MINNEAPOLIS — We already know that livestock integration is critical to achieving soil health. It’s one of the Five Principles of Soil Health and guides much of our programming at various SFA events and the Midwest Soil Health Summit.
But what if you’re a crop farmer working toward soil health but, for whatever reason, can’t add the livestock piece?
After working in cooperation with SFA, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture has launched the Cropland Grazing Exchange, an interactive website that seeks to connect crop farmers and livestock farmers to improve soil health.
On the site, crop and/or livestock farmers register their location by township and provide basic information about their operation. An interactive map is then generated that shows available grazing sites and livestock herds; registered users may contact each other to initiate a conversation about grazing agreements.
It’s like “Airbnb” for your critters!
The Cropland Grazing Exchange also includes information about writing a grazing lease, guidelines on herbicide restrictions, and other considerations for custom grazing.
For more information and to register your operation, visit www.mda.state.mn.us/cge or contact Kelly Anderson at 320.808.4424.
— Jason Walker, SFA Communications Director
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