Soil Health Workshop - October 22, 2025

Saddle Hills County hosted the Farm the Ground Up: Soil Health Workshop on October 22, 2025, in partnership with the Savanna Agricultural Society. Twenty-one participants gathered to learn from Dr. Kris Nichols, a soil microbiologist from Minnesota known for her expertise and enthusiasm for soil biology and the fascinating world of Mycorrhizae, the tiny fungi that bring structure, nutrients, and water to our soils and plants.

Dr. Nichols emphasized the importance of maintaining green cover for at least 265 days each year to support microbial activity and promote soil regeneration. Attendees explored practical approaches such as cover cropping and adjusting harvesting practices to help protect and build soil health.

The workshop also included a hands-on soil pit demonstration, where participants examined soil layers and observed how mycorrhizal activity moves water and nutrients through the ground. The group even discovered evidence of a fire that occurred more than a century ago, offering a striking example of how new soil has since formed.

Saddle Hills County extends sincere thanks to the Savanna Ag Society for their partnership in hosting this informative and engaging event, and to all who joined in learning how to farm the ground up.