ST CHARLES, Minn. — Driftless Area Ag Alliance, a non-profit farmer-led conservation group dedicated to keeping their soils, water and air healthy, held their annual meeting on February 10. The group gathered with local farmers, community members and supporters to reflect on last year’s accomplishments while looking forward to continuing to grow the involvement of the group.

DAAA board president Rita Young welcomed attendees and provided an overview of the group’s successes over the last year.

“It takes significant cooperation and coordination to keep our group going and for us to continue to grow,” Young said. “Thank you to everyone in this room and to all those who have supported us along our journey and continue to do so.”

Currently, DAAA has 16 members including 11 farms and 5 community members. Many of the group’s farmers participate in ongoing sustainability projects and conservation programs to improve their local environment and farming operations.

Kaitlin Heusel from Farmers for Sustainable Food provided an overview of the group’s 2024 Member Conservation Survey results. This is the first year DAAA has tracked the farmer’s conservation practices. The survey results included 11 farms and encompassed 9,308 acres of cropland, of which 61% use a nutrient management plan and 28% use cover crops.

Bill Powel-Smith of LandCares, LLC., spoke to attendees about techniques for using soil and tissue samples to target better crop production. He emphasized the value of moisture and its effects on soil aeration, biological balance and enzymatic functions. He stated the goal of conservation practices is to make the soil more resilient.

During a farmer panel discussion, Greg Friendshuh of Friendshuh Farms, Maurie Young of Emerald Spring Dairy and Robb Miller of Clear Crest Farm, shared their experiences using regenerative ag practices. Friendshuh is continuing to add more acres to conservation every year, including adding a grass mix to his alfalfa last year. Miller shared the advantages of having shorter maturity days to allow time for the cover crops to grow before winter. Young emphasized implementing conservation practices in stages and the importance of timing. The panel closed with a planter and equipment discussion.

During the business portion of the meeting, the group held board elections. Becky Clark, Clark Farms, secretary and Shelly DePestel of Daley Farm of Lewiston were re-elected.

Other board members include Rita Young, president; Dean Smith, vice-president; Mitch Thompson, treasurer; Sidney Greden; Dave Scheevel and Carey Tweten. Advisors include Gene Goenner and Dale Heintz.

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

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.