U of M Extension Launches New Soil Management And Health Website

Jan 06, 2017

By Phyllis Bongard

Balancing the economic and environmental benefits of soil management strategies can be a challenge. U of MN Extension Crops team has launched a website that offers research-based resources to help producers improve soil and crop productivity, while minimizing environmental risks. The website, Soil management and health, features articles and videos in three primary sections:

Soil properties – includes descriptions of Minnesota soils and how they are formed, the importance of soil structure and the roles of organic matter and soil biology in building structure.
Tillage and soil management – includes resources for reducing soil compaction and erosion, managing crop residue, and evaluating tillage systems.
Cover crops – includes discussions on the benefits of cover crops and resources for selecting, establishing and maintaining them.
Soil fertility - provides a direct link to the U of M Extension Nutrient management website, which houses current crop fertilizer suggestions and data from the University of Minnesota.

The website also includes presentations, an A to Z library to find topics more easily, and links to other University soil websites.

Source: umn.edu

Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.