Spring is approaching, and it’s time to plan cover crop termination. Explore mechanical, grazing and chemical strategies to protect cash crops, manage input costs and maintain soil health while evaluating what survived the winter.

In each Tune Up Newsletter, we profile one team member, partner, or other SWOF affiliate to better understand their contribution to the program. In this edition, we’re spotlighting one of SWOF’s referral partners, Central Wisconsin Ag Services.

Meet Jake Stricklin, a farmer enrolled in the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund from northern Illinois. Learn how this young, innovative leader in agriculture is utilizing knowledge and support from several partnering organizations to improve his operation's bottom line through reduced tillage and cover crop implementation.

Meet the Allyn Family, farmers enrolled in the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund from southern Indiana. Their family has been farming for over 100 years. Last year they enrolled with SWOF to help with erosion by reducing their tillage and experimenting with cover crops.

Meet Trent Brass, a farmer enrolled in the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund from northern Illinois. Trent farms with his brother, Tom, and father, Robert. They’ve been enrolled with SWOF since June 2022 and utilize cover crops and no-till on their operation.

Meet Tom Adam, a farmer enrolled in the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund from southeast Iowa. Tom’s family has farmed their land in Keokuk County, Iowa since 1852. He has been enrolled with SWOF since May 2021 and utilizes cover crops, no-till, and an extended crop rotation on his operation.

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.

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.

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.