From Research to Resilience: Advancing Soil Health with Dr. Anna Cates

A conversation with Dr. Anna Cates, Extension Soil Health SpecialistIn this edition of Minnesota CropCast (Episode #56), hosts Dave Nicolai and Seth Naeve sit down with Dr. Anna Cates, the University of Minnesota Extension Soil Health Specialist. The group discusses Dr. Cates' unique role and the current state of cover crops and soil health across Minnesota.Dr. Cates leads the MN Office for Soil Health (MOSH), which is dedicated to improving soil health by working with farmers and conservation professionals. Born on a Wisconsin farm and educated at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (PhD in Agronomy, MS in Soil Science and Agroecology), she now works to turn research into on-the-ground conservation.The episode explores the partnership between MOSH and the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), highlighting how they collaborate to provide funding, policy implementation, and technical guidance to local partners like Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs).Tune in to hear discussions on:Farmer adoption of conservation practices and cover crops.An upcoming intensive educational opportunity: The Cover Crop Academy.Please join us for another lively and informative MN CropCast.