mark has served on LSP’s Soil Health Steering Committee since the spring of 2021.

Bob Leisen

I farm with my brother on a farm South of Plainview Minn., in southern Wabasha County. We also run a couple of farms in northern Olmsted County. We are currently growing just corn and soybeans, with a few beef cattle on the side. We used to also have around 70-plus dairy cows, plus young stock, until a few years ago. We plant using a mix of tillage styles, depending on the crop, field, and the history of the field. We have been using different styles of cover crops and no-till for over 10 years now and are still learning. I joined LSP’s Soil Health Steering Committee to both learn more about soil health practices and to help promote smaller and large sized operations.

Bob has served on LSP’s Soil Health Steering Committee since the fall of 2024.

Alan Jostock

Hi, my name is Alan Jostock and our farm is Rolling J Farm. I operate it with my fiancé, Betsy, and my daughters, Gracelyn and Alexa, along with my parents, Ed and Lynn Jostock, in Hammond, Minn. We have a diversified farm that includes 60 beef cows and a 20-sow farrow-to-finish hog operation through which we market to Niman Ranch, a company focused on humanely and sustainable antibiotic- and hormone-free pork. We have 65 laying hens for egg sales, a few meat goats, and bottle calves. We finish all of our beef, with a portion being direct-marketed. We raise corn, soybeans, hay, oats, and barley, and grow cover crops, all while transitioning to 100% no-till production. I joined LSP’s Soil Health Steering Committee to strengthen my passion for saving the soil and to promote conservation to others. I hope my involvement as a Hammond City Council member, Riverland Farm Business Management Advisory Board member, and involvement in several other organizations will help bring new ideas to the table for LSP. I struggle seeing less-than-ideal or poor land management practices as I drive around and hope to show people there is a more sustainable way to hold our soil by leading as an example.

Alan joined LSP’s Soil Health Steering Committee in spring of 2025.

Kimber Finnegan

My name is Kimber Finnegan and I am a native of Austin, Minn. I have been farming and ranching with my husband, Tom, for over 30 years. We are both passionate about caring for the land, and understand the value of nurturing and restoring the land. We raise beef cattle for direct sales to the consumers in our local community. As a start-to-finish operation, we own the cows, the bulls, and the calves born and raised on our farm; people can come and see where and how their food is raised. We incorporate rotational grazing utilizing the cover crops we plant to improve our soil health. I also raise free range chickens for eggs and meat, and have recently been dabbling in sheep for meat. I also grow organic produce for family consumption and have sold produce, meat, and products of the farm at local farmers’ markets. I believe connecting with the community is one of the best ways to educate and market to the public. Our involvement with LSP’s Soil Hub began so we could make connections with other farmers with similar interests in rebuilding the soil, and to be part of a network and support system. I joined LSP’s Soil Health Steering Committee to support the movement of educating the public about where our foods come from and how healthy food means healthy bodies. When the public understands what goes into the making of their food and makes a connection with the farmers, they will associate value with the products and the producers.

Kimber joined LSP’s Soil Health Steering Committee in spring of 2025.