2025 Outstanding Conservationist
The Lyman Paulsen family has been named Pipestone Conservationist of the Year.
About nine years ago they switched one portion of the land they farm to no-till with a corn and bean rotation. The rest of their land is strip tilled in the fall for corn and not tilled for beans. Over the last year, they’ve also planted cover crops on all the acres they farm, using a multi-species mix.
In addition to that, they recently reshaped a waterway and Nick has done rotational grazing for his cattle for three years. Paulsen’s farm became a certified water quality farm last year.
Nick said he started learning about no-till at Lake Area Technical College in Watertown. Then he started reading books about it after a neighbor recommended one. From there, he said, it was “down the rabbit hole.” His conclusion: “More soil health is better for the farm and it’s better for us,” Nick said.
Since implementing the various conservation practices, Paulsen said he’s cut costs, saved time, and seen no difference in production. Economically, it’s made sense.
“The fuel and time savings is just unbelievable,” Paulsen said.
He said the ground is firmer with strip tilling and no tilling, which makes it easier to get equipment through. He’s noticed a difference in water infiltration as well. He recalled driving home from Pipestone last year after the heavy rains early in the summer and seeing standing water in fields along the way. There was no standing water in their fields and he believes it was due to the conservation practices they’ve implemented and increased worm activity.
Paulsen said some farmers are hesitant to change from the way they’ve always done things, but that he would recommend the use of conservation practices to others. He said the NRSC and SWCD have programs available that can help.
“It’s very well worth trying,” Paulsen says.
Partnership
Partnership
Partnership
We work together to put conservation practices on the ground by utilizing State Funds and working directly with local producers/landowners and area engineers.
Buffers
Partnership
Partnership
Lots of discussion in the State of Minnesota has been revolving around Buffers to improve water quality in the state. If you are interested in learning more, contact our office or click on the link below.
Ecological and Water Resources Division Appreciation Award
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources presented its annual Ecological and Water Resources Division Appreciation Award to the Pipestone Soil and Water Conservation District. DNR Ecological and Water Resources Division Director Katie Smith presented the award at the annual conference of the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts in December.
“Pipestone SWCD is a great partner in sustainable water resource management,” Smith said. “They understand the water availability challenges in the area and work closely with landowners, communities and the DNR.”
Smith also cited Pipestone SWCD’s valuable work collecting and monitoring groundwater and surface water. They were one of the first Minnesota counties to pilot the electronic observation well data downloading program. They partner with landowners to conduct permit-required monitoring to ensure accurate data collection. They also collect surface water monitoring data that are critical to monitoring groundwater aquifers.
“Soil and water conservation districts play a vital role in helping to protect Minnesota’s lands and waters. In collaboration with local and state government, and the demonstrated commitments of landowners and businesses, SWCDs are making a difference that benefits our communities, environment, our wildlife and, ultimately, all Minnesotans,” Smith said.
Interested in testing your water?
Click below for details:
https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/wells/waterquality/tips.html