Trey Hill

Not every soil health building practice is going to work the same way on every farm. That’s one of the reasons we call it a journey. Sometimes, it can lead to unexpected places like in this episode's example, figuring out how to plant green. We are joined by Trey Hill of Harbourview Farms in Maryland. He has an interesting story of how practices such as cover crops, no till and planting green have made farming more fun for him and improved his soil without sacrificing yields.  “One day he was planting green and the turn rows had been killed off, and he is like, Trey, come out here.You gotta see this. You gotta quit killing these cover crops. This is just planting beautifully. And this was two people that shouldn't have liked it. We were both kind of looking at each other going, what's going on here like this? This doesn't make sense. Neither one of us should believe this or agree with it but we both saw it and we're like, wow.” - Trey Hill  For years, Trey has been a vocal advocate for engaging with consumers and environmental groups to find solutions that are both great for the planet and for farmer viability and profitability. Trey grows corn, soybeans, wheat, barley and peas on just over 10,000 acres. Trey shares that this transition hasn’t always been easy. Adjusting from a “procedural standpoint” to not being able to scout his fields and do stand assessments has been difficult. He goes on to share the benefits that make that adjustment well worth it.   “In a drought, we definitely do better and I think that I like it in the spring. I think it keeps the soil a little more even temperature. We don't get as much replant unless it's from slugs, but we get a lot better emergence if the cover crops are there. We're seeing a lot more earthworms. We're building organic matter. We're doing a certification now for regenerative practices…We’re seeing some pretty significant increases which makes me feel good.” - Trey Hill  This Week on Soil Sense:  Meet Trey Hill of Harbourview Farms in Maryland where they produce corn, soybeans, wheat, barley and peas   Discover Trey’s unexpected journey from cover crops to planting green  Explore their transition to no till and cover crops and the effects Trey is observing  Learn more about the Farmers for Soil Health Program    Thank you to the Soy Checkoff for sponsoring this Farmers for Soil Health series of the Soil Sense podcast. This show is produced by Dr. Abbey Wick, Dr. Olivia Caillouet, and Tim Hammerich, with support from the United Soybean Board, the University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture and the Soil Health Institute.  If you are interested in what soil health looks like in practice and on the farm, please subscribe and follow this show on your favorite podcast app, and leave us a rating and review while you’re there. Check out the Farmers for Soil Health website at FarmersForSoilHealth.com. 

Not every soil health building practice is going to work the same way on every farm. That’s one of the reasons we call it a journey. Sometimes, it can lead to unexpected places like in this episode's example, figuring out how to plant green. We are joined by Trey Hill of <a href="https://www.harborviewfarms.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Harbourview Farms</a> in Maryland. He has an interesting story of how practices such as cover crops, no till and planting green have made farming more fun for him and improved his soil without sacrificing yields. “One day he was planting green and the turn rows had been killed off, and he is like, Trey, come out here.You gotta see this. You gotta quit killing these cover crops. This is just planting beautifully. And this was two people that shouldn't have liked it. We were both kind of looking at each other going, what's going on here like this? This doesn't make sense. Neither one of us should believe this or agree with it but we both saw it and we're like, wow.” - Trey Hill For years, Trey has been a vocal advocate for engaging with consumers and environmental groups to find solutions that are both great for the planet and for farmer viability and profitability. Trey grows corn, soybeans, wheat, barley and peas on just over 10,000 acres. Trey shares that this transition hasn’t always been easy. Adjusting from a “procedural standpoint” to not being able to scout his fields and do stand assessments has been difficult. He goes on to share the benefits that make that adjustment well worth it.  “In a drought, we definitely do better and I think that I like it in the spring. I think it keeps the soil a little more even temperature. We don't get as much replant unless it's from slugs, but we get a lot better emergence if the cover crops are there. We're seeing a lot more earthworms. We're building organic matter. We're doing a certification now for regenerative practices…We’re seeing some pretty significant increases which makes me feel good.” - Trey Hill This Week on Soil Sense: <ul> <li>Meet Trey Hill of <a href="https://www.harborviewfarms.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Harbourview Farms</a> in Maryland where they produce corn, soybeans, wheat, barley and peas  </li> <li>Discover Trey’s unexpected journey from cover crops to planting green </li> <li>Explore their transition to no till and cover crops and the effects Trey is observing </li> <li>Learn more about the <a href="https://farmersforsoilhealth.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Farmers for Soil Health Program</a> </li> </ul> Thank you to the Soy Checkoff for sponsoring this Farmers for Soil Health series of the Soil Sense podcast. This show is produced by Dr. Abbey Wick, Dr. Olivia Caillouet, and Tim Hammerich, with support from the United Soybean Board, the University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture and the Soil Health Institute. If you are interested in what soil health looks like in practice and on the farm, please subscribe and follow this show on your favorite podcast app, and leave us a rating and review while you’re there. Check out the Farmers for Soil Health website at <a href="http://FarmersForSoilHealth.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FarmersForSoilHealth.com</a>.

Planting Green with Trey Hill

Jack Cornell

United Soybean Board director of sustainable supply Jack Cornell joins us to kick off this brand new season of Sense Sense. Changing any practice on the farm, no matter how well intentioned and well researched, comes with risk. A new collaborative effort called Farmers for Soil Health is rolling out in 20 US states to try to help take some of that risk off the table. Farmers for Soil Health is a collaboration in partnership with the Soy Checkoff, Pork Checkoff and National Corn Growers Association to create a farmer-led cover crop program that advances the use of soil health practices, meets sustainability goals and improves farmer profitability.  “It's important that technical assistance is right along with the financial assistance to mitigate any risk to a farmer.” - Jack Cornell  Jack explains his role with the Farmers for Soil Health program as helping to create sustainability and profitability for farmers through project development, program management, and creating partnerships.  “I love problem-solving with a farmer. It's always a fun mental exercise. And when I walk on a farm, I never say you need to be doing cover crops and no-till. I go, what is the thing that drives you insane that you just can't handle? And then I think through a sustainability approach to help them solve that issue...Our program is farmer led and farmer driven.” Jack Cornell  This Week on Soil Sense:  Meet Jack Cornell, director of sustainable supply at United Soybean Board and leader of the Farmers for Soil Health Program  Explore the purpose and initiatives of the Farmers for Soil Health program    Thank you to the Soy Checkoff for sponsoring this Farmers for Soil Health series of the Soil Sense podcast. This show is produced by Dr. Abbey Wick, Dr. Olivia Caillouet, and Tim Hammerich, with support from the United Soybean Board, the University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture and the Soil Health Institute.  If you are interested in what soil health looks like in practice and on the farm, please subscribe and follow this show on your favorite podcast app, and leave us a rating and review while you’re there. Check out the Farmers for Soil Health website at FarmersForSoilHealth.com. 

<a href="https://www.unitedsoybean.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Soybean Board</a> director of sustainable supply Jack Cornell joins us to kick off this brand new season of Sense Sense. Changing any practice on the farm, no matter how well intentioned and well researched, comes with risk. A new collaborative effort called <a href="https://farmersforsoilhealth.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Farmers for Soil Health</a> is rolling out in 20 US states to try to help take some of that risk off the table. Farmers for Soil Health is a collaboration in partnership with the Soy Checkoff, Pork Checkoff and National Corn Growers Association to create a farmer-led cover crop program that advances the use of soil health practices, meets sustainability goals and improves farmer profitability. “It's important that technical assistance is right along with the financial assistance to mitigate any risk to a farmer.” - Jack Cornell Jack explains his role with the Farmers for Soil Health program as helping to create sustainability and profitability for farmers through project development, program management, and creating partnerships. “I love problem-solving with a farmer. It's always a fun mental exercise. And when I walk on a farm, I never say you need to be doing cover crops and no-till. I go, what is the thing that drives you insane that you just can't handle? And then I think through a sustainability approach to help them solve that issue...Our program is farmer led and farmer driven.” Jack Cornell This Week on Soil Sense: <ul> <li>Meet Jack Cornell, director of sustainable supply at <a href="https://www.unitedsoybean.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Soybean Board </a>and leader of the <a href="https://farmersforsoilhealth.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Farmers for Soil Health</a> Program </li> <li>Explore the purpose and initiatives of the Farmers for Soil Health program </li> </ul> Thank you to the Soy Checkoff for sponsoring this Farmers for Soil Health series of the Soil Sense podcast. This show is produced by Dr. Abbey Wick, Dr. Olivia Caillouet, and Tim Hammerich, with support from the United Soybean Board, the University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture and the Soil Health Institute. If you are interested in what soil health looks like in practice and on the farm, please subscribe and follow this show on your favorite podcast app, and leave us a rating and review while you’re there. Check out the Farmers for Soil Health website at <a href="http://FarmersForSoilHealth.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FarmersForSoilHealth.com</a>.

Farmers for Soil Health with Jack Cornell

This episode is our chance to close out season six, set the stage for season seven, and talk about some big changes that are taking place. Those big changes include Dr. Abbey Wick’s new job, but also a big shift in the scope and direction of this podcast. Of course we will remain focused on what soil health looks like in practice and the curiosity, collaboration and communication needed for systems change on the farm. But in doing that we will also be expanding across the country.   “The thing that I thought about in taking this job was our network maps with Soil Sense and thinking about how our target was North Dakota and we had all these dots in North Dakota, but then all of a sudden it was being listened to all over the world and so that kind of scaling almost made it more comfortable for me…that it is totally possible to translate soil health and the concepts and the structure and the framework for delivery of information and network building to a global scale. I know we can do it.” - Dr. Abbey Wick  Soil Sense is also expanding its borders beyond North Dakota. Through the Farmers for Soil Health Initiative we will be incorporating many other states in the discussion. You should expect “a lot of the same types of stories that you’ve been hearing but with a more expanded scope.” Soil Sense will continue to focus on the “people leading the way when it comes to soil health, but also addressing the realities of the challenges that they’re facing locally.”   “Sometimes those behind the scenes roles that people are playing are really important. Like the farmers will say they can't get to where they're going without a crop advisor, without an organization that's giving them information or helping them, or testing what they're doing or giving them feedback or even just having a conversation about it.” Dr. Abbey Wick  This Week on Soil Sense:  Close out season six of Soil Sense and explore the exciting news and new directions for season seven  Discover Abbey Wick’s new role with Syngenta and her new platform for taking soil health practices globally  

This episode is our chance to close out season six, set the stage for season seven, and talk about some big changes that are taking place. Those big changes include Dr. Abbey Wick’s new job, but also a big shift in the scope and direction of this podcast. Of course we will remain focused on what soil health looks like in practice and the curiosity, collaboration and communication needed for systems change on the farm. But in doing that we will also be expanding across the country.  “The thing that I thought about in taking this job was our network maps with Soil Sense and thinking about how our target was North Dakota and we had all these dots in North Dakota, but then all of a sudden it was being listened to all over the world and so that kind of scaling almost made it more comfortable for me…that it is totally possible to translate soil health and the concepts and the structure and the framework for delivery of information and network building to a global scale. I know we can do it.” - Dr. Abbey Wick Soil Sense is also expanding its borders beyond North Dakota. Through the <a href="https://farmersforsoilhealth.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Farmers for Soil Health Initiative</a> we will be incorporating many other states in the discussion. You should expect “a lot of the same types of stories that you’ve been hearing but with a more expanded scope.” Soil Sense will continue to focus on the “people leading the way when it comes to soil health, but also addressing the realities of the challenges that they’re facing locally.”  “Sometimes those behind the scenes roles that people are playing are really important. Like the farmers will say they can't get to where they're going without a crop advisor, without an organization that's giving them information or helping them, or testing what they're doing or giving them feedback or even just having a conversation about it.” Dr. Abbey Wick This Week on Soil Sense: <ul> <li>Close out season six of Soil Sense and explore the exciting news and new directions for season seven </li> <li>Discover Abbey Wick’s new role with Syngenta and her new platform for taking soil health practices globally </li> </ul>

Season Six Reflections and What’s Next for Soil Sense

Jason Hanson

Kyle Okke

In this episode we take you back one more time to Agronomy on Ice in Devils Lake, North Dakota. We hear from the man who started it all, Jason Hanson, along with his partner in crime on the Agronomist Happy Hour podcast, Kyle Okke. Jason has been a regular contributor to Soil Sense and we featured both him and Kyle on our Agronomy on Ice episode last April. We talk to the guys about their knack for making things fun when it comes to learning about agronomy and soil health, their approaches to soil health as independent agronomists, Jason’s experience with the Trusted Advisor Partnership, what they’ve learned from their podcast, and more.  “It feels to me to some degree, like how Agronomy on Ice started. It's just like, here's an idea. We implement something that gets more people involved, ideas come in and then all of a sudden, boom, it takes off. And then you’ve got people like, “Hey, I wanna be a part of this. I’d like to join. I see what you're doing.” Or they kind of hang back and then it registers.” - Jason Hanson Both Jason and Kyle have left corporate ag retail jobs to start their own independent agronomic consulting businesses: Jason several years ago with Rock and Roll Agronomy in Webster, ND; and Kyle Okke just this past year with Agile Agronomy in Dickinson, ND. The two also joined forces with Bridget Readel to form Ag Mafia which put on Agronomy on Ice and is offering training, coaching, and other media services.   “I absolutely really enjoy what I did before and I'm very thankful for the opportunity I was given and the development I got and just everything, crop protection and adjuvants and all that. But for me it was time. And doing this on my own has been the best move I felt like I could make because it's a lot of fun to be able to be impactful to the local group of farmers and retailers that I work with.” - Kyle Okke  This Week on Soil Sense:  Join Jason Hanson of Rock and Roll Agronomy and Kyle Okke of Agile Agronomy, both hosts of the Agronomist Happy Hour podcast  Discover their career journeys and what projects they are working on right now  Explore the future of biological inputs to better manage water, soil and pests  

In this episode we take you back one more time to <a href="https://agronomyonice.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Agronomy on Ice</a> in Devils Lake, North Dakota. We hear from the man who started it all, Jason Hanson, along with his partner in crime on the <a href="https://agronomistshappyhour.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Agronomist Happy Hour podcast</a>, Kyle Okke. Jason has been a regular contributor to Soil Sense and we featured both him and Kyle on our Agronomy on Ice episode last April. We talk to the guys about their knack for making things fun when it comes to learning about agronomy and soil health, their approaches to soil health as independent agronomists, Jason’s experience with the <a href="https://trustedadvisorpartnership.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Trusted Advisor Partnership</a>, what they’ve learned from their podcast, and more.  “It feels to me to some degree, like how Agronomy on Ice started. It's just like, here's an idea. We implement something that gets more people involved, ideas come in and then all of a sudden, boom, it takes off. And then you’ve got people like, “Hey, I wanna be a part of this. I’d like to join. I see what you're doing.” Or they kind of hang back and then it registers.” - Jason Hanson Both Jason and Kyle have left corporate ag retail jobs to start their own independent agronomic consulting businesses: Jason several years ago with Rock and Roll Agronomy in Webster, ND; and Kyle Okke just this past year with Agile Agronomy in Dickinson, ND. The two also joined forces with Bridget Readel to form Ag Mafia which put on Agronomy on Ice and is offering training, coaching, and other media services.   “I absolutely really enjoy what I did before and I'm very thankful for the opportunity I was given and the development I got and just everything, crop protection and adjuvants and all that. But for me it was time. And doing this on my own has been the best move I felt like I could make because it's a lot of fun to be able to be impactful to the local group of farmers and retailers that I work with.” - Kyle Okke This Week on Soil Sense: <ul> <li>Join Jason Hanson of Rock and Roll Agronomy and Kyle Okke of Agile Agronomy, both hosts of the <a href="https://agronomistshappyhour.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Agronomist Happy Hour podcast</a> </li> <li>Discover their career journeys and what projects they are working on right now </li> <li>Explore the future of biological inputs to better manage water, soil and pests </li> </ul>

Making Agronomy Fun with Jason Hanson & Kyle Okke

Mike Van Eps

Mike Van Eps of Centrol Ag Consulting has been a crop consultant for over 20 years in the Southern Red River Valley. He’s in the heart of sugar beet country but also scouts a lot of acres of corn, soybeans, and wheat. He joins us to discuss the soil health building practices he implements with his growers including things like rye strips, spring barley, and increasing strip tillage. We also talk more generally about some of the barriers to adoption of some of these practices, approaches that are successful and some that aren’t in his area, and a little bit on his experiences with the trusted advisor partnership.    “We're able to maybe push the limits, but tradition and people are set in their ways. It's difficult to change those habits, but we are. We're starting to see changes to where we can begin to do some more less tillage, more conservation type planting, cover crops, integrating into our rotation in front of sugar beets.” - Mike Van Eps  Changes in technology have allowed for expansion of sugar beet soil health practices. Producers have access to GMO crops, availability of different herbicides and because of that use of cover crops. “There weren’t a lot of options” to battle wind erosion with cover crops prior to these advances.   “I have yet to have a field of rye blow. Last spring was a disaster for wind erosion for us. We replanted 20% of our sugar beet acres from wind sand blasting. It was just an awful spring including where we had spring barley cover crops. They blew out as well. But the rye, it's big enough and aggressive enough where it doesn't move…it’s a little early in this season to tell yet but I have complete confidence that we’re going to weather anything that mother nature can throw at these sugar beets right now where the rye is.” - Mike Van Eps  This Week on Soil Sense:  Meet Mike Van Eps of Centrol Ag Consulting  Discover soil health building practices for the sugar beet producer  

Mike Van Eps of <a href="https://www.centroltv.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Centrol Ag Consulting</a> has been a crop consultant for over 20 years in the Southern Red River Valley. He’s in the heart of sugar beet country but also scouts a lot of acres of corn, soybeans, and wheat. He joins us to discuss the soil health building practices he implements with his growers including things like rye strips, spring barley, and increasing strip tillage. We also talk more generally about some of the barriers to adoption of some of these practices, approaches that are successful and some that aren’t in his area, and a little bit on his experiences with the trusted advisor partnership.   “We're able to maybe push the limits, but tradition and people are set in their ways. It's difficult to change those habits, but we are. We're starting to see changes to where we can begin to do some more less tillage, more conservation type planting, cover crops, integrating into our rotation in front of sugar beets.” - Mike Van Eps Changes in technology have allowed for expansion of sugar beet soil health practices. Producers have access to GMO crops, availability of different herbicides and because of that use of cover crops. “There weren’t a lot of options” to battle wind erosion with cover crops prior to these advances.  “I have yet to have a field of rye blow. Last spring was a disaster for wind erosion for us. We replanted 20% of our sugar beet acres from wind sand blasting. It was just an awful spring including where we had spring barley cover crops. They blew out as well. But the rye, it's big enough and aggressive enough where it doesn't move…it’s a little early in this season to tell yet but I have complete confidence that we’re going to weather anything that mother nature can throw at these sugar beets right now where the rye is.” - Mike Van Eps This Week on Soil Sense: <ul> <li>Meet Mike Van Eps of <a href="https://www.centroltv.com/" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Centrol Ag Consulting</a> </li> <li>Discover soil health building practices for the sugar beet producer </li> </ul>

Soil Health in Sugar Beet Rotations with Mike Van Eps

Christopher Topp

Dr. Christopher Topp is the principal investigator and associate member at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Topp runs a root biology lab where they develop techniques to study root systems both in the lab and in the field. They work with a number of novel imaging approaches to better understand root and soil biology beyond the current state of the art. Ultimately, he hopes this knowledge will be used for the benefit of farmers to improve the productivity and sustainability of agricultural systems.  “The fundamental observation is that, we know so little about root systems…And this has real important impacts on plant health, plant productivity, soil health and our ability to meet the challenges of the modern day which are to at least not decrease the amount of soil we have and the quality of it, if not to actually regenerate it, but also to to feed a growing population under challenging conditions.” - Dr. Christopher Topp Founded in 1998, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is a not-for-profit research institute with a mission to improve the human condition through plant science, research, education and outreach. They aim to have an impact at the nexus of food security and the environment. “The mindset is to develop new technologies or bring them in from other areas and really learn how to apply them to roots. Once we do that, once we can see them or measure them in a meaningful way, then it's really every plant scientist's dream…Once we're able to get a good idea of what's the best kind of root system for a particular environment, we can then learn about mechanisms that allow us to breed or otherwise develop technologies that can improve root systems.” - Dr. Christopher Topp  This Week on Soil Sense:  Meet Dr. Christopher Topp, the principal investigator and associate member at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis, Missouri  Discover the work being done at the Danforth Center and the impact they can make for future farming practices  

Dr. Christopher Topp is the principal investigator and associate member at the <a href="https://www.danforthcenter.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Donald Danforth Plant Science Center</a> in St. Louis, Missouri. Topp runs a root biology lab where they develop techniques to study root systems both in the lab and in the field. They work with a number of novel imaging approaches to better understand root and soil biology beyond the current state of the art. Ultimately, he hopes this knowledge will be used for the benefit of farmers to improve the productivity and sustainability of agricultural systems.  “The fundamental observation is that, we know so little about root systems…And this has real important impacts on plant health, plant productivity, soil health and our ability to meet the challenges of the modern day which are to at least not decrease the amount of soil we have and the quality of it, if not to actually regenerate it, but also to to feed a growing population under challenging conditions.” - Dr. Christopher Topp Founded in 1998, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is a not-for-profit research institute with a mission to improve the human condition through plant science, research, education and outreach. They aim to have an impact at the nexus of food security and the environment. “The mindset is to develop new technologies or bring them in from other areas and really learn how to apply them to roots. Once we do that, once we can see them or measure them in a meaningful way, then it's really every plant scientist's dream…Once we're able to get a good idea of what's the best kind of root system for a particular environment, we can then learn about mechanisms that allow us to breed or otherwise develop technologies that can improve root systems.” - Dr. Christopher Topp This Week on Soil Sense: <ul> <li>Meet Dr. Christopher Topp, the principal investigator and associate member at the <a href="https://www.danforthcenter.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Donald Danforth Plant Science Center</a> in St. Louis, Missouri </li> <li>Discover the work being done at the Danforth Center and the impact they can make for future farming practices </li> </ul>

Root Biology with Dr. Christopher Topp

Brett Peterson

Bismark-based crop consultant Brett Peterson has been working at Centrol Ag Consulting for the past 15 years alongside farmers to provide the best agronomic advice possible. He doesn’t sell products but is paid to make his clients farms the best they can be such as by building the health of the soil and the productivity of the system. Peterson discusses what’s working on the farms he works with on the east and south sides of Bismark. We cover how he incorporates soil health principles into his agronomic advice, how irrigation changes his approach and the process of considering and adopting new ideas on-farm.  “We work with a lot of large clients and the thing is you need to make sure that you're not stopping the process and slowing up the farm…So I would say that's the biggest thing. First and foremost, you gotta just look at it. Is this even possible with a large amount of acres? Because at the end of the day, we have to get across the land and we have to make money doing this too.” - Brett Peterson Peterson shares that practices like intercropping are very difficult to incorporate in large operations. He’s noticed that the use of rye has encouraged producers with large operations to start some cover crop initiatives. Education, conferences and communication between producers has also helped these advances. He goes on to share soil building practices in between potato rotations and how the occasional required tillage can actually benefit the soil. “No-till isn't the end all be all. You have to really find that perfect mix of really light tillage but preserving that top layer of organic matter and whatnot to keep that ground cover. It's kind of a teetering cycle that we're dealing with right now.” - Brett Peterson  This Week on Soil Sense:  Meet Bismark-based crop consultant Brett Peterson of Centrol Ag Consulting   Explore the soil health practices he is using in his part of the state on large acre productions  Discover the benefits he has seen to light tillage and the potential pitfalls he has observed in going full no-till   

Bismark-based crop consultant Brett Peterson has been working at <a href="http://www.centroltv.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Centrol Ag Consulting</a> for the past 15 years alongside farmers to provide the best agronomic advice possible. He doesn’t sell products but is paid to make his clients farms the best they can be such as by building the health of the soil and the productivity of the system. Peterson discusses what’s working on the farms he works with on the east and south sides of Bismark. We cover how he incorporates soil health principles into his agronomic advice, how irrigation changes his approach and the process of considering and adopting new ideas on-farm.  “We work with a lot of large clients and the thing is you need to make sure that you're not stopping the process and slowing up the farm…So I would say that's the biggest thing. First and foremost, you gotta just look at it. Is this even possible with a large amount of acres? Because at the end of the day, we have to get across the land and we have to make money doing this too.” - Brett Peterson Peterson shares that practices like intercropping are very difficult to incorporate in large operations. He’s noticed that the use of rye has encouraged producers with large operations to start some cover crop initiatives. Education, conferences and communication between producers has also helped these advances. He goes on to share soil building practices in between potato rotations and how the occasional required tillage can actually benefit the soil. “No-till isn't the end all be all. You have to really find that perfect mix of really light tillage but preserving that top layer of organic matter and whatnot to keep that ground cover. It's kind of a teetering cycle that we're dealing with right now.” - Brett Peterson This Week on Soil Sense: <ul> <li>Meet Bismark-based crop consultant Brett Peterson of <a href="http://www.centroltv.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Centrol Ag Consulting</a> </li> <li>Explore the soil health practices he is using in his part of the state on large acre productions </li> <li>Discover the benefits he has seen to light tillage and the potential pitfalls he has observed in going full no-till  </li> </ul>

A Crop Consultant's Approach to Soil Health with Brett Peterson

Nick Reinke

Nick Reinke, is not only the CEO of HabiTerre but also grew up on a farm, worked in soil health with an agricultural coop, and has a background in ag finance. He is uniquely qualified to help us explore how all of this “carbon talk” fits into soil health practice adoption, company involvement and sustainability goals. HabiTerre uses deep science and technology to quantify environmental outcomes for agriculture. But where many other companies focus on trying to measure soil carbon, Nick says HabiTerre looks at things in a really comprehensive systems context. Their goal is to try to determine how productivity and environmental sustainability relate to farming outcomes like productivity, nutrient management, and soil health. Nick says he was most excited to join HabiTerre because he saw too many people focused on soil carbon measurement missing the picture of what that means for real farm outcomes.  “I saw something just fundamentally groundbreaking about the technology that he had developed. So a lot less dependency on manually gathered data and still generating really accurate outcomes. But again, getting back to that systems perspective. Not just looking at soil carbon, but let's think about this through the lens of the farmer… Like how does this relate to inputs? How does it impact productivity? Things like that. So that's where I've been really excited to kind of join this scaling team here.” - Nick Reinke  Reinke shares that HabiTerre is collaborating with the National Association of Conservation Districts in creating field specific scenario modeling for what future soil health practices could produce. This “feedback loop” to farmers will serve as another “value added tool” for agronomists and advisors to use in order to support on-farm changes and practices. Furthermore Reinke breaks down the role agriculture plays in big corporations reducing their scope 3 emissions and why practices on the farm are of a great interest to them.   “Well, if you're gonna track progress, you're gonna need a lot better data, that's just logistically and cost prohibitive. It's very difficult for them to get. So we're trying to streamline that process. And the big thing that I don't wanna lose there is streamlining that process means more of these resources go to farmers…So if we make that quantification piece more efficient, that's more resources to farmers.” - Nick Reinke

Nick Reinke, is not only the CEO of <a href="https://www.habiterre.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HabiTerre</a> but also grew up on a farm, worked in soil health with an agricultural coop, and has a background in ag finance. He is uniquely qualified to help us explore how all of this “carbon talk” fits into soil health practice adoption, company involvement and sustainability goals. HabiTerre uses deep science and technology to quantify environmental outcomes for agriculture. But where many other companies focus on trying to measure soil carbon, Nick says HabiTerre looks at things in a really comprehensive systems context. Their goal is to try to determine how productivity and environmental sustainability relate to farming outcomes like productivity, nutrient management, and soil health. Nick says he was most excited to join HabiTerre because he saw too many people focused on soil carbon measurement missing the picture of what that means for real farm outcomes. “I saw something just fundamentally groundbreaking about the technology that he had developed. So a lot less dependency on manually gathered data and still generating really accurate outcomes. But again, getting back to that systems perspective. Not just looking at soil carbon, but let's think about this through the lens of the farmer… Like how does this relate to inputs? How does it impact productivity? Things like that. So that's where I've been really excited to kind of join this scaling team here.” - Nick Reinke Reinke shares that HabiTerre is collaborating with the National Association of Conservation Districts in creating field specific scenario modeling for what future soil health practices could produce. This “feedback loop” to farmers will serve as another “value added tool” for agronomists and advisors to use in order to support on-farm changes and practices. Furthermore Reinke breaks down the role agriculture plays in big corporations reducing their scope 3 emissions and why practices on the farm are of a great interest to them.  “Well, if you're gonna track progress, you're gonna need a lot better data, that's just logistically and cost prohibitive. It's very difficult for them to get. So we're trying to streamline that process. And the big thing that I don't wanna lose there is streamlining that process means more of these resources go to farmers…So if we make that quantification piece more efficient, that's more resources to farmers.” - Nick Reinke

A Systems-Based Approach to Carbon with Nick Reinke

Brett Blackwelder

Brett Blackwelder traveled from West Central Minnesota to participate in the Agronomy on Ice event and that's where this interview was recorded in February of this year. Blackwelder farms with his dad and brother in Chokio, Minnesota. Together they have a 320-cow dairy and about 2700 acres of cropland. When it comes to their dairy production, they knew they needed to either get bigger, get automated, or get out. They chose to embrace robots. A big part of his job is managing the automated part of their operation. Blackwelder shares his views on soil health, the relationship between the row crop side of their operation and the dairy, and how they have managed the transition to using robots on the farm.  “You just see stuff on the internet about how we're wrecking soils, especially on the dairy side with silage. We don't have any cover in the fall and seeing firsthand soil blowing like crazy the way it was so I wanted to at least try to do something … just to make ourselves feel like good stewards.” - Brett Blackwelder The Blackwelders refer to themselves as “lifelong learners” and are slowly implementing more soil health practices including reducing tillage and adding cover crops to avoid bare soil. Learning how to keep packing wheels on his implement and how to time the process of the cover crop planting has been part of the learning process. Other learnings are involved in the introduction of more automation in their dairy operation. He has noticed “the less time you spend in the barn, the more milk you get.” Flying the cover crop seed on was another new practice they tried.  “You know, our time is so valuable still at the farm where if we had to inter-seed it or do something ourselves, that actually probably would be more expensive in our case.” - Brett Blackwelder  This Week on Soil Sense:  Meet Brett Blackwelder from Chokio, Minnesota where he farms a 320-cow dairy and about 2700 acres of cropland with his family  Discover how a dairy producer like Brett made big changes to improve his family’s soil health on the crop side of their operation  

<a href="https://twitter.com/bertblack331" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Brett Blackwelder</a> traveled from West Central Minnesota to participate in the <a href="https://agronomyonice.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Agronomy on Ice</a> event and that's where this interview was recorded in February of this year. Blackwelder farms with his dad and brother in Chokio, Minnesota. Together they have a 320-cow dairy and about 2700 acres of cropland. When it comes to their dairy production, they knew they needed to either get bigger, get automated, or get out. They chose to embrace robots. A big part of his job is managing the automated part of their operation. Blackwelder shares his views on soil health, the relationship between the row crop side of their operation and the dairy, and how they have managed the transition to using robots on the farm.  “You just see stuff on the internet about how we're wrecking soils, especially on the dairy side with silage. We don't have any cover in the fall and seeing firsthand soil blowing like crazy the way it was so I wanted to at least try to do something … just to make ourselves feel like good stewards.” - Brett Blackwelder The Blackwelders refer to themselves as “lifelong learners” and are slowly implementing more soil health practices including reducing tillage and adding cover crops to avoid bare soil. Learning how to keep packing wheels on his implement and how to time the process of the cover crop planting has been part of the learning process. Other learnings are involved in the introduction of more automation in their dairy operation. He has noticed “the less time you spend in the barn, the more milk you get.” Flying the cover crop seed on was another new practice they tried.  “You know, our time is so valuable still at the farm where if we had to inter-seed it or do something ourselves, that actually probably would be more expensive in our case.” - Brett Blackwelder This Week on Soil Sense: <ul> <li>Meet Brett Blackwelder from Chokio, Minnesota where he farms a 320-cow dairy and about 2700 acres of cropland with his family </li> <li>Discover how a dairy producer like Brett made big changes to improve his family’s soil health on the crop side of their operation </li> </ul>

Dairies and Soil Health with Brett Blackwelder

Jordon Wade

Dr. Jordon Wade is an assistant professor of soil health and soil fertility at the University of Missouri. Wade is also the director of the Soil Health Assessment Center, which is one of the few places in the US that offers the full gamut of soil health measurements. The USDA and Soil Health Institute have both put together lists of relevant soil health measurements. And these empirical ways of measuring soil health is what this episode explores from aggregate stability to organic matter to microbial biomass and beyond.  “We really want to be able to get that holistic picture from around the state, you know, all of our ag producing regions...You know it gives us a lot more insight into that context specificity than if we were to be referencing a national database or something like that. We just have so much information, so much granularity from those samples that are coming in.” - Dr. Jordon Wade Wade explains the wealth of data the Soil Health Assessment Center is acquiring and how they are enriching it with surveys, trials and collaborations. The results are “truly decision support tools.” Measurements help producers pivot and track their efforts to improve their soil health. Wade shares that one of the measurements he finds most impactful is aggregate stability which “integrates the chemical and physical components” of the soil leading to benefits like less erosion potential.  “We're really at a crossroads here in Missouri in terms of climate and soil types. I always say that farming in Missouri is playing the farming game on hard mode because shallow soils and drought prone weather is tough.” - Dr. Jordon Wade This Week on Soil Sense:  Meet Dr. Jordon Wade, an assistant professor of soil health and soil fertility at the University of Missouri as well as the director of the Soil Health Assessment Center  Explore the significance and value in the operation of the Soil Health Assessment Center for the state of Missouri  

<a href="https://cra.missouri.edu/team/jordon-wade/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Jordon Wade</a> is an assistant professor of soil health and soil fertility at the University of Missouri. Wade is also the director of the <a href="https://cafnr.missouri.edu/soil-health/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soil Health Assessment Center</a>, which is one of the few places in the US that offers the full gamut of soil health measurements. The USDA and Soil Health Institute have both put together lists of relevant soil health measurements. And these empirical ways of measuring soil health is what this episode explores from aggregate stability to organic matter to microbial biomass and beyond.  “We really want to be able to get that holistic picture from around the state, you know, all of our ag producing regions...You know it gives us a lot more insight into that context specificity than if we were to be referencing a national database or something like that. We just have so much information, so much granularity from those samples that are coming in.” - Dr. Jordon Wade Wade explains the wealth of data the Soil Health Assessment Center is acquiring and how they are enriching it with surveys, trials and collaborations. The results are “truly decision support tools.” Measurements help producers pivot and track their efforts to improve their soil health. Wade shares that one of the measurements he finds most impactful is aggregate stability which “integrates the chemical and physical components” of the soil leading to benefits like less erosion potential.  “We're really at a crossroads here in Missouri in terms of climate and soil types. I always say that farming in Missouri is playing the farming game on hard mode because shallow soils and drought prone weather is tough.” - Dr. Jordon Wade This Week on Soil Sense: <ul> <li>Meet <a href="https://cra.missouri.edu/team/jordon-wade/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Jordon Wade</a>, an assistant professor of soil health and soil fertility at the University of Missouri as well as the director of the <a href="https://cafnr.missouri.edu/soil-health/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soil Health Assessment Center</a> </li> <li>Explore the significance and value in the operation of the Soil Health Assessment Center for the state of Missouri  </li></ul>

Soil Health Assessment with Jordon Wade, Ph.D.

Welcome to the Soil Sense Podcast, where we believe that building healthier soils is not just a prescription, but rather a pursuit. This journey requires collaboration, curiosity, and communication among farmers, agricultural researchers, agronomists, consultants, and extension. You’re going to hear their stories and discover how and why they’re working together to make sense out of what’s happening in the soil.

Soils podcast with practical information and application that translates to the field because the podcast is from the point of view of those in the field- farmers, consultants and Extension.

Great podcast

Great info from farmers,consultants, plant and soil scientists.

Soil Sense

Joe Breker

Joe Breker has been farming for over 40 years pioneering soil health building practices in southeast North Dakota. With his skills and knowledge, Joe managed to successfully operate his farm during the dry ‘80s and wet ‘90s, as well as each decade’s poor farm economy. Joe joins me today to describe how his conservative farming practices have improved their farm’s soil health. He shares how his father was a sustainable farmer and what he did to build on what his father started. He also describes what no-till farming is, how it helps to restore damaged soil and explains the science behind management practices and how it affects soil health for decades.  “Once you lose soil health, it's really difficult to get it back." - Joe Breker  This Week on Soil Sense:  The farming legacy Joe is a part of and how his father ran the farm.  What no-till farming is and what made him utilize this method.  How he started his journey in soil health.  Maintaining commitment to soil health despite poor farming business conditions.  How he processes their compost and the processes involved.  Building soil health and how they nurse damaged soil back to health.    Connect with Soil Sense:  Soil Sense Initiative    Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by Tim Hammerich of the Future of Agriculture Podcast.

Joe Breker has been farming for over 40 years pioneering soil health building practices in southeast North Dakota. With his skills and knowledge, Joe managed to successfully operate his farm during the dry ‘80s and wet ‘90s, as well as each decade’s poor farm economy. Joe joins me today to describe how his conservative farming practices have improved their farm’s soil health. He shares how his father was a sustainable farmer and what he did to build on what his father started. He also describes what no-till farming is, how it helps to restore damaged soil and explains the science behind management practices and how it affects soil health for decades. “Once you lose soil health, it's really difficult to get it back." - Joe Breker This Week on Soil Sense: <ul> <li>The farming legacy Joe is a part of and how his father ran the farm. </li> <li>What no-till farming is and what made him utilize this method. </li> <li>How he started his journey in soil health. </li> <li>Maintaining commitment to soil health despite poor farming business conditions. </li> <li>How he processes their compost and the processes involved. </li> <li>Building soil health and how they nurse damaged soil back to health. </li> </ul> Connect with Soil Sense: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.ndsoilsense.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soil Sense Initiative </a></li> </ul> Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/timhammerich/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Hammerich</a> of the <a href="http://www.futureofag.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Future of Agriculture Podcast</a>.

[Bonus Episode] Decades of Building Soil Health with Joe Breker

Aaron Daigh

Explore the scientific principles forming the foundation of soil health. Dr. Aaron Daigh of North Dakota State University joins us to discuss the impact of movement and distribution of water, heat, and nutrients in the soil. Dr Daigh draws an analogy between pores in the soil and plumbing in a building. Through the natural processes of freezing, wetting, drying, and thawing pores are developed in the soil. These pores are crucial to nutrient and water retention. He shares the effect that tillage practices have on heat transfer and retention within the soil as well as to the pore size and distribution. Understanding these scientific principles can lead to more informed decisions on farming practices. Dr. Daigh shares the ongoing research in this field and where the focus is shifting.“It’s kind of like taking all the piping in your house or the building or in a chemical plant and rearranging it to the way that you want…..When you go in and you till a soil you are kind of homogenizing everything. You’re making all the pipes kind of very similar to each other at least in the depth that you’re tilling at.” - Dr. Aaron Daigh“When you go into a no-till or reduced till system…. you have a whole bunch of small pores and those pores are what can really hold onto water longer. They can hold onto nutrients longer and keep it available in a spot that the plant can use later on.”  - Dr. Aaron DaighThis Week on Soil Sense: Meet Dr. Aaron Daigh and learn what it means to be a soil physicist Explore how tillage disrupts the natural pores in the soil and affects the movement of water and nutrients Dr. Daigh teaches us how the different sized pores are developed in the soil and the benefits they provide. Discover the up and coming research in the area of Soil ScienceConnect with Soil Sense: Soil Sense InitiativeSoil Sense Podcast is hosted by Tim Hammerich of the Future of Agriculture Podcast.

Explore the scientific principles forming the foundation of soil health. Dr. Aaron Daigh of North Dakota State University joins us to discuss the impact of movement and distribution of water, heat, and nutrients in the soil. Dr Daigh draws an analogy between pores in the soil and plumbing in a building. Through the natural processes of freezing, wetting, drying, and thawing pores are developed in the soil. These pores are crucial to nutrient and water retention. He shares the effect that tillage practices have on heat transfer and retention within the soil as well as to the pore size and distribution. Understanding these scientific principles can lead to more informed decisions on farming practices. Dr. Daigh shares the ongoing research in this field and where the focus is shifting. “It’s kind of like taking all the piping in your house or the building or in a chemical plant and rearranging it to the way that you want…..When you go in and you till a soil you are kind of homogenizing everything. You’re making all the pipes kind of very similar to each other at least in the depth that you’re tilling at.” - Dr. Aaron Daigh “When you go into a no-till or reduced till system…. you have a whole bunch of small pores and those pores are what can really hold onto water longer. They can hold onto nutrients longer and keep it available in a spot that the plant can use later on.”  - Dr. Aaron Daigh This Week on Soil Sense: Meet Dr. Aaron Daigh and learn what it means to be a soil physicist Explore how tillage disrupts the natural pores in the soil and affects the movement of water and nutrients Dr. Daigh teaches us how the different sized pores are developed in the soil and the benefits they provide. Discover the up and coming research in the area of Soil Science Connect with Soil Sense: Soil Sense Initiative Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by Tim Hammerich of the Future of Agriculture Podcast.

Soil Physics and Soil Biology with Dr. Aaron Daigh

Luke Ressler

What can integrating livestock do for soil health? Luke Ressler joins us from Hillsboro, North Dakota where he farms with his father-in-law, Randy Lemm, and his wife Elli. Luke was raised on a farm in Cooperstown and worked for the NDSU Extension and Dr. Abbey Wick after completing his studies at NDSU.  Luke was able to participate and host some of the Cafe Talks Abbey organized while working there. Luke shares the rotational grazing pattern he is using for his cattle. The biggest obstacle for them in using this technique is providing access to fresh water every day.  The goal of this process is to gain the benefit of the cover crop for the soil and then convert that growth into nutrition for the cattle which will add manure back to the soil to further fortify it and reduce the time spent in the feedlot for the cattle. We check in with Luke to see his experiences between the original interview in June 2019 to today (October 2019). Spoiler: it’s been a tough year weather-wise. “My goal is to always try to go to as many field days and events that NDSU puts on as possible because you’re going to learn something new every time you go and meet someone new.” - Luke Ressler “Research is helping out a lot of guys who don’t know where to go, who don’t have good resources available to them. They can go online and get really good information especially from NDSU. I have nothing but good to say about it and I’m really excited to be involved more.” - Luke Ressler This Week on Soil Sense:  Luke Ressler introduces us to incorporating cattle into your soil health practices  Learn the benefits to the soil and cattle when combined as part of your land management  Feel Luke’s excitement to be involved with upcoming research  Explore Luke’s process to getting answers when questions arise with his new practices   Connect with Soil Sense:  Soil Sense Initiative   Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by Tim Hammerich of the Future of Agriculture Podcast.

What can integrating livestock do for soil health? Luke Ressler joins us from Hillsboro, North Dakota where he farms with his father-in-law, Randy Lemm, and his wife Elli. Luke was raised on a farm in Cooperstown and worked for the NDSU Extension and Dr. Abbey Wick after completing his studies at NDSU.  Luke was able to participate and host some of the Cafe Talks Abbey organized while working there. Luke shares the rotational grazing pattern he is using for his cattle. The biggest obstacle for them in using this technique is providing access to fresh water every day.  The goal of this process is to gain the benefit of the cover crop for the soil and then convert that growth into nutrition for the cattle which will add manure back to the soil to further fortify it and reduce the time spent in the feedlot for the cattle. We check in with Luke to see his experiences between the original interview in June 2019 to today (October 2019). Spoiler: it’s been a tough year weather-wise. “My goal is to always try to go to as many field days and events that NDSU puts on as possible because you’re going to learn something new every time you go and meet someone new.” - Luke Ressler “Research is helping out a lot of guys who don’t know where to go, who don’t have good resources available to them. They can go online and get really good information especially from NDSU. I have nothing but good to say about it and I’m really excited to be involved more.” - Luke Ressler This Week on Soil Sense: <ul> <li>Luke Ressler introduces us to incorporating cattle into your soil health practices </li> <li>Learn the benefits to the soil and cattle when combined as part of your land management </li> <li>Feel Luke’s excitement to be involved with upcoming research </li> <li>Explore Luke’s process to getting answers when questions arise with his new practices </li> </ul> Connect with Soil Sense: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.ndsoilsense.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soil Sense Initiative </a></li> </ul> Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/timhammerich/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Hammerich</a> of the <a href="http://www.futureofag.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Future of Agriculture Podcast</a>.

Integrating Cattle and Cover Crops with Luke Ressler

Jay Goos

Dr. Jay Goos joins us from the department of soil science at North Dakota State University to share his approach to introducing soil science to his students and his experiences over the last four decades in the field. The overall curriculum of his course focuses on teaching the “main properties of soil” including acidity and alkalinity, concepts of wilting point, field capacity and “how the layers of the soil influences productivity.” He hopes that his students leave with an understanding of the soil health big picture. But beyond introducing and sharing the value of soil science with future generations and assisting agriculture with iron deficiencies in soybeans, Dr. Goos has also been a part of soil science for forty years. He has seen many trends, practices and concerns come and go and overall is happy to see all of the progress that has been made in regards to soil health.  He does want to call attention to phosphorus availability in the future due to limited sources and the chronic “mining (of) our soils for nutrients” without replacing the overall gross deficit. “Everyone is thinking about nitrogen now because of the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico and nitrates in rivers and streams. But Phosphorus is going to be moving up on the people’s radar over the next few decades.” - Dr. Jay Goos He comments that unfortunately something that has not changed in the last 40 years is that “farmers are still bombarded with snake oil products.” Dr. Goos encourages students and farmers to understand soil variability and learn about the many factors that influence overall soil health. He recommends reaching beyond “gizmos” when learning about precision agriculture and focus more on what causes field variation and how we can best manage it. This Week on Soil Sense:  Meet Dr. Jay Goos  Hear about the introduction to soil science course he teaches at NDSU  Discover his impact on iron deficiency chlorosis in soybeans  Learn from the experiences he has had over the last 40 years in soil science and the issues he sees on the horizon   Connect with Soil Sense:  Soil Sense Initiative   Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by Tim Hammerich of the Future of Agriculture Podcast.

Dr. Jay Goos joins us from the department of soil science at North Dakota State University to share his approach to introducing soil science to his students and his experiences over the last four decades in the field. The overall curriculum of his course focuses on teaching the “main properties of soil” including acidity and alkalinity, concepts of wilting point, field capacity and “how the layers of the soil influences productivity.” He hopes that his students leave with an understanding of the soil health big picture. But beyond introducing and sharing the value of soil science with future generations and assisting agriculture with iron deficiencies in soybeans, Dr. Goos has also been a part of soil science for forty years. He has seen many trends, practices and concerns come and go and overall is happy to see all of the progress that has been made in regards to soil health.  He does want to call attention to phosphorus availability in the future due to limited sources and the chronic “mining (of) our soils for nutrients” without replacing the overall gross deficit. “Everyone is thinking about nitrogen now because of the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico and nitrates in rivers and streams. But Phosphorus is going to be moving up on the people’s radar over the next few decades.” - Dr. Jay Goos He comments that unfortunately something that has not changed in the last 40 years is that “farmers are still bombarded with snake oil products.” Dr. Goos encourages students and farmers to understand soil variability and learn about the many factors that influence overall soil health. He recommends reaching beyond “gizmos” when learning about precision agriculture and focus more on what causes field variation and how we can best manage it. This Week on Soil Sense: <ul> <li>Meet Dr. Jay Goos </li> <li>Hear about the introduction to soil science course he teaches at NDSU </li> <li>Discover his impact on iron deficiency chlorosis in soybeans </li> <li>Learn from the experiences he has had over the last 40 years in soil science and the issues he sees on the horizon </li> </ul> Connect with Soil Sense: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.ndsoilsense.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soil Sense Initiative </a></li> </ul> Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/timhammerich/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Hammerich</a> of the <a href="http://www.futureofag.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Future of Agriculture Podcast</a>.

Soil Science 101 with Dr. Jay Goos

Anthony Thilmony

Dave Franzen

Join us for the first installment of a two-part interview with Dr. Dave Franzen, a Soil Scientist at North Dakota State University in Extension, and Anthony Thilmony, a fourth generation farmer in the Valley City, North Dakota area. These two have collaborated for many years through discussion and trials. Today we explore soil fertility and the effect of a no-till strategy. We learn about some of the benefits including a decreased nitrogen need and increased microorganism activity to name two.  “In order to get somebody to change the way they’re doing things you either have to have an economic tag or an emotional tag.” -Dr. Dave Franzen “My goal is when I quit farming everything is going to be in better shape than I got it and that's what drives me with the no-till.” - Anthony Thilmony This Week on Soil Sense:  Discover how Dr Franzen and Anthony began to collaborate Learn about soil loss in North Dakota over the last 100 years Hear about the benefits of performing research on commercial farms  What the advantages are of having a no-till field  Who the “Beach Boys’ of North Dakota are and what they have accomplished  Connect with Soil Sense:  Soil Sense Initiative   Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by Tim Hammerich of the Future of Agriculture Podcast.

Join us for the first installment of a two-part interview with Dr. Dave Franzen, a Soil Scientist at North Dakota State University in Extension, and Anthony Thilmony, a fourth generation farmer in the Valley City, North Dakota area. These two have collaborated for many years through discussion and trials. Today we explore soil fertility and the effect of a no-till strategy. We learn about some of the benefits including a decreased nitrogen need and increased microorganism activity to name two.  “In order to get somebody to change the way they’re doing things you either have to have an economic tag or an emotional tag.” -Dr. Dave Franzen “My goal is when I quit farming everything is going to be in better shape than I got it and that's what drives me with the no-till.” - Anthony Thilmony This Week on Soil Sense: <ul> <li>Discover how Dr Franzen and Anthony began to collaborate</li> <li>Learn about soil loss in North Dakota over the last 100 years</li> <li>Hear about the benefits of performing research on commercial farms </li> <li>What the advantages are of having a no-till field </li> <li>Who the “Beach Boys’ of North Dakota are and what they have accomplished</li> </ul> Connect with Soil Sense: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.ndsoilsense.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soil Sense Initiative</a> </li> </ul> Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/timhammerich/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Hammerich</a> of the <a href="http://www.futureofag.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Future of Agriculture Podcast</a>.

Soil Fertility with Dr. Dave Franzen and Anthony Thilmony

Doug Toussaint

Doug Toussaint from Wahpeton, North Dakota discusses his shift toward soil health building practices. Doug shares what inspired him to make these changes and the decision to start with his most difficult field. Doug was able to slowly integrate these new techniques including inter-seeding and reduced tillage by using equipment that he already had on hand. He has noticed a significant difference in his fields with “how different they worked (and) how much easier they were to plant.” Doug shares that going to seminars, talking to other farmers and reaching out to consultants and the extension have all helped him find the answers and learn about new practices. He emphasizes the importance of networking with neighboring farmers and helping to foster the discussion about reduced tillage and cover crops. “Cover crops is not where to quit spending money….I’d rather have a cover crop that failed than a cover crop that I didn’t do.” -Doug Toussaint “There isn’t a recipe here. You’re going to put your own recipe together and how its going to work. You just have to be open-minded and look at different things and be willing to change immediately.” - Doug Toussaint This Week on Soil Sense: ● Hear from Doug Toussaint a Farmer in North Dakota ● Learn what inspired him to experiment with new farming techniques ● Meet the difficult field he started with and why he started there ● Explore some of the benefits Doug has experienced by adding cover crops to his rotation ● Doug shares what resources he reaches for to help answer his questions as they arise Connect with Soil Sense: ● Soil Sense Initiative Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by Tim Hammerich of the Future of Agriculture Podcast.

Doug Toussaint from Wahpeton, North Dakota discusses his shift toward soil health building practices. Doug shares what inspired him to make these changes and the decision to start with his most difficult field. Doug was able to slowly integrate these new techniques including inter-seeding and reduced tillage by using equipment that he already had on hand. He has noticed a significant difference in his fields with “how different they worked (and) how much easier they were to plant.” Doug shares that going to seminars, talking to other farmers and reaching out to consultants and the extension have all helped him find the answers and learn about new practices. He emphasizes the importance of networking with neighboring farmers and helping to foster the discussion about reduced tillage and cover crops. “Cover crops is not where to quit spending money….I’d rather have a cover crop that failed than a cover crop that I didn’t do.” -Doug Toussaint “There isn’t a recipe here. You’re going to put your own recipe together and how its going to work. You just have to be open-minded and look at different things and be willing to change immediately.” - Doug Toussaint This Week on Soil Sense: ● Hear from Doug Toussaint a Farmer in North Dakota ● Learn what inspired him to experiment with new farming techniques ● Meet the difficult field he started with and why he started there ● Explore some of the benefits Doug has experienced by adding cover crops to his rotation ● Doug shares what resources he reaches for to help answer his questions as they arise Connect with Soil Sense: ● <a href="http://www.ndsoilsense.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soil Sense Initiative</a> Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/timhammerich/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Hammerich</a> of the <a href="http://www.futureofag.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Future of Agriculture Podcast</a>.

Building Soil Health on Your Toughest Field with Doug Toussaint

Today we focus on how agricultural research experiments actually happens in practice. Nate Derby and Rod Utter are both Research Specialists with North Dakota State University. Nate shares his experience with researching soil physics and the movement of water through the field. Rod Utter discusses his expertise from years of researching the life cycle and origin of earthworms. Both guests have done work with the SHARE (Soil Health and Agriculture Research Extension) Farm. While they mostly work on different projects, they bring a unique insight as those that are working with field scale ag research. While earthworms may not be considered an obvious top factor in farming production values, they provide far more benefit than composting and fish bait to the general public. Different species have adapted to different environments and different food sources making some more beneficial than others to farming especially in North Dakota. ”The earthworms themselves do a nice job. They create a lot of pore space for other organisms to go through, they turnover organic matter in the soil and on the surface they make nitrogen and phosphorus more available.” - Rod Utter Vast amounts of soil samples and water samples are collected to further evaluate the soil on the SHARE farm and how it is affected by different practices. While the main focus of Nate’s research has been on no-till practices, he has also been able to monitor salinity and the effects of adding tile drainage to limit the reach of the water table. “It just takes time. I think the longer you can monitor something like that, you’re going to continue to see changes.” - Nate Derby Nate and Rod are able to use each other’s findings to create a more comprehensive assessment of the soil health and the effects different practices have on it. They have verified that different salinity levels directly affect the worm populations and how quickly they can infiltrate a field and provide their benefit. “Related to worms on the SHARE Farm….they are moving in somewhat from the edges and that correlates pretty well with what we’ve been seeing with the salts on the surface.” -Nate Derby This Week on Soil Sense:  Meet Nate Derby and Rod Utter, two scientists working on the SHARE Farm  Learn the origin and benefits of earthworm populations in North Dakota  See how different experiments are overlapping and creating a more cohesive understanding of soil health  Explore the benefits of field-sized research and its more practical application as opposed to plot-sized   Connect with Soil Sense:  Soil Sense Initiative   Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by Tim Hammerich of the Future of Agriculture Podcast.

Today we focus on how agricultural research experiments actually happens in practice. Nate Derby and Rod Utter are both Research Specialists with North Dakota State University. Nate shares his experience with researching soil physics and the movement of water through the field. Rod Utter discusses his expertise from years of researching the life cycle and origin of earthworms. Both guests have done work with the SHARE (Soil Health and Agriculture Research Extension) Farm. While they mostly work on different projects, they bring a unique insight as those that are working with field scale ag research. While earthworms may not be considered an obvious top factor in farming production values, they provide far more benefit than composting and fish bait to the general public. Different species have adapted to different environments and different food sources making some more beneficial than others to farming especially in North Dakota. ”The earthworms themselves do a nice job. They create a lot of pore space for other organisms to go through, they turnover organic matter in the soil and on the surface they make nitrogen and phosphorus more available.” - Rod Utter Vast amounts of soil samples and water samples are collected to further evaluate the soil on the SHARE farm and how it is affected by different practices. While the main focus of Nate’s research has been on no-till practices, he has also been able to monitor salinity and the effects of adding tile drainage to limit the reach of the water table. “It just takes time. I think the longer you can monitor something like that, you’re going to continue to see changes.” - Nate Derby Nate and Rod are able to use each other’s findings to create a more comprehensive assessment of the soil health and the effects different practices have on it. They have verified that different salinity levels directly affect the worm populations and how quickly they can infiltrate a field and provide their benefit. “Related to worms on the SHARE Farm….they are moving in somewhat from the edges and that correlates pretty well with what we’ve been seeing with the salts on the surface.” -Nate Derby This Week on Soil Sense: <ul> <li>Meet Nate Derby and Rod Utter, two scientists working on the SHARE Farm </li> <li>Learn the origin and benefits of earthworm populations in North Dakota </li> <li>See how different experiments are overlapping and creating a more cohesive understanding of soil health </li> <li>Explore the benefits of field-sized research and its more practical application as opposed to plot-sized </li> </ul> Connect with Soil Sense: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.ndsoilsense.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soil Sense Initiative </a></li> </ul> Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/timhammerich/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Hammerich</a> of the <a href="http://www.futureofag.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Future of Agriculture Podcast</a>.

Worms, Water, and Soil Health Research in Action

Naeem Kalwar

Naeem Kalwar is an extension Soil Health Specialist in the Langdon Research Extension Center. His expertise is shared today in facing sodicity and salinity issues in your soils. The term salinity refers to the potential for high salt levels in the soil which can decrease water absorption at the root-level resulting in drought stressed crops. Fortunately salinity does not affect soil structure allowing for the smooth movement of water and air through the soil despite the increased salt content. Good drainage and improved soil water infiltration can help manage salinity concerns. Sodicity, on the other hand, creates an issue that is not as easy to correct. With sodicity, a bond between the sodium molecules and the clay is formed. This directly affects the ability of the water to move through the soil as it will settle in dense layers. With an increase in sodicity you will also have a higher retention of salt resulting in increased salinity.  Amendments like gypsum are required to increase the aggregation and good structure of the soil in order to compensate for the structural changes caused by sodicity. “Our groundwater has very high salt levels, plus sodium. And this sodium i’m talking about is not presented as salt. This sodium gets attracted to the negative charges of clay and hummus soil particles, and causes sodicity or the breakdown of soil aggregates...so we have two different problems: salt and sodicity.” - Naeem Kalwar This Week on Soil Sense:  Meet Naeem Kalwar an extension Soil Health Specialist  Explore the differences between soils in different regions  Learn about the significance of salinity and sodicity in a soil’s health  Discover how to identify and address these concerns   Connect with Soil Sense:  Soil Sense Initiative   Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by Tim Hammerich of the Future of Agriculture Podcast.

Naeem Kalwar is an extension Soil Health Specialist in the Langdon Research Extension Center. His expertise is shared today in facing sodicity and salinity issues in your soils. The term salinity refers to the potential for high salt levels in the soil which can decrease water absorption at the root-level resulting in drought stressed crops. Fortunately salinity does not affect soil structure allowing for the smooth movement of water and air through the soil despite the increased salt content. Good drainage and improved soil water infiltration can help manage salinity concerns. Sodicity, on the other hand, creates an issue that is not as easy to correct. With sodicity, a bond between the sodium molecules and the clay is formed. This directly affects the ability of the water to move through the soil as it will settle in dense layers. With an increase in sodicity you will also have a higher retention of salt resulting in increased salinity.  Amendments like gypsum are required to increase the aggregation and good structure of the soil in order to compensate for the structural changes caused by sodicity. “Our groundwater has very high salt levels, plus sodium. And this sodium i’m talking about is not presented as salt. This sodium gets attracted to the negative charges of clay and hummus soil particles, and causes sodicity or the breakdown of soil aggregates...so we have two different problems: salt and sodicity.” - Naeem Kalwar This Week on Soil Sense: <ul> <li>Meet Naeem Kalwar an extension Soil Health Specialist </li> <li>Explore the differences between soils in different regions </li> <li>Learn about the significance of salinity and sodicity in a soil’s health </li> <li>Discover how to identify and address these concerns </li> </ul> Connect with Soil Sense: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.ndsoilsense.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soil Sense Initiative </a></li> </ul> Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/timhammerich/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Hammerich</a> of the <a href="http://www.futureofag.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Future of Agriculture Podcast</a>.

Salinity & Sodicity Issues with Naeem Kalwar of NDSU Extension

Marisol Berti

Dr. Marisol Berti spearheads research in the use of cover crops as a professor in the Plant Sciences Department at North Dakota State University. Her most recent projects are focused on cover crops and their uses with crops outside of the more traditional corn and soybean rotations. Among her many successes in this field, her team has also developed a specific planter to better plant a cover crop and beat the oncoming winter. Dr. Berti shares that the hallmark of using cover crops is the benefit of “protecting the soil.” She admits there is a risk with cover crops as there is with any crop when the weather does not support the seed’s growth. The difference with cover crops is that they are not insured, which leads to a total economic loss if the crop is not successful. Dr. Berti discusses the use of Camelina as a broad leaf cover crop and the benefits to its use. As of yet it has not been broadly used but shows great potential. The biggest obstacle she faces is not in its use but in its marketability to create another source of income for the farmer. There is currently a lot of interest in it as a source for Omega-3 Fatty Acids for human consumption but no clear market in the United States.  If a market develops the use of Camelina will not only be beneficial to soil health but also create additional income for the farmer which would help offset its risk. “If you go in a Corn-Soybean rotation with no cover crops the soil is almost like a parking lot. There is nothing. There is no life. You can dig and dig and there’s not one worm. I go to a farm that has had cover crops for 10 years and he puts his shovel no matter where and he gets a bunch of worms.” Dr. Marisol Berti This Week on Soil Sense:  Explore the practice of adding cover crops  Meet Dr. Berti, a cover crop expert and Professor at North Dakota State University  Discover the use, benefit and obstacles in using Camelina as a cover crop  Dr. Berti shares the common pitfalls faced by farmers trying to start the use of cover crops   Connect with Soil Sense:  Soil Sense Initiative   Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by Tim Hammerich of the Future of Agriculture Podcast.

Dr. Marisol Berti spearheads research in the use of cover crops as a professor in the Plant Sciences Department at North Dakota State University. Her most recent projects are focused on cover crops and their uses with crops outside of the more traditional corn and soybean rotations. Among her many successes in this field, her team has also developed a specific planter to better plant a cover crop and beat the oncoming winter. Dr. Berti shares that the hallmark of using cover crops is the benefit of “protecting the soil.” She admits there is a risk with cover crops as there is with any crop when the weather does not support the seed’s growth. The difference with cover crops is that they are not insured, which leads to a total economic loss if the crop is not successful. Dr. Berti discusses the use of Camelina as a broad leaf cover crop and the benefits to its use. As of yet it has not been broadly used but shows great potential. The biggest obstacle she faces is not in its use but in its marketability to create another source of income for the farmer. There is currently a lot of interest in it as a source for Omega-3 Fatty Acids for human consumption but no clear market in the United States.  If a market develops the use of Camelina will not only be beneficial to soil health but also create additional income for the farmer which would help offset its risk. “If you go in a Corn-Soybean rotation with no cover crops the soil is almost like a parking lot. There is nothing. There is no life. You can dig and dig and there’s not one worm. I go to a farm that has had cover crops for 10 years and he puts his shovel no matter where and he gets a bunch of worms.” Dr. Marisol Berti This Week on Soil Sense: <ul> <li>Explore the practice of adding cover crops </li> <li>Meet Dr. Berti, a cover crop expert and Professor at North Dakota State University </li> <li>Discover the use, benefit and obstacles in using Camelina as a cover crop </li> <li>Dr. Berti shares the common pitfalls faced by farmers trying to start the use of cover crops </li> </ul> Connect with Soil Sense: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.ndsoilsense.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soil Sense Initiative </a></li> </ul> Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/timhammerich/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Hammerich</a> of the <a href="http://www.futureofag.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Future of Agriculture Podcast</a>.

Cover Crops with Dr. Marisol Berti

Lee Briese

Dr. Lee Briese is a Crop Consultant with Centrol Crop Consulting. He does not sell any products but rather solely focuses on helping farmers make the best decisions for their crops and soils. Dr. Briese checks every field weekly which creates a comprehensive understanding of the individual farmer’s goals, their assets and their obstacles to reaching those goals.  He estimates he has covered over a million acres with his crop consulting resulting in a wealth of knowledge and experience. “There’s no one (size) fits all for anybody,” says Dr. Briese. We learn how many factors play into the recommendations he makes and the timing of the alternative techniques he suggests. “There has to be a distinct level of trust between (the farmers) and I as far as the information I’m giving them, that not only applies to them but is solid information.” Dr. Lee Briese. This Week on Soil Sense:  Introduction to Dr Lee Briese, a crop consultant with Centrol Crop Consulting  Dr Briese discusses his approach to introducing new techniques  Learn how information is shared between farms  Discover why farmers in North Dakota use a lower rate of herbicide application and what the consequences are in regards to herbicide resistance  Listen to the many factors taken into account prior to making any recommendations   Connect with Soil Sense:  Soil Sense Initiative   Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by Tim Hammerich of the Future of Agriculture Podcast.

Dr. Lee Briese is a Crop Consultant with Centrol Crop Consulting. He does not sell any products but rather solely focuses on helping farmers make the best decisions for their crops and soils. Dr. Briese checks every field weekly which creates a comprehensive understanding of the individual farmer’s goals, their assets and their obstacles to reaching those goals.  He estimates he has covered over a million acres with his crop consulting resulting in a wealth of knowledge and experience. “There’s no one (size) fits all for anybody,” says Dr. Briese. We learn how many factors play into the recommendations he makes and the timing of the alternative techniques he suggests. “There has to be a distinct level of trust between (the farmers) and I as far as the information I’m giving them, that not only applies to them but is solid information.” Dr. Lee Briese. This Week on Soil Sense: <ul> <li>Introduction to Dr Lee Briese, a crop consultant with Centrol Crop Consulting </li> <li>Dr Briese discusses his approach to introducing new techniques </li> <li>Learn how information is shared between farms </li> <li>Discover why farmers in North Dakota use a lower rate of herbicide application and what the consequences are in regards to herbicide resistance </li> <li>Listen to the many factors taken into account prior to making any recommendations </li> </ul> Connect with Soil Sense: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.ndsoilsense.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soil Sense Initiative </a></li> </ul> Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/timhammerich/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Hammerich</a> of the <a href="http://www.futureofag.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Future of Agriculture Podcast</a>.

Lessons from 20 Years of Crop Consulting with Dr. Lee Briese

In this episode we explore the SHARE (Soil Health and Agriculture Research Extension) Farm Project. It is a field scale location used to display practices that the research is indicating to advance soil health. The program showcases rotations and practices that can be used in the local area to advance soil health. The North Dakota Corn Council and other commodity groups have funded the SHARE farm to take advantage of an opportunity to further promote soil health in North Dakota. The North Dakota Corn Council’s main objectives are to provide funding for “research, education, promotion and market development of corn in North Dakota” and the SHARE farm program fits that bill. The SHARE farm has “consistently been (their) number one project.” “The SHARE Farm Project is actually pretty unique. It’s a farmer driven project….It came about from Farmers wanting a place or field that they could drive by and see these soil health building practices at field scale for long-term within the rotations that they’re using. They wanted something that was theirs.” - Dr Abby Wick (NDSU Extension) “This was research that was actually being conveyed to our farmers and they were eating it up. They loved it…..It was just really great to see farmers talking to other farmers. Farmers acting as mentors to younger farmers and teaching them what they have learned over 20-30 years.” - Jean Henning (Executive Director of North Dakota Corn Council) “I think people are pretty impressed with what they see there….I think we’ve proven that we can no-till in heavy soils. I had one farmer say “You’re going to no-till out their right? So you can prove it doesn’t work in these soils.” I said, “yeah or prove that it does.” I think we proved that much” - Ken Johnson (Farmer with the first SHARE Farm) This Week on Soil Sense:  Discover what a SHARE farm is and the soil health practices it puts on display  Hear from Ken Johnson, the first farmer to participate in the SHARE farm program  Learn about the North Dakota Corn Council and its purpose  See the change in information sharing  the SHARE farm has afforded the farmers of North Dakota   Connect with Soil Sense:  Soil Sense Initiative   Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by Tim Hammerich of the Future of Agriculture Podcast.

In this episode we explore the SHARE (Soil Health and Agriculture Research Extension) Farm Project. It is a field scale location used to display practices that the research is indicating to advance soil health. The program showcases rotations and practices that can be used in the local area to advance soil health. The North Dakota Corn Council and other commodity groups have funded the SHARE farm to take advantage of an opportunity to further promote soil health in North Dakota. The North Dakota Corn Council’s main objectives are to provide funding for “research, education, promotion and market development of corn in North Dakota” and the SHARE farm program fits that bill. The SHARE farm has “consistently been (their) number one project.” “The SHARE Farm Project is actually pretty unique. It’s a farmer driven project….It came about from Farmers wanting a place or field that they could drive by and see these soil health building practices at field scale for long-term within the rotations that they’re using. They wanted something that was theirs.” - Dr Abby Wick (NDSU Extension) “This was research that was actually being conveyed to our farmers and they were eating it up. They loved it…..It was just really great to see farmers talking to other farmers. Farmers acting as mentors to younger farmers and teaching them what they have learned over 20-30 years.” - Jean Henning (Executive Director of North Dakota Corn Council) “I think people are pretty impressed with what they see there….I think we’ve proven that we can no-till in heavy soils. I had one farmer say “You’re going to no-till out their right? So you can prove it doesn’t work in these soils.” I said, “yeah or prove that it does.” I think we proved that much” - Ken Johnson (Farmer with the first SHARE Farm) This Week on Soil Sense: <ul> <li>Discover what a SHARE farm is and the soil health practices it puts on display </li> <li>Hear from Ken Johnson, the first farmer to participate in the SHARE farm program </li> <li>Learn about the North Dakota Corn Council and its purpose </li> <li>See the change in information sharing  the SHARE farm has afforded the farmers of North Dakota </li> </ul> Connect with Soil Sense: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.ndsoilsense.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soil Sense Initiative </a></li> </ul> Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/timhammerich/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Hammerich</a> of the <a href="http://www.futureofag.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Future of Agriculture Podcast</a>.

SHARE Farm Reflections and Insights

Lee Trautman

Lee Trautman joins us today. Lee farms corn and soybeans in Jamestown, North Dakota with his brother and father. Trautman Farms has been no till for over 20 years giving Lee a unique farming experience of very limited tillage. The EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program) introduced the idea of cover crops to Trautman Farms. The cover crops they initially chose were based on what seed they had available. Now Lee employs rye and has found that it “fits the bill” for their operation and assists with weed suppression and water consumption. Lee discusses the significant impact his practices have had on his farm and the conversations it has inspired with his neighbors and landlords. “That's what really gets you is when you get somebody who's not around every day or  that sees it every day or maybe has never seen a no-till field. And  they come out and they just can't stop saying good things about your soils. That really means a lot to me.” -Lee Trautman “Sometimes you can just go out in a field and and stick a shovel in the ground and just be like, yes, this is a good piece of ground. And I can do that in all of my fields. I can stick a shovel in the ground and there's always worms. There's good aggregation. There’s structure. There's lots of organic matter. It's just a beautiful piece of ground most of the time. And just knowing that we've helped create that and kind of keep it established that way so…..hopefully the next generation can enjoy it and keep improving it.” -Lee Trautman This Week on Soil Sense:  Meet Lee Trautman, a farmer in Jamestown, North Dakota  Hear how Trautman Farms manage their farm with three family members running different parts of the operation  Explore what program introduced Trautman Farms to cover crops  Learn how Lee manages the use of rye and is able to replenish his seed every year  Discover what healthy soils means to Lee and how he can demonstrate their vitality on his farm   Connect with Soil Sense:  Soil Sense Initiative   Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by Tim Hammerich of the Future of Agriculture Podcast.

Lee Trautman joins us today. Lee farms corn and soybeans in Jamestown, North Dakota with his brother and father. Trautman Farms has been no till for over 20 years giving Lee a unique farming experience of very limited tillage. The <a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/eqip/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">EQIP</a> (Environmental Quality Incentives Program) introduced the idea of cover crops to Trautman Farms. The cover crops they initially chose were based on what seed they had available. Now Lee employs rye and has found that it “fits the bill” for their operation and assists with weed suppression and water consumption. Lee discusses the significant impact his practices have had on his farm and the conversations it has inspired with his neighbors and landlords. “That's what really gets you is when you get somebody who's not around every day or  that sees it every day or maybe has never seen a no-till field. And  they come out and they just can't stop saying good things about your soils. That really means a lot to me.” -Lee Trautman “Sometimes you can just go out in a field and and stick a shovel in the ground and just be like, yes, this is a good piece of ground. And I can do that in all of my fields. I can stick a shovel in the ground and there's always worms. There's good aggregation. There’s structure. There's lots of organic matter. It's just a beautiful piece of ground most of the time. And just knowing that we've helped create that and kind of keep it established that way so…..hopefully the next generation can enjoy it and keep improving it.” -Lee Trautman This Week on Soil Sense: <ul> <li>Meet Lee Trautman, a farmer in Jamestown, North Dakota </li> <li>Hear how Trautman Farms manage their farm with three family members running different parts of the operation </li> <li>Explore what program introduced Trautman Farms to cover crops </li> <li>Learn how Lee manages the use of rye and is able to replenish his seed every year </li> <li>Discover what healthy soils means to Lee and how he can demonstrate their vitality on his farm </li> </ul> Connect with Soil Sense: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.ndsoilsense.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soil Sense Initiative </a></li> </ul> Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/timhammerich/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Hammerich</a> of the <a href="http://www.futureofag.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Future of Agriculture Podcast</a>.

Improving Soil Health Over Generations with Lee Trautman

Allie Slykerman

Today we hear from Allie Slykerman. Allie works as an independent crop consultant at Centrol Ag Consulting. One of the most significant issues faced by North Dakota farmers is salinity management. The primary crop struggles to grow in these areas resulting in opportunist weeds gaining a foothold in the field. Possible management practices include using salt tolerant plants for cover and assisting the soil in moving the water through the soil profile via tile. Depending on the location and salinity levels these options may not be available. The effort then becomes to try to limit the saline spots spread to reduce lost ground. Allie says one of the biggest concerns she gets approached about is weed resistance. She discusses the challenges faced by farmers and the progression of resistance she has observed. Roundup is no longer a “silver-bullet” for all things weeds. She shares different recommendations she has made in the last year to mitigate this growing threat. “Our chemistry is still working but I think in the future we need to start considering the what if’s….We really have to start being really careful and protecting these chemistries and start to think outside the box and using all the tools in the toolbox.” - Allie Slykerman “Figuring out how these guys tick is one of my favorite aspects of the job and getting to work with all different sorts of personalities is one of the most interesting things I think a crop consultant deals with on a day-to-day basis.” - Allie Slykerman This Week on Soil Sense:  Allie Slykerman shares the most significant issue she sees with her clients  Learn the different techniques available to battle salinity issues  Allie shares her concern for weed herbicide tolerance  Explore the relationship between a crop consultant and their client farmers   Connect with Soil Sense:  Soil Sense Initiative   Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by Tim Hammerich of the Future of Agriculture Podcast.

Today we hear from Allie Slykerman. Allie works as an independent crop consultant at Centrol Ag Consulting. One of the most significant issues faced by North Dakota farmers is salinity management. The primary crop struggles to grow in these areas resulting in opportunist weeds gaining a foothold in the field. Possible management practices include using salt tolerant plants for cover and assisting the soil in moving the water through the soil profile via tile. Depending on the location and salinity levels these options may not be available. The effort then becomes to try to limit the saline spots spread to reduce lost ground. Allie says one of the biggest concerns she gets approached about is weed resistance. She discusses the challenges faced by farmers and the progression of resistance she has observed. Roundup is no longer a “silver-bullet” for all things weeds. She shares different recommendations she has made in the last year to mitigate this growing threat. “Our chemistry is still working but I think in the future we need to start considering the what if’s….We really have to start being really careful and protecting these chemistries and start to think outside the box and using all the tools in the toolbox.” - Allie Slykerman “Figuring out how these guys tick is one of my favorite aspects of the job and getting to work with all different sorts of personalities is one of the most interesting things I think a crop consultant deals with on a day-to-day basis.” - Allie Slykerman This Week on Soil Sense: <ul> <li>Allie Slykerman shares the most significant issue she sees with her clients </li> <li>Learn the different techniques available to battle salinity issues </li> <li>Allie shares her concern for weed herbicide tolerance </li> <li>Explore the relationship between a crop consultant and their client farmers </li> </ul> Connect with Soil Sense: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.ndsoilsense.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soil Sense Initiative </a></li> </ul> Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/timhammerich/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Hammerich</a> of the <a href="http://www.futureofag.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Future of Agriculture Podcast</a>.

Managing Salts with Allie Slykerman

Sam Landman

Sam Landman is a fifth generation farmer who manages not only his family farm but also a SHARE (Soil Health and Agriculture Research Extension) Farm. He discusses how his techniques have evolved and how that has impacted his crop rotations and equipment choices. Challenging effective practices for better sustainability and soil health is an uphill battle but Sam is already seeing the benefits.  “I think the long-term benefits will be there for sure. But you know we’re always up against short-term economics anytime you’re transitioning to a new practice.” Sam is perpetually researching and networking to gain as much knowledge as possible. He wants to make the most informed decisions he can. If someone is interested in trying some of these new practices, Sam recommends reaching out and asking questions. Dr. Abby Wick and the rest of the extension have been great resources for him. He also suggests experimenting with some smaller fields first to find the best fit for your operation. “I like seeing green out there. I like seeing living biology out there. When you start digging around in the ground, you start seeing the soil come alive because of the living root out there. It's just kind of an addiction. Once you start it and you start seeing the benefits you want to keep trying it and do more and more.” -Sam Landman This Week on Soil Sense:  Meet Sam Landman and hear his story farming in North Dakota Discuss transitioning to reduced tillage practices Explore new soil handling techniques and the effect that has had on Sam’s farm Learn about the challenges faced by those changing farming protocols  Connect with Soil Sense:  Soil Sense Initiative   Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by Tim Hammerich of the Future of Agriculture Podcast.

Sam Landman is a fifth generation farmer who manages not only his family farm but also a SHARE (Soil Health and Agriculture Research Extension) Farm. He discusses how his techniques have evolved and how that has impacted his crop rotations and equipment choices. Challenging effective practices for better sustainability and soil health is an uphill battle but Sam is already seeing the benefits.  “I think the long-term benefits will be there for sure. But you know we’re always up against short-term economics anytime you’re transitioning to a new practice.” Sam is perpetually researching and networking to gain as much knowledge as possible. He wants to make the most informed decisions he can. If someone is interested in trying some of these new practices, Sam recommends reaching out and asking questions. Dr. Abby Wick and the rest of the extension have been great resources for him. He also suggests experimenting with some smaller fields first to find the best fit for your operation. “I like seeing green out there. I like seeing living biology out there. When you start digging around in the ground, you start seeing the soil come alive because of the living root out there. It's just kind of an addiction. Once you start it and you start seeing the benefits you want to keep trying it and do more and more.” -Sam Landman This Week on Soil Sense: <ul> <li>Meet Sam Landman and hear his story farming in North Dakota</li> <li>Discuss transitioning to reduced tillage practices</li> <li>Explore new soil handling techniques and the effect that has had on Sam’s farm</li> <li>Learn about the challenges faced by those changing farming protocols</li> </ul> Connect with Soil Sense: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.ndsoilsense.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soil Sense Initiative</a> </li> </ul> Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/timhammerich/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Hammerich</a> of the <a href="http://www.futureofag.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Future of Agriculture Podcast</a>.

Challenges of Building Soil Health in Cool and Wet Climates with Sam Landman

This is the second installment of a two part interview with Dr. Dave Franzen, a soil scientist at North Dakota State University, and Anthony Thilmony, a fourth generation farmer in the Valley City, North Dakota area. In this segment we will be focusing on the precision of soil health. We explore how to identify your individual soil needs and how to effectively and efficiently meet those demands.  “The Zone Sampling Concept is the number one site specific nutrient management strategy in the state. I wish more people would do it .” -Dr. Dave Franzen  “I had a goal. I didn’t go from here to there. I went five steps in between.” - Anthony Thilmony  This Week on Soil Sense:  Learn about the development of zone sampling  Discover the benefits and philosophy behind variable rate fertilization application Converting to various precision ag techniques requires a financial and time commitment What factors influence the decision to try a new technique or add new technology   Connect with Soil Sense:  Soil Sense Initiative    Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by Tim Hammerich of the Future of Agriculture Podcast.

This is the second installment of a two part interview with Dr. Dave Franzen, a soil scientist at North Dakota State University, and Anthony Thilmony, a fourth generation farmer in the Valley City, North Dakota area. In this segment we will be focusing on the precision of soil health. We explore how to identify your individual soil needs and how to effectively and efficiently meet those demands. “The Zone Sampling Concept is the number one site specific nutrient management strategy in the state. I wish more people would do it .” -Dr. Dave Franzen “I had a goal. I didn’t go from here to there. I went five steps in between.” - Anthony Thilmony This Week on Soil Sense: <ul> <li>Learn about the development of zone sampling </li> <li>Discover the benefits and philosophy behind variable rate fertilization application</li> <li>Converting to various precision ag techniques requires a financial and time commitment</li> <li>What factors influence the decision to try a new technique or add new technology</li> </ul> Connect with Soil Sense: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.ndsoilsense.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soil Sense Initiative</a> </li> </ul> Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/timhammerich/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Hammerich</a> of the <a href="http://www.futureofag.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Future of Agriculture Podcast</a>.

Precision Ag for Healthier Soils with Anthony Thilmony and Dr. Dave Franzen

In this episode we focus on the unlikely collaboration between extension and ag retail. Tim Becker joins us as a former county extension agent and long time farmer of Eddy County along with Jason Vollmer, a farmer and local agronomist for Allied Agronomy. Both have found real interest in coming together to promote soil health. Their partnership started as organically as could be imagined “over a cup of coffee.” A group of farmers would meet to discuss techniques and ask questions. These meetings “grew into a good relationship” resulting in an ideal collaboration. Both men acknowledge that making a sale is not the end goal so much as helping the farmer be as profitable as possible. “We found that we can fight each other for clientele and programming….or we can work together and make a total program better.” - Tim Becker Tim and Jason agree that “every farmer is a great steward of the land” and recognize as well as understand that “ground is their asset, their life, their lifeblood.” This compassion and understanding has allowed for the opportunity to campaign and illustrate the benefits for soil health programs. They combine research with available products to create the best individualized plan for each client they interact with. “Ag is always evolving and we have to have a futuristic look while being grounded in the present.” Jason Vollmer This Week on Soil Sense:  Meet Tim Becker and Jason Vollmer  Learn how their unlikely collaboration resulted in better information and learning for the farmers they helped  Discover how they both leaned on each other’s strengths through discussion and education  Listen to Tim and Jason discussing the biggest obstacles they see farmers facing in regards to soil health  Explore how livestock may be the next adjunct to crop farming   Connect with Soil Sense:  Soil Sense Initiative   Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by Tim Hammerich of the Future of Agriculture Podcast.

In this episode we focus on the unlikely collaboration between extension and ag retail. Tim Becker joins us as a former county extension agent and long time farmer of Eddy County along with Jason Vollmer, a farmer and local agronomist for Allied Agronomy. Both have found real interest in coming together to promote soil health. Their partnership started as organically as could be imagined “over a cup of coffee.” A group of farmers would meet to discuss techniques and ask questions. These meetings “grew into a good relationship” resulting in an ideal collaboration. Both men acknowledge that making a sale is not the end goal so much as helping the farmer be as profitable as possible. “We found that we can fight each other for clientele and programming….or we can work together and make a total program better.” - Tim Becker Tim and Jason agree that “every farmer is a great steward of the land” and recognize as well as understand that “ground is their asset, their life, their lifeblood.” This compassion and understanding has allowed for the opportunity to campaign and illustrate the benefits for soil health programs. They combine research with available products to create the best individualized plan for each client they interact with. “Ag is always evolving and we have to have a futuristic look while being grounded in the present.” Jason Vollmer This Week on Soil Sense: <ul> <li>Meet Tim Becker and Jason Vollmer </li> <li>Learn how their unlikely collaboration resulted in better information and learning for the farmers they helped </li> <li>Discover how they both leaned on each other’s strengths through discussion and education </li> <li>Listen to Tim and Jason discussing the biggest obstacles they see farmers facing in regards to soil health </li> <li>Explore how livestock may be the next adjunct to crop farming </li> </ul> Connect with Soil Sense: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.ndsoilsense.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soil Sense Initiative </a></li> </ul> Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/timhammerich/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Hammerich</a> of the <a href="http://www.futureofag.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Future of Agriculture Podcast</a>.

Soil Health Collaboration Between Ag Retail and Extension

Matt Nelson

Matt Nelson shares his experiences from his farm in Lakota, North Dakota where they produce small grains, wheat, barley, canola, soybeans, corn and edible beans. While Matt grew up on the farm, he spent the first 15-16 years of his career as a commercial pilot which has influenced his approach to farming. Matt shares the challenges and benefits that come with adopting reduced tillage practices. Another obstacle Matt faces are saline soils that have become more apparent with frequent rainfall. Matt shares his approach to implementing new techniques and what factors create the most viable options for his operation. “Ask your neighbors. Ask your friends. Ask the guys who have been farming for a long time. What's worked for you? What do you see? Are there certain times or certain practices you see that work better or have a negative effect on what you're doing?” Matt Nelson This Week on Soil Sense:  Meet Matt Nelson  Learn what drew him away from his job as an airline pilot towards being a full-time farmer  Discover what are the biggest changes Matt has made to his farming operation  Explore the effects of a multi-year wet period and what adjustments needed to be made  Matt shares how he evaluates new techniques and what he looks for in choosing which to implement   Connect with Soil Sense:  Soil Sense Initiative   Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by Tim Hammerich of the Future of Agriculture Podcast.

Matt Nelson shares his experiences from his farm in Lakota, North Dakota where they produce small grains, wheat, barley, canola, soybeans, corn and edible beans. While Matt grew up on the farm, he spent the first 15-16 years of his career as a commercial pilot which has influenced his approach to farming. Matt shares the challenges and benefits that come with adopting reduced tillage practices. Another obstacle Matt faces are saline soils that have become more apparent with frequent rainfall. Matt shares his approach to implementing new techniques and what factors create the most viable options for his operation. “Ask your neighbors. Ask your friends. Ask the guys who have been farming for a long time. What's worked for you? What do you see? Are there certain times or certain practices you see that work better or have a negative effect on what you're doing?” Matt Nelson This Week on Soil Sense: <ul> <li>Meet Matt Nelson </li> <li>Learn what drew him away from his job as an airline pilot towards being a full-time farmer </li> <li>Discover what are the biggest changes Matt has made to his farming operation </li> <li>Explore the effects of a multi-year wet period and what adjustments needed to be made </li> <li>Matt shares how he evaluates new techniques and what he looks for in choosing which to implement </li> </ul> Connect with Soil Sense: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.ndsoilsense.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soil Sense Initiative </a></li> </ul> Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/timhammerich/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Hammerich</a> of the <a href="http://www.futureofag.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Future of Agriculture Podcast</a>.

Taking Off with Soil Health with Matt Nelson

Today we explore the impact of sharing information. Are shared ideas spread the way we think? Jean Haley is responsible for answering that question for soil health at North Dakota State. She is joined by soil health extension specialist Dr. Abbey Wick to discuss the plans and impact of providing information on soil health. While profit driven businesses can measure income as a metric for success, projects with education goals require a different approach for evaluation. “What does success mean?” That is where Jean comes in. “I help programs get better at what they’re doing and provide data to their funders. That lets funders know what their return on investment is.” - Jean Haley Program evaluation is prominent in education and health and human services. Jean has expanded it into soil health. Her data shows what projects and education sharing efforts have been effective and how so. Jean creates “needs assessments” which allows for identification of end game goals for the evaluation. She then reaches for whatever tools would best achieve that end whether that be a survey, observation of conversations and interactions at events, or creating focus groups. According to Jean, with the advent of “Cafe Talks,” Dr Wick created a boundary organization. This allowed for “a conversation in real time” that she was then able to moderate and grow. By identifying the strength of this event, Dr Wick was then able to show the significance with data to those funding the lunches. “Here we have something that’s going to outlast everybody and it’s going to continue feeding on itself... It’s bigger than the individual. It’s about everybody that’s part of the network. I think funding sources really like hearing that because it (doesn’t) just end with this project.” - Dr. Abbey Wick One significant recommendation Jean has offered to the soil sense movement is to offer longer breaks during workshops. As opposed to the presumed “dead time” this may allow it fostered conversation which was the ultimate goal of the workshop and therefore provided a greater benefit than perpetual lecture. “We were so focused on the talks and the presentations and the content that we totally forgot about the fact that people like to just visit….They’re coming here to meet other farmers. They’re coming here to get ideas and to get inspired and it’s like we just extinguished all of that with content.” Dr. Wick credits Jean with shifting the focus from disseminating as much information as possible to providing quality programming to create the desired networking effect. This Week on Soil Sense:  Meet Jean Haley and learn about her role in evaluation of NDSU’s Soil Science Program  Discover what program evaluation is and the tools they employ  Hear about the impact Jean has had on the program from Dr Abbey Wick  Explore the benefits this provides to the program and by extension those that fund it   Connect with Soil Sense:  Soil Sense Initiative   Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by Tim Hammerich of the Future of Agriculture Podcast.

Today we explore the impact of sharing information. Are shared ideas spread the way we think? Jean Haley is responsible for answering that question for soil health at North Dakota State. She is joined by soil health extension specialist Dr. Abbey Wick to discuss the plans and impact of providing information on soil health. While profit driven businesses can measure income as a metric for success, projects with education goals require a different approach for evaluation. “What does success mean?” That is where Jean comes in. “I help programs get better at what they’re doing and provide data to their funders. That lets funders know what their return on investment is.” - Jean Haley Program evaluation is prominent in education and health and human services. Jean has expanded it into soil health. Her data shows what projects and education sharing efforts have been effective and how so. Jean creates “needs assessments” which allows for identification of end game goals for the evaluation. She then reaches for whatever tools would best achieve that end whether that be a survey, observation of conversations and interactions at events, or creating focus groups. According to Jean, with the advent of “Cafe Talks,” Dr Wick created a boundary organization. This allowed for “a conversation in real time” that she was then able to moderate and grow. By identifying the strength of this event, Dr Wick was then able to show the significance with data to those funding the lunches. “Here we have something that’s going to outlast everybody and it’s going to continue feeding on itself... It’s bigger than the individual. It’s about everybody that’s part of the network. I think funding sources really like hearing that because it (doesn’t) just end with this project.” - Dr. Abbey Wick One significant recommendation Jean has offered to the soil sense movement is to offer longer breaks during workshops. As opposed to the presumed “dead time” this may allow it fostered conversation which was the ultimate goal of the workshop and therefore provided a greater benefit than perpetual lecture. “We were so focused on the talks and the presentations and the content that we totally forgot about the fact that people like to just visit….They’re coming here to meet other farmers. They’re coming here to get ideas and to get inspired and it’s like we just extinguished all of that with content.” Dr. Wick credits Jean with shifting the focus from disseminating as much information as possible to providing quality programming to create the desired networking effect. This Week on Soil Sense: <ul> <li>Meet Jean Haley and learn about her role in evaluation of NDSU’s Soil Science Program </li> <li>Discover what program evaluation is and the tools they employ </li> <li>Hear about the impact Jean has had on the program from Dr Abbey Wick </li> <li>Explore the benefits this provides to the program and by extension those that fund it </li> </ul> Connect with Soil Sense: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.ndsoilsense.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soil Sense Initiative </a></li> </ul> Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/timhammerich/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Hammerich</a> of the <a href="http://www.futureofag.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Future of Agriculture Podcast</a>.

Measuring the Impact of Sharing Information about Soil Health

Tyler Zimmerman and Chris Walberg share their journey towards soil health building practices on their farms. Tyler began learning about no-till practices and their benefits about 5 years ago. Over that time he has found support and many resources as he continues learning and executing soil health practices. “When you turn the soil up, there’s roots and worms and biology just going on in there that when you walk to the field next to you that has been conventionally tilled and you don’t find any of that….its night and day difference just across the road from one field to the next.” - Tyler Zimmerman Tyler shared his findings and experiences with his childhood friend, neighbor, and fellow farmer, Chris Walberg. Chris began to slowly “dabble” in no-till after seeing Tyler’s success and quickly found success of his own. “You have a success that you can keep building on. I guess that was kind of a bit of an eye opener for us, that no-till can work.” Chris Walberg Tyler found that one of the big challenges to no-till is that it requires a higher “patience level.” You need to be able to wait for the soil to be “the right temperature and dry” where as a  neighbor practicing tillage might not need to do the same. In order to further expand on their no-till practices Chris and Tyler collaborated to buy an air drill together. Both men have observed the soil health movement gain a lot of “momentum in the last few years” and are excited about what the future holds.  While not everyone is radically changing their practices to build healthier soils, “they are certainly hearing about it and reading about it.” Between sharing information, equipment and ideas, Tyler and Chris are looking forward to continuing the expansion of their soil health building efforts. This collaboration and comradery  has “made farming fun” for both and will likely continue to do so. This Week on Soil Sense:  Meet farmers Tyler Zimmerman and Chris Walberg  See how they were both introduced to no-till practices and the benefits they have observed  Learn about their collaborative efforts and the benefits that has provided them  Explore where their future efforts will lead them   Connect with Soil Sense:  Soil Sense Initiative   Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by Tim Hammerich of the Future of Agriculture Podcast.

Tyler Zimmerman and Chris Walberg share their journey towards soil health building practices on their farms. Tyler began learning about no-till practices and their benefits about 5 years ago. Over that time he has found support and many resources as he continues learning and executing soil health practices. “When you turn the soil up, there’s roots and worms and biology just going on in there that when you walk to the field next to you that has been conventionally tilled and you don’t find any of that….its night and day difference just across the road from one field to the next.” - Tyler Zimmerman Tyler shared his findings and experiences with his childhood friend, neighbor, and fellow farmer, Chris Walberg. Chris began to slowly “dabble” in no-till after seeing Tyler’s success and quickly found success of his own. “You have a success that you can keep building on. I guess that was kind of a bit of an eye opener for us, that no-till can work.” Chris Walberg Tyler found that one of the big challenges to no-till is that it requires a higher “patience level.” You need to be able to wait for the soil to be “the right temperature and dry” where as a  neighbor practicing tillage might not need to do the same. In order to further expand on their no-till practices Chris and Tyler collaborated to buy an air drill together. Both men have observed the soil health movement gain a lot of “momentum in the last few years” and are excited about what the future holds.  While not everyone is radically changing their practices to build healthier soils, “they are certainly hearing about it and reading about it.” Between sharing information, equipment and ideas, Tyler and Chris are looking forward to continuing the expansion of their soil health building efforts. This collaboration and comradery  has “made farming fun” for both and will likely continue to do so. This Week on Soil Sense: <ul> <li>Meet farmers Tyler Zimmerman and Chris Walberg </li> <li>See how they were both introduced to no-till practices and the benefits they have observed </li> <li>Learn about their collaborative efforts and the benefits that has provided them </li> <li>Explore where their future efforts will lead them </li> </ul> Connect with Soil Sense: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.ndsoilsense.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soil Sense Initiative </a></li> </ul> Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/timhammerich/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Hammerich</a> of the <a href="http://www.futureofag.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Future of Agriculture Podcast</a>.

Farmers Supporting Each Other to Build Healthier Soils

Brad Brummond joined the NDSU extension in 1982 and has been in his current position in Walsh County for 28 years. His body of work allowed him to be the first North Dakotan selected for the County Agricultural Agents Hall of Fame. Brad’s experience and knowledge are invaluable. He joins us today to share some of what he’s learned. Brad has made it his mission to not only get people involved in soil health practices but also to work together in doing so. “This can be done. This is very doable…..It’s fun. It’s exciting. It gets me up in the morning.” - Brad Brummond Brad’s career started in organic agriculture in the 1980’s. “Soil health was what we went after from a soil fertility standpoint in organic agriculture,” shares Brad. His own initiative that he has developed and used is called “Save the Five.” It operates under the assumption that there are at least 5 acres of unproductive farmland on most operations. Most often this is caused by sodicity or magnesium imbalances. The goal with “Save the Five” is to sample these areas, create a plan to regain the use of that land. “You can’t tell them. You have to show them. This is why our demonstration projects were so successful because they could go out and they could see it. We could put a shovel in the ground and we can show them the soil aggregates and the worms. What healthy soil looks like.” - Brad Brummond Brad found that one of the biggest barriers he needed to overcome was the concern for profitability with soil health practices. He was able to offer farmers interested in the program financial support in the form of money to “buy off the risk.” He wanted finances to not be the obstacle keeping farmers from proving these protocols. One thing he maintains and makes sure farmers understand before taking action is that soil health takes time to build. “The soils got to where they are over a long period of time and we’re not going to pull them out of it in one or two years….You have to be patient and you have to understand it didn’t get here overnight and it’s not leaving overnight.” - Brad Brummond Brad takes pride in the collaboration his team has been able to achieve.  He has cultivated a level of trust within Walsh County that brings all kinds of viewpoints and opinions together for healthy discussion.  Groups including NDSU, local producers, the Soil Conservation District and NRCS have come together to discuss different practices and possible outcomes. He encourages other counties to create the same collaborations. “This can be done ladies and gentleman. Our’s just happened. I think you could do it in a more deliberate manner.” - Brad Drummond This Week on Soil Sense:  Meet Brad Brummond, NDSU Extension in Walsh County  Learn what Walsh County has achieved with furthering the soil health discussion  Explore the tips and tricks to creating collaborations across many organizations  See the benefits of soil health practices on their operations   Connect with Soil Sense:  Soil Sense Initiative   Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by Tim Hammerich of the Future of Agriculture Podcast.

Brad Brummond joined the NDSU extension in 1982 and has been in his current position in Walsh County for 28 years. His body of work allowed him to be the first North Dakotan selected for the County Agricultural Agents Hall of Fame. Brad’s experience and knowledge are invaluable. He joins us today to share some of what he’s learned. Brad has made it his mission to not only get people involved in soil health practices but also to work together in doing so. “This can be done. This is very doable…..It’s fun. It’s exciting. It gets me up in the morning.” - Brad Brummond Brad’s career started in organic agriculture in the 1980’s. “Soil health was what we went after from a soil fertility standpoint in organic agriculture,” shares Brad. His own initiative that he has developed and used is called “Save the Five.” It operates under the assumption that there are at least 5 acres of unproductive farmland on most operations. Most often this is caused by sodicity or magnesium imbalances. The goal with “Save the Five” is to sample these areas, create a plan to regain the use of that land. “You can’t tell them. You have to show them. This is why our demonstration projects were so successful because they could go out and they could see it. We could put a shovel in the ground and we can show them the soil aggregates and the worms. What healthy soil looks like.” - Brad Brummond Brad found that one of the biggest barriers he needed to overcome was the concern for profitability with soil health practices. He was able to offer farmers interested in the program financial support in the form of money to “buy off the risk.” He wanted finances to not be the obstacle keeping farmers from proving these protocols. One thing he maintains and makes sure farmers understand before taking action is that soil health takes time to build. “The soils got to where they are over a long period of time and we’re not going to pull them out of it in one or two years….You have to be patient and you have to understand it didn’t get here overnight and it’s not leaving overnight.” - Brad Brummond Brad takes pride in the collaboration his team has been able to achieve.  He has cultivated a level of trust within Walsh County that brings all kinds of viewpoints and opinions together for healthy discussion.  Groups including NDSU, local producers, the Soil Conservation District and NRCS have come together to discuss different practices and possible outcomes. He encourages other counties to create the same collaborations. “This can be done ladies and gentleman. Our’s just happened. I think you could do it in a more deliberate manner.” - Brad Drummond This Week on Soil Sense: <ul> <li>Meet Brad Brummond, NDSU Extension in Walsh County </li> <li>Learn what Walsh County has achieved with furthering the soil health discussion </li> <li>Explore the tips and tricks to creating collaborations across many organizations </li> <li>See the benefits of soil health practices on their operations </li> </ul> Connect with Soil Sense: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.ndsoilsense.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soil Sense Initiative </a></li> </ul> Soil Sense Podcast is hosted by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/timhammerich/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Hammerich</a> of the <a href="http://www.futureofag.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Future of Agriculture Podcast</a>.

Decades of Soil Health Collaboration

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