LAWRENCE, Mich. — More than 100 local agricultural producers came together at the Van Buren Conservation District’s annual “Farming for the Future” conference on March 8 to learn about improving soil health, soil health testing, cost share opportunities, and more. Speakers included nationally recognized agricultural consultant Lance Gunderson of Nebraska and regenerative farmer Russell Hedrick of North Carolina. A panel of local farmers also shared their experiences with a variety of soil health practices.

“The first thing you have to realize is your soil is alive,” said speaker R.J. Rant, a soil health consultant from Grand Haven. “That means every decision you make on the farm should come back to that principle: what is it doing to the soil life?”

“All the speakers really brought home the importance of carbon in the farm system,” said conference organizer Colleen Forestieri with the Van Buren Conservation District. “Building carbon and organic matter is really the foundation of soil health. More carbon means better drainage and water holding capacity and less nutrient leaching and erosion.”

Van Buren Conservation District staff also discussed new research and cost-share programs that can offer funding to farmers to try conservation practices. All conference sessions are available to watch on the Conservation District’s YouTube page at www.youtube.com/VanBurenCD. For more information about practices and cost-share opportunities, contact Colleen Forestieri at the Van Buren Conservation District, (269) 657-4030 x 5.

— Van Buren Conservation District