By Scout Nelson
Extreme weather events, from intense storms to shifting dry and wet periods, are becoming more frequent across Minnesota, making it harder for farms to adapt. To help address this challenge, a field day on building farm resilience will take place on August 19 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Rosemount Research and Outreach Center.
The event will highlight how smart conservation practices such as reduced tillage, cover crops, and improved irrigation can help farms remain productive despite unpredictable weather. Experts will present the latest research and share strategies participants can apply immediately.
The agenda begins with a welcome from the UMN Climate Adaptation Extension Educator, followed by a presentation on soil health and evapotranspiration (ET). This session will explore how healthy soils, with better organic matter and structure, improve water use efficiency, reduce evaporation, and enhance plant growth even during drought or heat.
A rainfall demonstration will show how different management practices influence rainwater capture and infiltration, connecting these outcomes to crop productivity and input costs.
The cover crop management session will focus on how cereal rye termination timing and herbicide programs affect soil moisture, weed control, and soybean yield. This segment will share findings from current University of Minnesota research.
The event will close with a discussion on funding opportunities for on-farm conservation and resilience through programs like the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Registration is encouraged by August 15 to ensure lunch, but walk-ins are welcome. For more details or to register, visit https://z.umn.edu/FarmResilience8-19.
This field day is co-hosted by UMN Climate Adaptation Partnership, Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District, UMN Extension, Minnesota Office for Soil Health, USDA NRCS, and Minnesota Farmers Union.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-tlillico
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Soybeans, Weather