Mower Soil & Water Conservation District

A few upcoming events, including this Wednesday at Austin's Todd Park to raise funding for the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition at a cookout by the Izaak Walton League's Austin chapter.

Mower County private well users are encouraged to apply for FREE testing of your water through the state's Tap-In program.

Follow links in the comments for more information and to apply.

Minnesota Department of Health

Upcoming steak cookout next Wed., June 24, to support the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition thanks to the Austin chapter of the Izaak Walton League.

RSVP for this free event Tuesday at the Lightly farm, west of Austin.

Registration and more info here:
https://practicalfarmers.org/events/field-days/diversifying-a-row-crop-farm-with-winter-camelina-oats-sunflowers-and-cover-crops/

No-till farming is a sustainable ag practice that involves growing crops without disturbing the soil through tillage or turning.

This video linked in the comments features a no-till farmer who talks about his experience with incorporating reduced-tillage practices on his farm.

Crop residue remains on the surface, helping to prevent erosion; improve soil structure by creating pore space for air and water; increase water infiltration into the soil profile; and keep soil cooler during hot, sunny days.

FREE workshop just west of Austin from 4-6 PM on Tuesday, June 16th, at the Scott & Dawn Lightly farm.
Details are available via the link in the comments below.

See & Discuss:
* Basics of winter camelina agronomy and marketing
* Combine settings and tricks for winter camelina
* Market opportunities for sunflowers
* Financial and agronomic benefits of double-cropping cool- and warm-season crops
* Navigating crop insurance for specialty crops
* Soil-health benefits of interseeded cover crops

This event is sponsored by:
Albert Lea Seed House
Bio Till Cover Crops
Cargill
Sentinel Ag

Congrats to our friends Mower County Historical Society and Tom Trow for receiving an award for the Grand Meadow Chert Quarry!
Mower SWCD has enjoyed partnering with them and others on this special place for Native American history.

Congratulations to the 2026 Minnesota History Awards recipients! 🎉

To learn more about their work, visit the MALHM website: https://www.mnhistoryalliance.org/award-recipients