A new collaboration is expanding a farmer-led soil health program across the Midwest. Ryan Heiniger with the Conservation Technology Information Center says Cargill’s Success From the Ground Up program will bring additional regenerative ag resources directly to farmers.
“Farmers really appreciate to hear from other farmers and learning from other farmers,” he says. “It’s about avoiding some of the missteps, sharing those lessons learned, and tidbits of advice. We partner up farmers and mentors with those who have similar operations.”
Through a grant from Cargill, CTIC will provide local funding opportunities to cover the costs for summer field days and winter workshops.
Alayna Jacobs, a conservation agronomist at Cargill, says the partnership is focused on long-term sustainability in agriculture.
“The organizations that we’re partnering with have the same goals we have, which is to help farmers keep their land productive well into the future,” she says. “Sustainability for us means supporting those soil resources and supporting farmers to become more economically viable.”
Since launching in 2023, Success From the Ground Up has reached more than 193,000 people through workshops, field days, online resources and peer networks, with more than $3 million invested in 13 organizations across 10 states.
CTIC is currently seeking farmer nominations in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Ohio. Applications must be submitted by June 1st.
EDITOR’S TAKE:
As a former board member and past Chair of CTIC, I am very excited to see this type of collaboration to educate farmers about sustainable and healthy soil. Peer-to-peer education has a degree of trust that cannot be duplicated. Farmers often learn a great deal from actual field demonstrations created and discussed by other farmers. This synergy should produce very measurable results and success.
These types of field demonstrations could be a wonderful opportunity for you to play a role in supporting such efforts. Perhaps having a few vehicles parked on site when field days are taking place could be good for business. Contact CTIC if you’re in one of the states they are targeting to see what might be possible. If not this event, perhaps another one might be coming up in your area. Check with local commodity organizations to see what’s happening.
