Olmsted County SWCD

A good reminder on how to identify (and stay away from!) wild parsnip!

Our next nitrate screening opportunity is coming up! We will be accepting private well samples at the Rochester Farmers Markets on Saturday, June 13th from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM.

Check out this opportunity to learn more about the Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program hosted by the Driftless Area Ag Alliance!

Learn how to become MN Ag Water Quality certified - Driftless Area Ag Alliance Have you been thinking about getting your farm MN Ag Water Quality certified (MAWQC), but not sure what it takes or how to go about it? Join us Tuesday, June 16th at 10:30 a.m. at Daley Farms of Lewiston (18774 US-14 Lewiston, MN) for a presentation highlighting what is involved in becoming MAWQC ce...

📣 The Southeast Regional Groundwater Protection and Soil Health Initiative received more than $2 million through the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) bill. This funding will allow the successful Olmsted County soil health program to be implemented in 10 additional southeastern Minnesota counties, strengthening shared efforts to protect groundwater quality and promote sustainable land stewardship.

Thank you to our state legislators for supporting several key Olmsted County priorities during the 2026 legislative session. These investments will help improve transportation safety, protect groundwater, modernize human services technology, enhance access at Oxbow Park, and support long-term community well-being.

We appreciate the partnership and shared commitment to building a vibrant community where everyone thrives.

Read more on our website: https://www.olmstedcounty.gov/government/county-news-events/county-news/olmsted-county-thanks-legislators-supporting-key-priorities-during-2026-legislative-session

Southeast Minnesota Soil Health Bus Tour – Register Now

Farmers, agricultural professionals, and agency staff are invited to participate in a three-day Soil Health Bus Tour to the 2026 National Strip-Till Conference, August 5–7 in Springfield, Illinois.

Participants will travel by charter bus from southeast Minnesota, with pick-up locations in Owatonna and Rochester. The tour includes:

A pre-conference workshop at the Bayer Crop Science Research Farm
Two days at the National Strip-Till Conference
Opportunities to network with farmers, researchers, and industry leaders

This experience is designed to help participants learn practical, profitable soil health practices and apply them to their own operations.

The tour has an estimated value of $900 but is available for $100 per participant through grant funding. The cost includes transportation, lodging, conference registration, and select meals.

Space is limited to 50 participants. Registration is required.

To learn more or register, visit: https://www.riceswcd.org/bustour2026

Or call:
Rice SWCD: 507-332-5408
Steele SWCD: 507-451-6730

Bus Tour 2026 | RiceSWCD Southeast Minnesota farmers are invited to attend the 2026 National Strip Tillage Conference in Springfield, IL.

Join us at EarthFest this Saturday May 2nd to learn how to install a rain barrel at your home!

We will be hosting a workshop with the City of Rochester to describe why rain barrels can be an important tool in storm water management and give you practical know-how to get started. We will examine common rain barrel components, look at simple DIY techniques, and learn how to plan a system that fits your property.

What: Explore Rain Barrels Workshop
When: May 2nd at 9:30-10:15am
Where: St. Mary’s University Rochester Campus – Cascade Meadow (2900 19th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901)

EarthFest is one-day event that gathers local and regional environmental organizations, businesses, and community members in one place, attracting over 500 attendees each year. It serves as a vibrant platform for showcasing sustainable innovations, sharing knowledge, and connecting the community. Learn more about what you can experience at EarthFest on their website: https://www.earthfestrochestermn.org/.

Join us for a preview of Roots So Deep (you can see the devil down there) a documentary series about inventive cattle farmers, their animals and land, and a group of maverick scientists, researching whether a type of cattle grazing that mimics the way bison once roamed the land, can be a tool for environmental health and farm profitability.

📍Pop's Art Theatre - 619 6th Ave NW, Rochester, MN
🎫 Get your FREE ticket online at: https://popsarttheater.com/movies/roots-so-deep/

This preview is presented by the Olmsted Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and will include a viewing of two episodes with a brief intermission. Prior to the show, the SWCD will give a short introduction on the work they do and information on a grant for the Cascade Creek Watershed that includes16 years of dedicated funding to address impaired waters. We hope you can join us!