Jackson County Land Management & SWCD - MN

08/25/2026

How to create more time on the farm

Are you struggling to find the time to get everything done? This is a common challenge on a farm. There’s an endless list of things to do, and a limited amount of time to get it done.

The reality is that you can’t fit six gallons of water in a five gallon bucket. You have to prioritize and choose how to use your time.

Mark Portner faces the same challenge on his farm, and it led him and his family to make some changes.

Mark is featured in the three videos linked below.


Mark introduces us to his farm and explains what he did on his farm to create more time. https://www.smnsoilhealth.org/farming


As you’ll hear, Mark was initially focused on saving time.


Soon, his understanding of the benefits of focusing on soil health broadened.


He’ll tell us the many benefits he has seen and why he keeps progressing into a soil health. https://www.smnsoilhealth.org/benefits


Lastly, Mark will give you some advice for how to get started with soil health practices on your own farm. https://www.smnsoilhealth.org/advice

08/04/2026

08/03/2026

Field specific cover crop scenarios

Don’t let cover crop planting catch you by surprise.

Cover crop planting windows are fast approaching, and it’s time to get your planting plan dialed in.

We’ve shared with you how to add cover crops in a corn and soybean rotation, and different options for establishment.

Now, here are a couple field specific scenarios for how farmers are planting cover crops around the area.

In the videos linked below, Andy Linder and Mark Portner give the details of cover crop seeding method, rates, dates, and species for a couple of their fields.

In the videos below, Andy Linder and Mark Portner give the details of cover crop seeding method, rates, dates, and species for a couple of their fields.

07/24/2026

Not All Plastic is Recyclable!
https://jacksoncountymn.gov/index.asp?SEC=5443BECC-35A5-4E3D-B735-A0679CB5AAE0

07/02/2026

Cover crop establishment options for this year

Are you curious about adding cover crops to your rotation this year? Now is the time to plan for it.

The two primary cover crop seeding windows for corn and soybean farmers in our area is Labor Day and after harvest.

Each has pros and cons. And what works for one farm may not be the best choice for another.

Considerations of current crop, available labor, machinery, and capital certainly come into play.

To help you weigh the options, follow the links below.

Mark Portner discusses dealing with the uncertainty of mother nature and variable moisture

https://www.smnsoilhealth.org/faq-cover-crop-establishment-options

Andy Linder shares his thoughts on seed incorporation vs broadcast, and how to set yourself up for next year.
https://www.smnsoilhealth.org/faq-cover-crop-establishment-options

06/23/2026

Planting soybeans into cereal rye is a no-brainer

Area farmers have learned that the easiest place to add cover crops into a corn and soybean rotation is ahead of the soybeans.

With a short growing season and full season crops, you might have a hard time seeing where cover crops fit in.

The window between corn harvest and soybean planting has become a clear favorite for successfully adding cover crops.

It’s not hard to find a farmer around southern Minnesota who has taken advantage of this window of opportunity.

We talked to a couple of them to get their thoughts on the easiest way to add cover crops into a corn and soybean rotation.

Area farmers have learned that the easiest place to add cover crops into a corn and soybean rotation is ahead of the soybeans.

05/27/2026

Only three types of rigid plastic are accepted in your recycling bin (1, 2, & 5). This means that the other plastic types typically end up in the landfill. (Think hard plastics like Little Tykes Toys or film plastics like your grocery bags) One company is looking to streamline this process by using all plastic types to create composite fence posts. Check out ZahnTech from Lennox, SD!

ZahnTechTransforms Garbage into High-Quality Construction Grade Construction Materials That Are Superior To Wood In Every Way: 10x Stronger, 20x Longer Lasting.

05/22/2026

Recycling Rules: Make sure to empty out liquids from your plastic bottles before recycling. Replacing the cap is best, but the caps can go into the recycling container loose.

05/13/2026

Statewide, recapture rates for plastic remain relatively low when compared to paper, glass, and aluminum. In 2024, Jackson County residents recycled more than 30 tons of plastic, which is pretty impressive given the material is light weight, by design.

05/10/2026

Have you ever considered building a rain garden? Here are some resources to help you start planning!

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/gardening/how-to-build-a-rain-garden-to-filter-run-off

https://extension.umn.edu/landscape-design/rain-gardens

https://www.owatonna.gov/499/Rain-Garden-Design

Read our step-by-step guide on how to build a rain garden, an eco-friendly way to handle stormwater runoff while beautifying your yard.