Crop cover tours coming

The Carlton Soil and Water Conservation District and the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program, in partnership with Northland Farm Supply, Widdes Feed & Farm Supply, and Federated Co-ops of Moose Lake, are all gearing up for the Cover Crop Field Days April 26-28.

Field days highlight how farmers from across the county are incorporating cover crops into their farming practices. Cover crops have been used by farmers in Minnesota for decades and provide benefits to the farmer and the land they are planted on.

The tour schedule is:

7 p.m. Tuesday, April 26: 3803 McDowell Road in Holyoke with Bruce Heikes.

7 p.m. Wednesday, April 27: 1236 Carlton County Road 4 in Wrenshall with Scott Heittola.

7 p.m. Thursday, April 28: 5724 Kingsley Road in Cromwell with Steve Risacher

All three farms on the field day tours have goals for soil health improvements. Owners will talk about plans for possible harvest this spring to reduce feed costs for their livestock.

Farmers use cover crops to improve crop diversity, weed suppression, nutrient cycling and soil health. When considering planting a cover crop a farmer must calculate input costs, whether that be seed costs or impacts to a cash or forage crop yield.

It is also helpful to consider the benefits to the soil that may not have tangible income numbers. A farmer can also utilize the cover crop for feed or forage, which will improve the bottom line for raising livestock.

Cover crops also reduce soil erosion and nutrient runoff within the watershed. Less soil and nutrients in the watershed amount to measurable clean water outcomes for our rivers and lakes.

The SWCD partners with local farmers to help cost-share on a variety of conservation crop cover practices.

There is no cost to attend and no need to register. If you have any questions about cover crops or the tour, contact Ryan Clark at 218-451-6118.