Nicollet Soil and Water Conservation District

10/29/2026

This morning we had our fall tour and focused on non structural practices occurring in Nicollet County MN. Thank you to those who attended!

10/26/2026

Happening in 6 weeks in City of Saint Peter, Minnesota.
Check it out if you would like to learn more about Winter Camelina and how to do relay and/or double cropping systems!

09/30/2026

Better soil could mean lower inputs, stronger crops, healthier livestock, and more profit on your farm.

Find out how at the Premier Soil Health Event, December 1st and 2nd in Mankato!

Hear from international rancher Alejandro Carrillo, who’s using soil health and adaptive grazing to build resilience in one of the toughest environments in the world.

And hear from Russell Hedrick, record-setting corn grower who raised an incredible 459.5 bushels per acre.

Learn practical information: soil biology, melting urea, pasture pigs, solar grazing, virtual fencing, nutrient management in corn and soybeans, and how agronomists can better work alongside farmers implementing soil health.
CEU credits are available.

Come learn what’s working, ask questions, and take home ideas you can put to work on your farm.

General admission is $200 ($175 for MSHC members)

Register at: mnsoilhealth.org/premier-soil-health-event/

09/17/2026

Harvest season is here; let’s work together to keep our roads safe this fall.

Did you know? Crash data shows there were 392 crashes involving farm equipment in Minnesota from 2023 to 2025, resulting in 12 deaths and 167 injuries.

For motorists:
• Slow down when approaching farm equipment and don’t assume operators can see you.
• Watch for debris that may fall from equipment.
• Wait for a safe spot before passing.
• Keep your headlights on for visibility.

For farm equipment operators:
• Use lights and flashers to stay visible.
• Display slow-moving vehicle emblems on equipment traveling under 30 mph.
• Avoid signaling motorists to pass; pull over when safe and let traffic go by.
• Consider a follow vehicle when moving equipment, especially at night.
• Pick up any debris left on the roadway.
A little patience and extra caution go a long way toward keeping everyone safe this fall!

08/25/2026

Attention residents with Well Test Kits!

We have 2 final Well Test Kit drop off days for this summer.
If you bring your completed samples to our office (501 7th St, Nicollet, MN) by 2pm on Thursday, August 27th or Friday, September 4th, we will take them to Minnesota Valley Testing Lab in New Ulm on your behalf!

Please call our office at 507-232-2550 if you have any questions!

08/21/2026

Happening now! Go get your soil tested! 🌱

‼️UPDATE ON EVENT DATE‼️

Free Soil Lead Screening in Nicollet County

Wondering what’s in the soil around your home or garden? Bring a soil sample to SoilSHOP (Soil Screening, Health, Outreach, and Partnership) for a FREE lead screening.

Friday, August 21
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
St. Peter Public Library

In addition to having your soil screened for lead, you can learn about:
• Ways to lower lead exposure if lead is found in your soil
• Best practices for gardening
• Lead and its potential health effects

How to collect your soil sample:

Choose the area you would like tested.
Collect soil from 5–10 random spots within that area and combine it in a clean container.
• Garden areas: Collect soil from the surface down 6–8 inches.
• Non-garden/play areas: Collect soil from the surface down 1–2 inches.
Mix the soil well.
Remove pebbles, rocks, and roots, then allow the soil to air dry.
Place 1–2 cups of the mixed soil in a clean, one-quart zip-top plastic bag.

You may bring up to three soil samples per person. If collecting more than one sample, rinse your container between samples.

No cost and no appointment needed; just bring your prepared soil sample!

08/20/2026

All trees have been claimed!

Thank you to everyone who participated in our tree giveaway at the Nicollet County Fair! We had 175 entries in the drawing, and are excited to see these trees find new homes.

If you didn’t win a tree but would still like to order one, be sure to check out our tree order form for next year’s tree sale. We realize April may seem like a ways away, but it’s never too early to start thinking ahead!

If you’re on our newsletter mailing list, you’ll receive a tree order form in our January newsletter.

Not on the mailing list? Give us a call at (507) 232-2550 to get added.

Thank you again to everyone who participated!

08/19/2026

Check out this event we'll be at on September 1st! Pete is a Soil Health Mentor with our District and has lots of experience to share. Use code SWCD2026 for free registration. See you there!
https://www.mnsoilhealth.org/event/field-day-at-pete-kramers/

08/12/2026

Happy Fair Week Nicollet County!!

We are celebrating fair week with a TREE GIVEAWAY!!

To enter: like this post, share this post, and follow our page!

Stop by our booth at the fair during fair week (today, August 12th through Sunday, August 16th) and get an additional entry into the drawing.

We will draw a winner after the fair, on Monday, August 17th.

There are 7 trees up for grabs—Good luck!