Ryan Hough and his brother run a diversified crop and cattle operation in Barnesville, Minnesota. They began their “soil health journey” roughly 10 years ago, and are constantly learning and refining the ways they integrate livestock into their cropping system in order to build the health of their soil and profitability.

Kim Melton combines her background in agriculture with conservation through her work as the Soil Health Coordinator for the Red River Basin Commission, a nonprofit that stewards the basin that stretches across the borders of Minnesota, the Dakotas, and Canada. 

The two frequently work together on implementing soil health practices (Kim is known to even hop in the sprayer to get program paperwork signed). Listen in for ideas for your operation, no matter your experience level with soil health. And, join us in Barnesville on November 18 for the "Harvest Celebration: Growing Profit and Conservation together." Click here to learn more.

Ryan Hough, Barnesville farmer

Kim Melton, Soil Health Coordinator, Red River Basin Commission

Jonathan Kilpatrick, Farmer Education Director, Sustainable Farming Association

Some resources mentioned in this episode:

NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)

NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

Minnesota Soil & Water Conservation Districts

Ranching for Profit

Working Cows Podcast

Dirt Rich is produced by the Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota. The viewpoints of the speakers expressed within or outside of this episode do not necessarily reflect the goals and mission of SFA.

If you enjoy Dirt Rich, consider supporting our work by becoming a member of SFA or making a gift at www.sfa-mn.org/support.