University of Minnesota Extension will host a workshop focused on soil health and cover crops for crop advisers and other ag professionals Feb. 28 at RCTC Heintz Center in Rochester, according to a press release.

While interest builds around the use of cover crops and other ways to improve soil health, crop advisers can play a key role in providing up-to-date information on their benefits to clients while ensuring they fit with other farm management goals.

In what ways are cover crops actually improving soil? According to a press release, Ann Journey, soil health coordinator, will share results of on-farm soil testing at 25 farms. She will also share some practical ideas of how farmers and crop advisers might assess soil health.

In order to assess their soil, some farmers are using soil health tests.

Do they work to determine fertilizer rates in Minnesota? Liz Stahl, U of M Extension educator, will share results of research assessing the use of the Haney test for this purpose.

What do the economics of cover crops look like? U of M Extension economist Bill Lazarus will share tools for comparing the benefits, costs and risks of cover crop use. Lazarus has been working with farmers in southeast Minnesota to analyze the economics of cover crops; he will share these results, too.

In addition, there may be new crop options in the future that could benefit farmers. Oilseed crops like pennycress and camelina may soon fit into Minnesota crop rotations. Scott Wells of U of M Extension will share research results and discuss the possibilities of these crops.

Registration for the program begins at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 28 with the program following from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at RCTC Heinz Center, 1926 Collegeview Dr. SE in Rochester. A $15 fee covers the cost of lunch and materials. CEUs for certified crop advisers have been applied for in the areas of soil and water management, nutrient management and professional development.

Pre-registration for the workshop is required at z.umn.edu/cc18 or call Winona County Extension at 507-457-6440 to sign up.

The workshop is funded by the Minnesota Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources.