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Microbiology

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A new and exciting step in rebuilding healthy soil is managing for soil microbial communities. The soil environment is like any other ecosystem — it consists of producers, consumers, and predators. Bacteria and fungi make up the producers, beneficial protozoa and nematodes are the consumers, and the top predators are arthropods and predatory nematodes. This production and consumption model contributes to nutrient cycling in the soil. Due to past agricultural practices, most soil consists solely of bacteria.

To introduce more beneficial organisms and balance fungi-bacteria ratios, some farmers are turning to biodiverse, aerobic composting methods to inoculate their crop fields and pastures. This is a developing piece of work, so please check out the information below and continue to check back for more resources as they emerge.

LSP Johnson-Su Research Video Reports

Videographer Kobi Dansingburg recently created two reports on the on-farm research LSP conducted in Minnesota and Wisconsin over a two-year period related to developing compost using the Johnson-Su Bioreactor System.

• Video: Long Version

• Video: Short Version

Soil Microbiology Fact Sheet

• Elaine Ingham & Soil Health: How to Weave a Web of Willing Workers

Presentation on Johnson-Su Bioreactor System

On Aug. 26. 2022, LSP hosted David Johnson and Hui-Chun Su Johnson on the Pangrac dairy farm near Lewiston, Minn. The Johnson’s gave a presentation on the Biologically Enhanced Agricultural Management System, otherwise known as BEAM. They also discussed the use of the Johnson-Su Bioreactor Composting system to build soil biology. Check out their presentation here.

Got a Question about Microbiology?

Want to get started taking a deep look at your soil’s biology? Give LSP a call at 507-523-3366.

Got an Idea?

If you have an idea you’d like to have featured in a video, blog, podcast, or field day, contact us.

Field Days & Workshops

See out web calendar for the latest LSP field days, workshops  & pasture walks

LSP Soil Health Podcast Series

Check out LSP’s ongoing Ear Dirt podcast series for conversations on cover cropping, no-till, managed rotational grazing, fungi, and just about anything else that builds soil health.

Soil Microbiology Videos

Check out LSP’s videos featuring farmers and other experts talking about the role microbiology and other regenerative practices can play in building healthy, profitable soil.

Related Posts

  • Ear to the Ground 292: Working the Microbes

    David Johnson and Hui-Chun Su Johnson’s approach to composting may help farming reach the ultimate regenerative ag pinnacle: self-sufficient soil.
    More Information
    • LSP’s Microbiology web page
    • Managing…

    Ear to the Ground 292: Working the Microbes
  • Ear to the Ground 271: Focusing on Fungi

    Maks Kopish is looking through a microscope and seeing a way for soil to be self-reliant.

    Ear to the Ground 271: Focusing on Fungi
  • Ear to the Ground 318: Great Expectations

    Farmer Mike Seifert is realizing that building a solid soil house is not enough — he also has to stock its pantry.

    More Information

    • LSP’s Soil…

    Ear to the Ground 318: Great Expectations

Soil Health Team

  • Robin Moore, 612-767-9480, e-mail
  • Shea-Lynn Ramthun, e-mail
  • Alex Romano, 612-767-9880, e-mail
  • Sarah Wescott, 612-767-9881, e-mail
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Upcoming Events

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January 2026

Tuesday January 20

5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Making the Most of Each Acre: Integrating Livestock onto Cropland
Tuesday January 20
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Making the Most of Each Acre: Integrating Livestock onto Cropland
680 Byron Main Ct. NE Byron, MN 55920

In this interactive workshop, farmers will learn about important soil, finance, crop, and livestock concepts related to crop and livestock integration. In addition to presentations by Extension educators, participants will engage in activities to put their newfound knowledge to the test. Participants will gain knowledge, new connections, and a personalized plan for integrating crops and livestock on their farm.
 
For details and to register, click here. 

Wednesday January 21

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Farm Aid Farmer Listening Session
Wednesday January 21
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Farm Aid Farmer Listening Session
Zoom online

What’s your story?

Farm Aid wants to hear from farmers about what they experienced in 2025 and what concerns they have heading into the 2026 season. Farm Aid will use the information and stories we hear during this listening session to make sure that our advocacy and policy work is grounded in the needs and experiences of family farmers right now.

Come learn more about Farm Aid’s policy and advocacy work, share your story with the Farm Aid community, and hear from farmers around the country about what they’re experiencing.

For more information and to register, click here. 

If you can’t make it to this listening session, share your story with us by filling out this form. 

Thursday January 22 – Saturday January 24

GrassWorks Grazing Conference
Thursday January 22 – Saturday January 24
GrassWorks Grazing Conference
La Crosse Center, 300 Harborview Plaza, La Crosse, WI 54601, USA

The 34th Annual GrassWorks Grazing Conference will take place Jan. 22–24 at the La Crosse Center in La Crosse, Wis.

The 2026 conference will be centered on the theme: “Pastures to Prosperity: Building financially smart grazing systems for today’s land stewards.” This year’s focus highlights practical, innovative, and profitable approaches to grass-based livestock production, equipping farmers with tools to strengthen both environmental and economic sustainability.

GrassWorks is excited to welcome two nationally recognized keynote speakers:

  • Melinda Sims, Wyoming cattle rancher and Ranching for Profit instructor, known for her expertise in financial decision-making and resilient ranch business models.
  • Dwayne Estes, Executive Director of the Southeastern Grasslands Institute, a leading voice in grassland restoration, regenerative grazing, and agricultural landscape resilience.

Conference highlights include:

  • More than 60 expert speakers from across the grazing and agricultural sectors
  • Over 45 industry exhibitors featuring the latest in grazing tools, technology, and services.
  • Workshops for beginning, expanding, and experienced graziers
  • Panel discussions on farm profitability, land stewardship, and long-term business resilience.
  • Robust networking opportunities with farmers, technical service providers, and industry partners.

The GrassWorks Grazing Conference draws farmers, agricultural professionals, educators, and conservation partners from across the Midwest and beyond. Attendees can expect practical education, actionable strategies, and meaningful connections.

Registration information can be found at https://grassworks.org/events/grazing-conference.

Tuesday January 27

9:00 am – 3:00 pm
'Beyond Exports: Rebuilding Local Markets' LSP Soil Health Workshop
Tuesday January 27
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
'Beyond Exports: Rebuilding Local Markets' LSP Soil Health Workshop
Rochester International Event Center, 7333 Airport View Dr SW, Rochester, MN 55902, USA

On Tuesday, January 27 join Land Stewardship Project for our signature winter workshop. This year’s theme is “Beyond Exports: Rebuilding Local Markets”.

The workshop will be held from 9am to 3pm at the Rochester International Event Center (73333 Airport View Dr SW, Rochester, MN 55902).  Our featured keynote speaker is Martin Larsen, a farmer who is a founding member of the “Oat Mafia” in south-central Minnesota.  In the morning session, Martin will highlight the challenges and opportunities facing all farmers as they look beyond export load-out at the elevator and instead look to recreate the local markets that once served our farmers and consumers.  He will share his journey establishing food grade oats and founding the “oat mafia” and the agronomic, economic, and market impacts it has made for his farm.

After the keynote, attendees will have the option to choose two of three breakout sessions with local experts:

Session 1: Economics of Diversifying Your Rotations
Session 2: Marketing Your Alternative Crops
Session 3: Derisking Diversifying Your Rotations

Breakfast and a catered lunch will be provided.  

For details and to register, click here.
 
You may also contact event organizer Shea-Lynn Ramthun at 651-301-1897 or slramthun@landstewardshipproject.org. 

5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
LSP Farm Transition Planning Course
Tuesday January 27
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
LSP Farm Transition Planning Course
Zoom Online

The Land Stewardship Project’s long-running course for farmers and other landowners looking to transition their agricultural operations to the next generation is expanding into South Dakota in 2026. The Land Stewardship Project (LSP) Winter Farm Transition Planning Course, which enters its 10th session in 2026, provides a holistic opportunity to dig into important topics and learn from experienced farmers and professionals about the options that farmers and landowners have when looking to pass their farm on.

The standard Zoom online LSP course will be held on seven Tuesday evenings starting on January 27 and running through March 10. The sessions build on one another, so attendance at all sessions ensures the greatest understanding and planning opportunities. The course fee is $250 per family, and registration is open through Jan. 9 at https://landstewardshipproject.org/transition2026.

New this year is an expanded course offering for South Dakota attendees as part of a partnership LSP has formed with Dakota Rural Action and Rural Revival.

The South Dakota course, led by Dakota Rural Action and Rural Revival and using the LSP curriculum, includes seven weekly in-person sessions, with a full-day Saturday kick-off session, and another full-day session to close the training. Sessions two through six will take place on Tuesday evenings for two-and-a-half hours. The dates are: Jan. 31, Feb. 3, Feb. 10,  Feb. 17, Feb. 24, March 3 and March 14. As with the fully online course, the course fee is $250 per family, and the registration deadline is Jan. 9. To register for the South Dakota course, visit https://qrco.de/farmtransitions2026.

Presenters at both workshops will include other area farmers who are implementing farm transition plans, as well as professionals representing the legal and financial fields as they relate to agricultural businesses. Workshop participants will have an opportunity to begin engaging in the planning process as well as to learn about resources for continuing the process after the workshop has ended.

View Full Calendar

Recent Posts

  • LSP Stands With Immigrant Neighbors in Rural Minnesota  January 12, 2026
  • ‘Beyond Exports’ Focus of Jan. 27 Crop Diversification Meeting in Rochester January 11, 2026
  • Why LSP Stands With Our Immigrant Neighbors January 8, 2026
  • Priorities for 2026 Legislature: Soil, Water, Land Access, Consolidation, Farm to School January 8, 2026
  • Land Line: Food Monopolies, Soil Sisters, Bird Benefits, Soil Research Cuts, Farm Divorce, Agro-Environmentalist, China’s Soybean Supplier, Nebraska Nitrates December 31, 2025

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