On March 29, RFD-TV premiered a new episode of “America’s Heartland” which showcased farmers and ranchers across the country who are leaders in sustainability. Sustainable Agriculture Resources and Education (SARE) partnered with PBS KVIE to produce this episode which features farmers describing their commitment to sustainability, how they plan to meet farming challenges of today and tomorrow, and how SARE has impacted their farming practices.

NACD Soil Health Champion Bryce Wrigley (AK) of Delta Junction, AK discussed the importance of soil health and how cover crops have improved his overall operation. He addressed the need for building food security in Alaska as well as how his farm is working to address this issue at the local level. Lastly, Wrigley has sought to share his newfound knowledge with other farmers.

If you missed the broadcast, SARE Outreach will share a link to the episode online in the near future.

Many of you know Champion Russell Hedrick (NC) as one of the co-owners of Soil Regen, and so it should be no surprise that he practices what he preaches and it's paying off! In an article from Farm Journal's AgWeb, Hedrick shares the specifics on how he achieved his record-breaking yield.

Champion Ed McNamara (MN) was one of four producers in a study outlined in “Agronomy Journal” entitled “Interseeding Wide-Row Corn with Forage Cover Crops: Investigating System Potential for Expanded Economic Opportunities in Corn Production Systems.”

McNamara explains, that as a group, these producers, who are also conservation district board members, decided what cover crop mixtures and corn maturities they would use. They also decided the planting population rate for the corn. The main reason for the study was to find a way to get a cover crop established that would amount to something after the corn was harvested for grain in October and November, so it would be available to graze all winter or harvest as feed stuffs.

The journal article was published January 19, 2023 and can be downloaded in its entirety below. Please feel free to reach out to McNamara if you have further questions about the study. His email is edmcnamara@sleepyeytel.net.

Farmer and Soil Health Champion Keith Ohlinger (MD) of Porch View Farm in Howard County, Maryland was interviewed for an article on state legislation which would loosen composting facility regulations for farmers. This bill requires the Department of the Environment to adopt regulations to exempt an on-farm composting facility from the requirement to obtain a permit if the on-farm composting facility uses 10,000 square feet of area or less for active food scrap composting. Ohlinger is a farmer whose waste management and soil health system would be positively affected by such a bill and feels that the state, overall, would benefit as it would open up more opportunities for this avenue of recycling nutrients.

“When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.” ~ Aldo Leopold

To Which We Belong is a documentary highlighting nine farms and ranches whose owners/operators are leaving behind conventional practices which are no longer profitable or sustainable. Despite their difference in culture and location, these farmers and ranchers are rooted in the same belief: that working with nature instead of against it, is the answer.

Soil Health Champions Keith and Brian Berns (NE) are interviewed for this film, and their operation “Green Cover” is showcased, introducing to mainstream audiences to the value and the wide-spread use of cover crops as a sustainable practice.

If you go to their website to view the Press Kit, you can download their Press Notes which contains background information on the film as well as information you can use to explain Sustainable/Regenerative Agriculture. The notes were specifically written for the press and mainstream audience which are typically unfamiliar with the nuances of regenerative agriculture.

The film is available for rent or purchase through their website, but you can view it on Prime Video for free with ads.

On March 9 - 11, NACD hosted a booth area at the Commodity Classic in Orlando, FL where Soil Health Champions Carl Coleman (SC), Jeff Rice (KY), and Burlin Findley (FL) joined NACD staff and Secretary-Treasurer Mark Masters (GA), sharing the message of soil health and the local conservation delivery system with attendees.

With a new NACD display and plenty of NACD representation at the booth, the Soil Health Champions brought their personal experience to the conversation as they connected with other producers and ag industry leaders from across the country.

This event drew an attendance of more than 10,400 registrants, breaking its previous attendance records and making this one of the largest farmer-led, farmer-focused agricultural events in the nation.

The 2024 Commodity Classic will be held in Houston, TX on February 29 - March 2, and already, NACD is looking forward to another amazing and inspirational networking opportunity.

The Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation District (AISWCD) had an awesome opportunity to share the "Soil Your Undies" demonstration at the Illinois State Capitol from early January until March 8 when the power of the healthy soils was revealed. On March 8 the AISWCD members joined with the Illinois Stewardship Alliance at the capitol for the 2023 Soil Health Lobby Day.

First developed by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) with farmers in Oregon, many of our Soil Health Champions and partners have taken the "Soil Your Undies" demonstration into their communities to showcase the power of healthy soils.

How it works:

With the excitement built up of months, the final reveal at the Illinois Capitol Building created significant buzz among the legislators, staff, and other visitors. Illinois Representative Charlie Meier was recruited to dig up the underwear (or what was left) for a great photo op, showcasing what healthy soil in Illinois can do.

Listen in as podcast hosts Justin and Jared talk with Soil Health Champions Ian and Richard Cunningham (MN) on their farm near Pipestone, MN. In this episode, they discuss their experience with trying different practices and finding the right fit for their operation. A few takeaways include: if you’re going to try something, it doesn’t need to be all of your acres. Pick a spot and give it a shot. At least you’re trying something. If you can demonstrate success, others within the community or operation may jump on board with your ideas.

Please continue to email Beth Mason, NACD North Central Region Representative, any activities, events, news articles, and interviews so we can help share your message.

Andrew Swapp - New Mexico

The South Dakota Soil Health Coalition developed a soil health social networking app called “Growing Connections” which aims to connect farmers, gardeners, agronomists, and soil health experts. Users can post questions and observations publicly on the app or they can post questions to individual mentors or to all registered mentors. Mentors are easily found by searching for their area of expertise or geographic location. Additionally, users can participate in group discussions and receive some suggestions for solutions as well as post articles or learn about events related to soil health.

The Growing Connections app is available for free in the Apple App Store and Google Play store, and the web version can be found at http://www.growingconnectionsapp.com. More information, including app usage instructions, can be found at http://www.sdsoilhealthcoalition.org/growing-connections-app. 

Soil Health Champion Kirsten Holland Robertson (SC) is not only a producer in South Carolina, she is also the district manager of the Greenville County Soil and Water Conservation District.

To view the current charts on Gardening and Grazing, you can visit the district's website here and scroll to the bottom of the page to view and download the pdf documents. This will give you an idea of what information she would like to provide in additional charts for soil health. She also welcomes the use of their charts as you conduct your own outreach for soil health in these areas.

If you would like more information on Robertson's project or have information you'd like to share, please email her at krstnrbrtsn@gmail.com.

Thanks to a partnership with the Sonoma County RCD and Alayne Blickle, lifelong equestrian, the owner of Sweet Pepper Ranch in Nampa, ID, and the creator of Horses for Clean Water for making this presentation and its recording available.

Thanks to Soil Health Champion Terry Church (CA) for sharing!

Champion Mitchell Hora (IA) and his company Continuum Ag are hosting the “TopSoil Summit: The Peak of Soil Health” on June 5, 2023, at the Riverside Casino & Golf Resort in Riverside, IA. This soil health event will bring first-hand knowledge from soil health professionals and experienced regenerative farmers.

There is a block of rooms reserved at the Riverside Casino & Golf Resort under “Continuum Ag” for your convenience.

Are you a member of our Facebook Group? If you are an NACD Soil Health Champion or the conservation district/ Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) employee who sponsors a Champion, be sure you connect with us on Facebook.

Share your conservation articles, your pictures, your updates and your events with us by connecting through Facebook! This is just another way to network with other Champions.

So, be sure to search for "NACD Soil Health Champions" and request to join today!