Improving Water Quality, Soil Health and Pasture/Hayland production With No-Till

Pasture and hayland account for 62% of the agricultural land use in Clearwater County. In 2012, it was the 12th largest producer of beef cattle in Minnesota. In a county where 22% of pasture/hayland acres are within 300 feet of riparian areas, management practices need to be introduced that enhance rather than restrict the farm operations that use these zones for their livelihood. Clearwater County's Silver Creek and Ruffy Brook are currently listed as impaired by fecal coliform. Working to address these impairments, the Clearwater Soil and Water Conservation District will implement a pasture/hayland management program that benefits water quality and landowner alike. Management practices such as no-till pasture and hayland renovation, flash grazing and rotational grazing will result in increased forage quality and yield, improved ground cover and improved soil health. This will result in lowered run-off and enhance the ability to filter pollutants and stabilize riparian slopes.