By Scout Nelson
The University of Minnesota Extension hosted the latest episode of Strategic Farming: Let’s Talk Crops, a webinar series focused on climate-smart agriculture and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This session was broadcast live from the Minnesota Ag Expo in Mankato for the first time.
Experts discussed how soil health practices such as reduced tillage, cover crops, and nitrogen management can influence carbon intensity scores for crops used in SAF production. These scores help determine eligibility for federal tax incentives, impacting grain marketability and premium payments.
“Many practices associated with soil health contribute to sustainable fuel production,” said UMN Extension soil health specialists. They explained how reducing tillage, managing nitrogen use, and using cover crops can lower emissions and qualify crops for carbon-based incentives.
Carbon intensity calculators help estimate emissions per bushel, guiding ethanol plants in sourcing low-carbon crops. Some plants struggle to meet sustainability targets, making financial incentives essential for producer participation. Unlike carbon credit markets, farmers can earn premiums even if they already use sustainable practices.
The Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) also presented its Farmers for Soil Health program, offering financial and technical support for cover crop adoption. Backed by a $95 million USDA Climate Smart Grant, the program provides $50 per acre over three years to ease the transition.
Additionally, the Minnesota Agricultural Water Resource Center (MAWRC) shared research on reducing off-farm nutrient losses. Upcoming events, including the Nitrogen Management Conference on February 4 and the Nutrient Management Conference on February 18, will continue these discussions.
The next episode of the UMN Strategic Farming webinar series will take place next week, offering more insights into sustainable practices and conservation incentives.
Photo Credits:university-of-minnesota
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Energy, Weather