Embracing Change as Spring Nears
By Taylor Herren, Farm Program Specialist
Excerpt from ‘The Dirt’: SCI’s Monthly Farmer Newsletter
I’m sure this newsletter finds you in some phase of farm preparation and planning with spring around the corner. Budgeting, scheduling, fixing– so many decisions, so much to do as the season changes.
I was communicating with Jerry Volenec the other day about his farm plan this year and all the things they’re doing at Hardscrabble on the soil health front.
Since he is SCI’s farmer poet laureate, it’s no surprise his update to me read like the stories I hear all the time from farmers on this journey. Many small (but also big) leaps, things going well but also sometimes not, faith and bouts of fear.
Thanks to Jerry for sharing his wonderful writings and to each of you for what you’re undertaking to better care for your land.
Well...
It has been a flurry of spending on my part to reinvest gain into Hardscrabble in lieu of giving it to the government to cycle it back into the economy.
Leaned heavy into items I feel will have a positive impact on Regenerative. A lot went into planter updates to assist the transition to no till. Also splitting fertilizer application and improving from analog to digital.
Pulled the trigger on virtual fence collars for the beef cow herd.
I'd like to schedule a farm plan meeting. Crop rotation up to 4 from 2, but staying conventional with genetics and chemical this year. Not happy with my cover crop strategies so far, but the planter fertilizer update will help on planting green.
Anyhow, kinda exciting... definitely daunting, but I think things are coming together.
—Jerry Volenec, Montford, WI
UPCOMING EVENTS
Webinar: Spring Fertility Planning for Corn & Soy
February 28, 2025 | Virtual
Join this two hour webinar with Soil Regen to discuss spring fertility planning for corn and soy with Russell Hedrick. Russell will dive into soil fertility, product application and placement, and planning for foliar applications through the season.
Topics include:
Soil Fertility Management – Building a strong foundation
Product Application & Placement – Maximizing efficiency
Foliar Application Planning – Timing for peak performance
Midwest Covers & Grains Conference
March 5, 2025 | Baraboo, WI
Practical Farmers of Iowa is hosting the Midwest Covers & Grains Conference bringing together Midwestern farmers to promote successful farming using extended rotations and cover crops with or without livestock.
This event includes farmer-led sessions for experienced practitioners and for those looking to add small grains and cover crops for the first time.
Beyond the Yield 2025
August 13, 2025 | Kearny, KS
Brought to you by Regen Ag Lab and Soil Regen, Beyond the Yield brings you the entire regenerative journey; from soil testing to practice implementation to marketing, and how to actually make it happen.
Learn more in the link below.
PROGRAM UPDATES
Attention ALL SCI Farmers!
Starting this year, a set of basic field tests will be required as part of your soil health monitoring under the SCI program. This includes a worm count, water infiltration, slake, and penetrometer tests at each of your designated Soil Health Monitoring Points.
Please reach out if you have questions or need help getting a plan in place and the supplies needed to complete the tests.
Resources
Some equipment required; (can be assembled DIY or purchased here)