Building Soil Health This Spring
By Taylor Herren, Farm Program Specialist
Excerpt from ‘The Dirt’: SCI’s Monthly Farmer Newsletter
“In the beginning, change can be slow. Be patient and know that with persistence and perseverance you will see results.”
With spring in full force, we know it’s BUSY on the farm.
Time at your desk making budgets and projections, in the shop readying equipment, and in the tractor preparing fields and planting seed. On top of all that, it’s also when most SCI Farmers are deciding on how they plan to build soil health this growing season.
On that note, here are some tips to keep in mind when it comes to farm planning:
In the beginning, change can be slow. Be patient and know that with persistence and perseverance you will see results
Take bigger risks on smaller acreage, then apply the rest of the farm
For every action there is a reaction – think things through
Even if something goes south, it's an investment in experience. The important thing is to learn and not repeat
Try at least one new thing every year
Use soil tests and check strips to know what’s actually working
Regenerative Farmer Brian Brhel, Nebraska
Only you know what’s best for your farm, but remember that Soil & Climate Initiative and Soil Regen are here to help. As always, sending our very best and appreciation for your participation in our program.
Reminder to all SCI farmers: Our monthly Farm Office Hours will take place every last Thursday of the month at 4pm ET.
FARMER RESOURCES
Farm Standard Updates
SCI has published the Soil Testing Guideline & Methodology, an accompaniment guidance document to the Farm Commitment & Verification Standard and provides an overview of the soil sampling methodology and soil testing directions needed to comply with the Farm Standard.
Upcoming Events
Soil & Climate Alliance (SCA) On-Farm Network Meeting | June 11-13, 2024
SCA is the team that created SCI, and this Annual Meeting is an excellent opportunity to network with other farmers along with brands and other organizations that can support what you're trying to accomplish on your farm.
Registration is FREE for SCI Farmers! Reach out to us for details.
Green Cover’s Livestock Integration Webinar Series
Wednesdays @ 12:00pm Central Time
June 5, 12, 19, 26 & July 10,17
Join Green Cover's 6-week webinar series to hear how these producers are using livestock on their operations to boost soil health and their bottom lines.
Additional Resources
Building Soil, Building Equity Initiative:
Offering Financial Incentives to Improve Farm Health
Accelerating Appalachia has just launched its Building Soil, Building Equity Initiative!
This initiative will incentivize up to 400 producers in Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, Southern Ohio, and northern Georgia to build soil health and expand conservation farming and will provide direct incentives up to $1,000/acre for adoption of specified farming and forestry practices.
Regenerative Ag Job Board
Check out Quivira Coalition’s job board! It’s a free resource to help connect employers and those who are seeking employment in regenerative agriculture.
Soil Health Policy Map
The US State Soil Health Policy Map is a crowd-sourced policy tracker designed to support the growth of healthy soil and related policies by sharing frameworks and lessons learned.
This map was launched by volunteer organization Nerds for Earth and climate-focused nonprofit Soil4Climate, and with support from the Carbon Project.