Background
In 2024, the Minnesota Office for Soil Health rolled out the Soil Health Action Framework (pdf). The document was based on conversations among people representing a variety of organizations with a stake in Minnesota’s soil health – people from farming, agriculture and food industries, advocacy groups, all levels of government, research, and education. Now, we want to reconvene this diverse group of interests for further development of the key strategies identified in the Framework.
Audience and format
We welcome soil health thought leaders in Minnesota working in production agriculture, agriculture and food industries, advocacy groups, all levels of government, research, and education.
The online (Zoom) meetings are facilitated by the University of Minnesota Office for Soil Health and include a presenter(s) followed by group discussion.
Discussion goals
The goals of the meetings are to:
- develop strategies to support soil health in Minnesota,
- identify the role of various sectors in those strategies, and
- promote dialogue across sectors.
Discussion topics
April 10, 2025: Farmer networking – What is the current state of farmer learning networks in Minnesota? What is working well? What could be strengthened? Discussion #1 summary (pdf)
June 18, 2025: Middle adopters – How should we adjust our messaging and services to better meet the needs of the “middle adopters”? Discussion #2 summary (pdf).
Slide set of farmer survey results.
August 12, 2025: Private sector skills – What are the gaps in soil health knowledge among retailers and private-sector ag advisors? What would support them in building skills and capacity? Discussion #3 summary (pdf)
Nov 19, 2025 1:00-2:15 CT: Market development – What was learned from setting up the Green Acres oat milling facility? What should be the next focus to expand markets? (If you haven't already joined a previous discussion, register here to receive the zoom link and calendar invitation.)
Farmer Network work group
After the first discussion in April, a sub-group wanted to continue exploring how to strengthen farmer networking and peer learning opportunities. The work group scheduled meetings for June 27th, Sept 16th 9:00-10:30, and Dec 12th 9:00-10:30. If you are interested in joining these discussions, request the zoom link by emailing [email protected].
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