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Landowners connect with conservation experts, programs
BY JEFFREY HAGE STORIES FROM THE HEARTLAND
A group of local farmers pulled up chairs alongside conservation professionals in early August for a different kind of meeting in Milaca— one meant to strip away the jargon and show how federal, state and local programs can work together to keep land healthy and farms profitable.
The gathering was hosted by the Minnesota-based nonprofit Renewing the Countryside. Farmers swapped questions and ideas with agency experts— and with a farm couple who’ ve already put those programs to work.
Renewing the Countryside is in the business of connecting dots. The organization helps farmers and food businesses find resources, assists new farmers in getting land, and partners with agencies on conservation efforts. The organization connected farmers with conservation specialists at eight sites across Minnesota in July and August.
Brett Olson, the group’ s co-founder and creative director, kept the discussion lively. Olson— who also works as a farmland access navigator and food business adviser— has been with Renewing the Countryside since the start. He and his family live on a historic dairy farm and stagecoach stop in Zumbro Falls.
On the panel was Brian Steffen, district conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service( NRCS), who covers five counties from his Cambridge office. With more than a decade of experience, Steffen knows the ins and outs of conservation programs.
Molly Clyne, forestry coordinator and watershed organizer with the Mille Lacs County Soil and Water Conservation District( SWCD), brought her knowledge of forestry work, watershed planning and community outreach.
Representing the farmer’ s point of view were Rob and Samantha Heitke, owners of Tillering Farm near Milaca. On 100 acres, they raise grass-fed beef, pork and lamb, selling their products directly to customers through markets in New Brighton and Maple Grove.
The Heitkes first reached out to NRCS in 2018— before their farm business was even rolling.
“ We thought we were too small,” Samantha said.“ We didn’ t think we’ d qualify for any programs. We didn’ t even know these resources existed for us.”
Three years later, cost-share funding helped them turn row-crop fields into pasture and install fencing.
“ We could have done it eventually,” Rob said.“ But we wouldn’ t be where we are now. It let us do it responsibly and on a realistic timeline.”
Deadlines loomed at times, but the couple stayed on track, doing most of the pasture seeding and fencing themselves. Samantha laughed about one hard-earned lesson:
“ Don’ t do 14 acres of four-strand barbed wire in a month. It might stress your marriage a little.”
The panel’ s give-and-take with the audience often became on-the-spot troubleshooting.
One farmer asked if winter grazing in a wetland was ok. Steffen’ s answer was quick: it’ s bad for livestock and the environment.
“ It’ s a sensitive feature,” he said.“ Look for a different spot— especially in calving season.”
Clyne added that wetlands are regulated under the Wetland Conservation Act and often require county review.
Another question centered on project timelines. Rob said their plan with NRCS was flexible.“ There’ s room to adjust if life throws you something unexpected,” he said.
Olson steered the talk toward how conservation priorities are set. Steffen explained that each county holds Local Work Group meetings, typically late winter or early spring, to identify the top five conservation needs.
“ It’ s a great way for your voice to be heard,” he said.“ Those priorities direct-
Conservation / See page 46
Stories of the Heartland • Sunday, September 21, 2025 Page 27
Celebrating 65 Years of Conservation
Conservation Stories WANTED
We’ re collecting stories from people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life and we want to hear yours!
Whether it’ s a conservation project, a funny memory, a heartfelt moment, or simply a time that made you appreciate the land a little more, your story matters.
Some stories will be featured in the Morrison County Record!
WHAT IS YOUR STORY?
What legacy do you hope to leave through your land or conservation efforts?
Was there a place in nature that meant a lot to you growing up?
What’ s one tradition from the farm you still carry with you?
How has farming influenced the way you see nature, land, and conservation?
How do you make space for wildlife on your land or how would you like to?
Thank you for being a part of our story.
Share your story. www. morrisonswcd. org( 320) 631-3551 stories @ morrisonswcd. org morrisonswcd