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Songs for the Soil

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In 2020, Minnesota musician Bret Hesla was inspired by the Land Stewardship Project’s soil health work (and conversations with farmers) to write and record a set of songs that honor people’s relationship with the ground beneath our feet and the importance of stewarding it via regenerative farming systems. Below you can listen to Bret and the band Six Feet Deep as they perform the 2022 release of four of these songs: “A Little Better,” “Dead Dirt’s Coming Back,” “The Boundless Earth,” and “Six Feet Deep.”  Also, check out the first two songs from this effort — they were released in 2020 as music videos: “Got Cover Crops” and “Back to Soil.”  Give these recordings a listen and if you’re interested in using them for an event or other purposes, contact Bret directly via his website.

A Little Better

https://landstewardshipproject.org/wp-content/uploads/A-Little-Better-v10.mp3

Lyrics

A Little Better

1. When I get old I’ll leave this place
When I get old I’ll leave this place
When I get old I’ll leave this place
Pass it on to a younger face

I’m gonna leave this land a little better
For the next who comes along.

2. I rarely turn the soil these days
I rarely turn the soil these days
I rarely turn the soil these days
I’ve been trying out different ways

I’m gonna leave this land a little better
For the next who comes along.

3. I ran out to watch a storm last spring
Ran out to watch a storm last spring
Ran out to watch a storm last spring
I saw a three-inch rain soak in

I’m gonna leave this land a little better
For the next who comes along.

4. You smell that ground, you know it’s right
You smell that ground, you know it’s right
You smell that ground, you know it’s right
Someone’s future’s looking bright

I’m gonna leave this land a little better
For the next who comes along.

5. They drank from this crick when Dad was young
They drank from this crick when Dad was young
They drank from this crick when Dad was young
My grandchildren will again

I’m gonna leave this land a little better
For the next who comes along.

Words and music by Bret Hesla. Written on commission for the Land Stewardship Project
© 2020 Bret Hesla.  All rights reserved. Use only with permission of Bret Hesla, please. Contact: Bret.hesla@gmail.com. Website: www.brethesla.com.

Recording Credits

Words & music by Bret Hesla
Recorded by Bret Hesla & Six Feet Deep
Bret Hesla — lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Dan Chouinard — piano
Dave Michel — bass, vocals
Steve Kimball — percussion
Tim Gustafson — lead guitar, group vocals
Rebekah Fergus — harmony vocals
Robin Nelson – group vocals
Betty Tisel — group vocals
Jane Dunlap — group vocals
Brooks Cavin — group vocals
Larry Dittberner — group vocals
Recording Engineer — Dave Michel
Recorded at Orchard House, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Dead Dirt's Coming Back

https://landstewardshipproject.org/wp-content/uploads/Dead-Dirts-Coming-Back-v10.mp3

Lyrics

Dead Dirt’s Coming Back

1. My dead dirt’s come alive, just look and see
And I bet you wonder how that came to be
My friends and I got tired of farming like we’re hired
By someone with whom we don’t quite agree.

2. My friends and I we’ve set aside the plow
And most folks when they hear that they’re like, “Wow!”
We try not to disturb the living mother earth
We’re working with, not fighting nature now.

We’ve got new ways to do things
And here’s the part that makes you want to smile
All the dead dirt’s coming back
The dead dirt’s coming back, the dead dirt’s coming back to living soil.

3. My friends and I put grazing stock in play
And we move our fences several times a day
When the neighbors pasture’s chewed and brown, they see ours green and tall
And they can’t believe we’re running cows at all

We’ve got new ways to do things
And here’s the part that makes you want to smile
All the dead dirt’s coming back
The dead dirt’s coming back, the dead dirt’s coming back to living soil.

4. There comes a time in every person’s life
What we value most, and what we do don’t jive
As the years erode away, their fading voices say
If you meant to take a risk, well your time’s arrived

We’ve got new ways to do things
And here’s the part that makes you want to smile
All the dead dirt’s coming back
The dead dirt’s coming back, the dead dirt’s coming back to living soil.

Words and music by Bret Hesla. Written on commission for the Land Stewardship Project
© 2020 Bret Hesla.  All rights reserved. Use only with permission of Bret Hesla, please. Contact: Bret.hesla@gmail.com. Website: www.brethesla.com.

Recording Credits

Bret Hesla & Six Feet Deep
Bret Hesla — lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Dan Chouinard — piano
Dave Michel — bass, vocals
Steve Kimball — drums
Tim Gustafson — lead guitar, group vocals
Rebekah Fergus — harmony vocals
Robin Nelson — group vocals
Betty Tisel — group vocals
Jane Dunlap — group vocals
Brooks Cavin — group vocals
Larry Dittberner — group vocals
Recording Engineer — Dave Michel
Recorded at Orchard House, Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Boundless Earth

https://landstewardshipproject.org/wp-content/uploads/The-Boundless-Earth-v10.mp3

Lyrics

The Boundless Earth

1. My folks got land when it was free.
Land full of trails we didn’t see.

Times were hard. But we were young and full of certainty.

2. We pulled the rocks. We cut the trees.
We cleared the sod, made room for seed.

Times were hard. But we were young and full of certainty.

3. We turned the soil. Played by the book.
Pulled fences down. Did what it took.

Times were hard. But we were young and full of certainty. 

4. The cities grew. The memories waned.
Most of us left those thinning plains.

Times were hard. But we were young and full of certainty.

5. That Eden land we stumbled on,
That boundless earth, where has it gone?

Times were hard. But we were young and full of certainty

6. We got this land when it was free.
Land full of trails we didn’t see.

Times were hard. But we were young and full of certainty

Words and music by Bret Hesla. Written on commission for the Land Stewardship Project
© 2020 Bret Hesla.  All rights reserved. Use only with permission of Bret Hesla, please. Contact: Bret.hesla@gmail.com. Website: www.brethesla.com.

Recording Credits

Bret Hesla & Six Feet Deep
Bret Hesla — lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Dan Chouinard — accordion, piano
Dave Michel — bass, vocals
Steve Kimball — percussion
Tim Gustafson — lead guitar
Rebekah Fergus — harmony vocals
Recording Engineer — Dave Michel
Recorded at Orchard House, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Six Feet Deep

https://landstewardshipproject.org/wp-content/uploads/Six-Feet-Deep-v10.mp3

Lyrics

Six Feet Deep   

1. Native prairie, the soil thrived
Way way back before the plows arrived

It was six feet deep.
Can you imagine it was six feet deep? [Serious black!]
Once upon a time, the soil was six feet deep.

2. It was species rich, like a hundred-fold
Their roots all tangled in the midnight gold

It was six feet deep.
Can you imagine it was six feet deep? [Serious black!]
All that life standing on six feet deep

3. Then came my people. Tell me how
The big fat loam’s gotten skinny now.

It was six feet deep.
Can you imagine it was six feet deep? [Serious black!]
How on earth could we squander that six feet deep

4. City folks, you got to pay your mind
If the soil dies, you’re going right behind

Talking six feet deep.
Can you imagine it — six feet deep? [Serious black]
Everybody’s got a stake in that six feet deep

5. It’s no joke, it’s no jive
People need a vision to stay alive

How ’bout six feet deep?
Could we regenerate six feet deep? [Serious black]
We’ve got a vision — We call it six feet deep.

Words and music by Bret Hesla. Written on commission for the Land Stewardship Project
© 2020 Bret Hesla.  All rights reserved. Use only with permission of Bret Hesla, please. Contact: Bret.hesla@gmail.com. Website: www.brethesla.com.

Recording Credits

Bret Hesla & Six Feet Deep
Bret Hesla — lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Dan Chouinard — piano
Dave Michel — bass, vocals
Steve Kimball — drums
Tim Gustafson — lead guitar, group vocals
Rebekah Fergus — harmony vocals
Jeff Bauer — tuba
Robin Nelson — group vocals
Betty Tisel — group vocals
Jane Dunlap — group vocals
Brooks Cavin — group vocals
Larry Dittberner — group vocals
Recording Engineer — Dave Michel
Recorded at Orchard House, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Got Cover Crops

https://landstewardshipproject.org/wp-content/uploads/Got-Cover-Crops.mp3

Click Here to Play the “Got Cover Crops” Video

Lyrics

Got Cover Crops

1. Here comes wind | here comes rain.
Devil gonna take my soil away.
Oh black water, hills erode.
Uh-uh, I can’t let that go! That’s why...

I’ve got cover crops. I’ve got them all about.
I don’t leave myself defenseless with my bare soil hanging out.
I’ve got cover crops. I’ve got them all about.
Hold that water, build that soil
Makin’ the numbers pencil out.

2. Green protector, species cover
Add a bit of chicory for my mother.
Smorgasbord for cows to graze
Pollinator paradise. Telling you…

I’ve got cover crops. I’ve got them all about.
I don’t leave myself defenseless with my bare soil hanging out.
I’ve got cover crops. I’ve got them all about.
Hold that water, build that soil
Makin’ the numbers pencil out.

3. I plant some things to keep it wet.
I plant some things to keep it fertile.
I plant some things that I can sell.
I love to double dip! Telling you …

I’ve got cover crops. I’ve got them all about.
I don’t leave myself defenseless with my bare soil hanging out.
I’ve got cover crops. I’ve got them all about.
Hold that water, build that soil
Makin’ the numbers pencil out.

4. Italian ryegrass and mammoth clover
Brassica, peas and beans and big sunflowers
Radish, fescue and hairy vetch
Yeah, why not the kitchen sink?

5. They work great for me and I’ll tell you true.
I think they could work great for you.
If you don’t make the number one mistake:
You never tried ’em in the first place. That’s why…

I’ve got cover crops. I’ve got them all about.
I don’t leave myself defenseless with my bare soil hanging out.
I’ve got cover crops. I’ve got them all about.
Hold that water, build that soil
Makin’ the numbers pencil out.

6. Fireflies sparkle, grandkids frolic.
Anybody heard of the word bucolic?
Who doesn’t love November green?
Hey, look over there — it’s, another fox! Yes…

I’ve got cover crops. I’ve got them all about.
I don’t leave myself defenseless with my bare soil hanging out.
I’ve got cover crops. I’ve got them all about.
Hold that water, build that soil
Makin’ the numbers pencil out.

Words and music by Bret Hesla. Written on commission for the Land Stewardship Project
© 2020 Bret Hesla. All rights reserved. Use only with permission of Bret Hesla, please. Contact: Bret.hesla@gmail.com. Website: www.brethesla.com.

Recording Credits

Bret Hesla & Six Feet Deep
Bret Hesla — lead vocals, rhythm guitar, harmonica
Dan Chouinard — piano
Dave Michel — bass, vocals
Joe Silberschmidt — drums
Tim Gustafson — lead guitar
Rebekah Fergus — vocals
Martha Schwen Bardwell — vocals
Linda Breitag — vocals
Ray Makeever — vocals
Larry Dittberner — vocals
Bob Stuber — vocals
Production Services — Matthew Zimmerman/Control Z

Back to Soil

https://landstewardshipproject.org/wp-content/uploads/Back-to-Soil.mp3

Click Here to Play the Back to Soil Video

Lyrics

Back to Soil

1. If you study history, then you’ll know | The empire falls when the topsoil goes.
Well the signs today are pretty clear to read | Soil’s looking bad and we’ve lost six feet.
But here’s the news, we could build it back | And I heard about farmers with a plan for that.
So I paid one a visit, we sat to chat ‘n that  | one cup of coffee set me on a whole new track.

2. I went to no-till, let the soil be still. | I quit fighting what’s on my side.
Then it was cover crop, covered every bare spot | with the armor of a thick green hide.
And when the fields turned into gaudy buffet | I put new ways to graze in place.
Now I’m working with nature. “Halleluya!”
The dirt’s coming back, back to soil.

3. I keep living roots, year round living in the soil | Pulling carbon out of the sky.
They pull it down underground, then it’s shot right out | To feed the little microbes, mycorrhizal fungi.
I make ’em happy, and they send back | all the nutrients that I was paying money for.
I’m building back black. “Halleluya!”
The dirt’s coming back, back to soil.

4. It takes a lotta swag, to buck big ag | Still farm and keep the family fed.
You gotta first find a mentor that you respect | You study mother nature, and scratch your head.
I made a lotta mistakes as I was changing things | But one day I noticed all the rain soaked in.
Best of all, my money stopped eroding | all the way to the Gulf of Monsanto.

5. And it’s joy, joy, there’s a certain kind of joy | I feel when I’m down on my knees.
Joy, joy, when I grab a chunk of soil | And it crumbles like cottage cheese.
I know I’m on the right track, standing near | ‘Cause it smells like a good cup of coffee.
Here’s a little cup for you. “Halleluya!”
One sip and I think you’ll see
Why the soil’s got me singing, “Halleluya!”
One sip and I think you’ll see
Why the soil’s got me singing, “Halleluya!”
The dirt’s coming back, back to soil.
The dead dirt’s coming back. | Here’s a little cup for you.
I hope you like it black.

Words and music by Bret Hesla. Written on commission for the Land Stewardship Project
© 2020 Bret Hesla.  All rights reserved. Use only with permission of Bret Hesla, please. Contact: Bret.hesla@gmail.com. Website: www.brethesla.com.

Recording Credits

Recording: Bret Hesla & Six Feet Deep
Bret Hesla — lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Dan Chouinard — piano
Dave Michel — bass, vocals
Joe Silberschmidt — drums
Tim Gustafson — lead guitar
Rebekah Fergus — vocals
Martha Schwen Bardwell – vocals
Linda Breitag — vocals
Ray Makeever — vocals
Larry Dittberner — vocals
Bob Stuber — vocals
Production Services — Matthew Zimmerman/Control Z

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March 2023

Friday March 24

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Family Farm Breakfast Lobby Training
Friday March 24
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Family Farm Breakfast Lobby Training

Join LSP to prepare for the 2023 Family Farm Breakfast Lobby Day on April 13! The training will be an opportunity to prepare how we will influence our elected officials to win real change on key LSP issues like soil health and climate solutions, healthcare reform, taking on corporate consolidation in agriculture, and more. This training will include: background on your legislators; templates for a legislative meeting; workshopping how to share our stories in a powerful, concise way; logistics; and more!

For more information and to register, click here.

Saturday March 25

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Rural Healthcare Roundtable & Public Forum in Marshall, MN
Saturday March 25
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Rural Healthcare Roundtable & Public Forum in Marshall, MN

Minnesota State Senator Erin Murphy will lead a public discussion on what’s needed for quality and affordable rural healthcare.

Monday March 27

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
MinnesotaCare Public Option: Virtual Information Session
Monday March 27
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
MinnesotaCare Public Option: Virtual Information Session

Every Minnesotan deserves quality, affordable healthcare. But right now, too many Minnesotans have no choice but to purchase health insurance that is too expensive to use, are excluded from health coverage because of their immigration status, or are unable to leave their job or start a business because of the high cost of health insurance.

The MinnesotaCare Public Option (HF96/SF49) proposed this legislative session would allow more Minnesotans the option of buying into MinnesotaCare, paying a premium based on their income.

Join Minnesotans across the state for a virtual information session to learn more about the MinnesotaCare Public Option being considered at the state Capitol, and what YOU can do to help pass it this year.

The virtual webinar will be held on Zoom. Registration is required here.

The co-hosts of this meeting are: TakeAction Minnesota, Rural Organizing Project, the Land Stewardship Project, and more. For more information, click here.

Wednesday March 29

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Community Foods Webs Learning Circle: Changing How We Think About Food System Economics
Wednesday March 29
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Community Foods Webs Learning Circle: Changing How We Think About Food System Economics


Building strong community food networks where we live can move us powerfully toward our vision for functioning local and regional systems that support regenerative farming and provide all people with the nourishing foods they want and need. To explore how communities around the country are making this happen, in March LSP is hosting three learning circles focused on the book Building Community Food Webs, by Ken Meter.

Join us for just one session, or all three! Each session we’ll gather on Zoom for two hours — beginning at 7 p.m. — to discuss major themes from the book and generate ideas for our own communities.

Reserve your spot by signing up on our website:https://landstewardshipproject.org/learning-circles. Questions about getting signed up? Reach out to LSP’s Elizabeth Makarewicz at EMakarewicz@landstewardshipproject.org.

April 2023

Tuesday April 4

9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Wholesale Readiness Training for Farmers
Tuesday April 4
9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Wholesale Readiness Training for Farmers

MISA, UMN Extension and Renewing the Countryside are offering training and one-to-one technical assistance for farmers who want to grow their operation into wholesale markets. Wholesale isn’t just for large-scale distributors. You can use this training and support team to prepare to sell to schools, restaurants, grocery stores and hospitals in your community. Participating farmers will be eligible for $500 mini-grants to cover expenses related to launching a wholesale enterprise. 

For details, click here.

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