As one of our enrolled farmers and referral partners, Travis Milne has experienced the positive effects of prioritizing soil health and conservation practices firsthand. This approach has led to increased profitability on his own land and that of his customers. Learn how SWOF's simple, farmer-centered approach appealed to this dedicated steward of the land in this month’s SWOF Spotlight.

Milne-Dinsdale Seed, LLC aims to empower farmers to optimize their operations. Hear more about their work from co-owner Erin Marlow and why she recommends SWOF to her clients in our latest SWOF Referral Partner Spotlight.

the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund (SWOF) would like to highlight the work of the Bailey Family Farm in northwest Missouri. BJ Bailey started farming in 1977. He farms with his brother, Bert, and son, Bret. They have a corn and bean rotation and a cow calf operation.

Tim joined the SWOF team in October of 2023 and he is a passionate advocate for agricultural conservation and sustainable farming practices. As SWOF works to expand its partnerships to provide more opportunities for farmers in the South, Tim serves as the lead in field work there as well as on our collaboration with the Cotton Trust Protocol.

Throughout our diverse agricultural landscapes, soil health is fundamental for productivity and sustainability. Beneath the surface, a variety of organisms, from microbes to fungi, collaborate to nourish and structure the soil. Learn key aspects of the pivotal role microbial diversity plays in fostering resilient agricultural ecosystems.

Field visits are a crucial part of the MRV process at the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund (SWOF). Learn how our verification process ensures compliance and accuracy while supporting farmers in implementing conservation practices.

This past December, I had the privilege of attending the inaugural Iowa Farmers of Color Conference at Jasper Winery in Des Moines, IA. This transformative event, spearheaded by Todd Western III and Shaffer Ridgeway with support from Practical Farmers of Iowa, exceeded all expectations.

The grant has also enabled the Midwest Climate-Smart Commodity Program to solidify multi-year relationships with farmers. For example, Nick Hermanson, who farms 5,000 acres of corn and soybeans and raises 300,000 turkeys a year on his farm in Story City, Iowa, is a fifth-generation farmer on the same land his family has farmed for 150 years.

As we gear up to open enrollment for 2024, we'd like to take a moment and celebrate the impressive growth and commitment to sustainable agriculture that the Soil and Water Outcomes achieved in 2023 with the help of our innovative farmers, hardworking staff, supporting partners, and local community advocates.

Discover the unparalleled advantages of integrating Cereal Rye into your cover cropping system. From erosion control to enhanced soil structure, this perennial choice can elevate your agricultural practices. Here we break down the essential timing and considerations required to manage this perennial cover crop effectively.