2024 report demonstrates advancements in conservation efforts

LEWISTON, Minn. — Carey Tweten, a member of the farmer-led conservation group Driftless Area Ag Alliance, is dedicated to preserving a healthy environment for the benefit of his local community and his farm.

Tweten farms in Lewiston, Minn., with his wife, Emily, alongside her parents, Gene and Phyllis Speltz. They’re the fifth generation on the dairy farm, Valley Acres Dairy, LLC, where they milk about 800 head of cows.

Tweten and his wife are raising four young children who may be involved in the farm some day.

Over the years, they’ve implemented various conservation practices, such as cover cropping, no-tillage and low-disturbance manure injections.

“Sustainable farming is incredibly important to us,” Tweten said. “We want to keep our farm sustainable for the future, particularly if our children choose to take an active role in farm management in the future.”

Tweten has been involved with DAAA since its establishment a few years ago. The group serves as a resource for farmers at any stage of their sustainability journey.

“Engaging in DAAA is an excellent way to connect with fellow farmers and learn about their conservation efforts, as well as stay informed about the latest research,” he said. “Our group aims to connect farmers with available grants and resources to help them implement conservation practices and learn about new initiatives they might not have known about otherwise.”

Survey results

As a part of DAAA, Tweten participated in the first annual Member Conservation Practice Survey. This survey documents and shares the group’s collective sustainability efforts and progress with the entire community.

The group, composed of 11 farmers, implemented various conservation practices including planting 2,630 acres of cover crops, using no-till on 1,330 acres and planting into cover crops (otherwise known as “planting green”) on 705 acres. Members are also following a nutrient management plan on 5,668 acres.

The potential benefits of these practices:

• Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 580 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents, equal to greenhouse gas emissions produced by 138 cars driven for a year.

• Prevention of sediment loss from farm fields of 3,385 tons, equivalent to 339 dump trucks worth of soil.

• Reduction of phosphorus runoff by 7,690 pounds, potentially preventing 3.8 million pounds of algae growth in local water bodies.

Data was analyzed by Houston Engineering, Inc. and Farmers for Sustainable Food.

For more information about Driftless Area Ag Alliance, visit driftlessareaag.org or email driftlessareaagalliance@gmail.com.

By the numbers

Number of acres covered by conservation practices among Driftless Area Ag Alliance members:

• 2024 ―31,817

*Multiple conservation practices can be used on a farm field

Potential impact of conservation practices in 2024:

• Phosphorus runoff reduction ― 7,690 pounds
• Sediment erosion reduction ― 3,385 tons
• Carbon dioxide emission reduction ― 580 metric tons

Photos:

Carey Tweten photo

2024 member survey results graphic

About Driftless Area Ag Alliance:

Driftless Area Ag Alliance is a nonprofit farmer-led conservation group based in the City of Lewiston, Minn. This group of area farmers is devoted to keeping their local water, soil and air healthy as they adopt innovative technologies and share their stories. Their vision is to ensure a healthy environment and community for generations to come. More information: driftlessareaag.org.