Midwest Grazing & Soil Health Summit

The Midwest Grazing & Soil Health Summit will be hosted at the Willmar Conference Center in Willmar, Minnesota, showcasing an impressive lineup of speakers and exhibitors dedicated to advancing grazing practices and soil health. A highlight of the summit will be the keynote address by Dr. Temple Grandin, a renowned figure in the beef cattle industry. Dr. Grandin has significantly impacted livestock handling through her research on animal behavior, which has led to the development of humane facility designs and standards that prioritize animal welfare. As a Distinguished Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University, she has received numerous accolades for her contributions, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and induction into several prestigious halls of fame. Her unique perspective is further enriched by her personal experiences with autism, which have influenced her work and led to her recognition in popular media, including the HBO biopic about her life.In addition to Dr. Grandin, several other prominent speakers will contribute their expertise, such as Keith Berns, a no-till farming educator and co-owner of Green Cover Seed, who has been recognized as a Champion of Change for Sustainable and Climate-Smart Agriculture. He brings over 25 years of experience in no-till farming and has developed widely used tools for cover crop selection. Jared Luhman, who manages a family farm in Goodhue, MN, practices environmentally friendly farming techniques, focusing on improving land stewardship and profitability. Other speakers include Jason Cavadini, a Grazing Outreach Specialist with extensive experience in managed-grazing practices, and Caitlin Word, a regenerative ranching consultant dedicated to helping producers thrive through sustainable practices. Josh Gaskamp, also from Noble Research Institute, specializes in wildlife and rangeland ecology, while Todd Churchill, founder of Thousand Hills Cattle Company, brings entrepreneurial insights into value-added farm businesses. The summit will feature a full schedule of events, including breakout sessions led by various experts and practitioners, networking opportunities, and exhibits from organizations committed to soil health and sustainable agriculture. Notable exhibitors include the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program, Green Lands Blue Waters, and the Minnesota Grazing Lands Conservation Association, all contributing to discussions about ecological restoration and sustainable land management. The event will celebrate the evolution of the Sustainable Farming Association's Midwest Soil Health Summit, which acknowledges the integral relationship between livestock management and soil health. This year's summit promises to enhance knowledge and foster collaboration among farmers, ranchers, and agricultural professionals, paving the way for a regenerative future in agriculture.