Greetings from the Upper Midwest
By Taylor Herren, Farm Program Specialist
Excerpt from ‘The Dirt’: SCI’s Monthly Farmer Newsletter
Summer has been busy for SCI as surely it has been for you on the farm. I just wrapped a jam-packed farm tour of the Upper Midwest that included attending our annual Soil & Climate Alliance (SCA) meeting in Minneapolis.
Tom Cotter hosted over 250 people for a field day to kick off the event, which was followed with two full days of speakers including FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux, representatives from major food brands, and farmers including Seth Watkins, John Strohfus, Adam Chappell, and Derrick & Paige Jackson. Check out the detailed agenda here!
(Left) Tom Cotter teaching about cover crops on his farm in Austin, MN.
(Right) Derrick & Paige Jackson sharing about their pasture-based poultry farm, Grass Grazed.
As a reminder, the Soil & Climate Alliance is the broader network that birthed SCI and is comprised of key players – including farmers, food companies, funders, NGO’s, and researchers - working together to scale regenerative agriculture.
Over a dozen SCI farmers are SCA members themselves! It’s a great way to network beyond the farming community and stay up to date on all things regenerative agriculture. Click here to more about SCA member benefits (free enrollment for farmers and ranchers). If you’d like to join, let us know!
Other than that, we're excited to be bringing on a new cohort of SCI farmers. If you’re one of them, welcome to this community of smart, generous, and innovative farmers. There’s a ton of knowledge and experience amongst this group and it’s our privilege to connect and support you all.
Reminder to all SCI farmers: Our monthly Farm Office Hours will take place every last Thursday of the month at 4pm ET.
Farmer Resources
PODCASTS
Growing Your Way Out of Climate Change
Why farmers hold the key to your sustainability strategy
On last week's thinkPARALLAX's Inspiring Perspectives podcast, SCI's Managing Director, Adam Kotin, shared why he "would really like for everyone to meet a farmer.", why consumers are increasingly interested in understanding where their food comes from, and much more.
SCI Verified Farmer + CPG Brand Feature
SCI Verified farmer, Ladd Wahlen, and his SCI Verified brand, Roots Chips, featured on ReGen Brand's latest podcast episode. Ladd chats about how his farming operation is different from his conventional potato peers and what it has been like to go from farmer to potato chip manufacturer and CPG brand operator.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Grazing for Soil Health Workshop
June 28, 2024 | Templeton, CA
Hosted by holistic rancher, Grant Johnson. You will be able to connect with fellow ranchers to better understand your soil and improve livestock management.
Innovative Strategies for Diversifying a Row Crop Operation
July 10, 2024 | Corning, IA
Hosted by Chris and Shannon Gaesser. Join their field day to explore innovative strategies for diversifying rotations and establishing partnerships to build a resilient farm and business.
Farm to Brew
July 19, 2024 | Valley Springs, SD
Hosted by Soil Regen and the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition. This unique gathering brings together ag enthusiasts, soil health advocates, and beer lovers. Don't miss this chance to learn, network, and raise a glass to the future of sustainable agriculture!
FUNDING
Minnesota Continuous Cover Crop Grant
Apply by July 15, 2024
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for a grant to develop enterprises, supply chains, and markets for continuous living cover crops and cropping systems in the early stage of commercial development.