The Freeborn Area Soil Health Team has announced it will host its fourth annual winter workshop from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday. The workshop will be at Wedgewood Cove, 2200 West Ninth St. in Albert Lea.

Jodi DeJong-Hughes will discuss the benefits and challenges of reducing tillage and adding cover crops. She has been with the University of Minnesota Extension office for over 19 years. Her work focuses on reducing soil erosion and building soil health to improve the grower’s bottom line and to reduce the movement of soil and nutrients through natural waterways. DeJong-Hughes also works alongside many growers, agricultural industry, equipment manufacturers and government agencies to bring high quality, education programs and research to the people of Minnesota.

Liz Stahl from the University of Minnesota Extension Office will also discuss herbicide interactions with cover crops, herbicide persistence and injury potential.

A panel of local farmers, two of which will speak at the National No Till Conference this year, will share its knowledge and answer audience questions.

Certified Crop Advisers may receive 2 soil and water management credits, 0.5 crop management credits,and 0.5 pest management credits for attending. Sign-in and sign out sheets will be available and required to receive credit.

According to a press release, the Freeborn Area Soil Health Team was formed in March 2014 with the goal of educating farmers on what they can do to benefit soil health and water quality. The team’s mission is to facilitate local collaboration that encourages, educates and demonstrates how to improve soil health and water quality while improving productivity, profitability and sustainability of natural resources.

It costs $20 to attend the event and the first 30 people at the door will receive a free publication from DeJong-Hughes. For more information on the event or to RSVP, contact Lindsey Zeitler at 507-373- 5607 extension 3 or email lindsey.zeitler@mn.nacdnet.net.