Conservation farming – East Metro Water

New expert support and funds available for farmers in the Lower St. Croix Watershed

By: angiehongmn March 26, 2022March 24, 2022

Keeping water cleanConservation farming, cover crops, farming, featuredLeave a Comment

The Lower St. Croix Watershed Partnership has hired a Minnesota Extension agronomy outreach specialist – Jennifer Hahn – and has earmarked more than $200,000 to support soil health practices and conservation plans for farmers in the local region.

Explore new options for local farms at Oct. 22 workshop

By: angiehongmn October 10, 2019October 8, 2019

Partners and UpdatesConservation farming, farming, featured, grazing, perennial crops, sustainable agricultureLeave a Comment

Perennial crops, conservation grazing, and whole-farm plans Dani Dircks is a licensed general contractor, mother of four, and healthy-living advocate with an entrepreneurial spirit. “Two years ago when my oldest child was in kindergarten, he missed three days of school because he was sick,” Dircks explains. “I had three younger children at home already and…

Finding ways to balance farming and clean water

By: angiehongmn January 30, 2019August 5, 2020

Keeping water clean, Partners and Updatesclean water, Conservation farming, farming, featured, Mississippi River, St. Croix River, sustainable agriculture1 Comment

A story of redemption 26 years ago, Brian Axdahl and his father bought an old sod farm near the St. Croix River and plowed the turf under with moldboard plows. The soil was compacted from years of poor management. Lakes formed in the fields whenever it rained, and runoff flowed to the river, carrying sediments…

It’s all about the bees

By: angiehongmn December 4, 2018

Keeping water clean, Local Achievements, Partners and Updates, Wildlifebees, butterflies, Conservation farming, cover crops, featured, habitat restoration, monarchs, pollinators1 Comment

Washington Conservation District recognizes Pam Arnold & Laurie Schneider for their conservation efforts The bee is a curious ambassador for the Earth. They are little. They sting. They tiptoe across flowers on insect legs, waving insect antenna, and peering out at the world through kaleidoscoped insect eyes. The females do all of the work, and…

Community Supported Agriculture

By: angiehongmn March 7, 2016

Keeping water cleanclean water, Community Supported Agriculture, Conservation farming, MinnesotaLeave a Comment

These programs connect people directly with the farmers growing their food. Members sign up during the spring and pay all or a portion of their payment in advance. Then, during the growing season, they receive a box of food every week – usually vegetables, but sometimes also fruit, eggs, meat or honey.

Local farmers adapt to improve soil health and the St. Croix River

By: angiehongmn March 24, 2015

Keeping water cleanConservation farming, St. Croix River, Washington Conservation DistrictLeave a Comment

During 2012 and 2013, the Washington Conservation District worked with five landowners in Afton and Denmark Twp. to install sediment basins on their properties in order to slow down rain runoff, reduce erosion, and filter out pollutants like sediment and phosphorus.

FarmWise pilot project a winning idea

By: angiehongmn November 14, 2011

Keeping water cleanConservation farming, Freshwater Society, National Park Service, non-point source pollution, Washington Conservation District, water pollutionLeave a Comment

Earlier this year, FarmWise won $15,000 in the Minnesota Idea Open, a competition that asked people across the state to vote on-line and during the Minnesota State Fair to select their favorite, most innovative ideas for cleaning up Minnesota waterways.