View over soft sunrise with fog, rolling green hills, and some cattle behind a fence

Fields of Sinsinawa November 2024 Newsletter

•

Julia Gerlach

In this edition:

  • Soul of the Soil Success
  • Pop-Up Cover Crop Field Day
  • God and Science Intertwined
  • Fields of Sinsinawa in the News

Soul of the Soil Success

Fields of Sinsinawa’s first annual Soul of the Soil conference, held September 23-24, is in the books! It was a fantastic event, with plenty of learning, sharing, and networking between farmers, conservationists, landowners, and others interested in understanding the connections between functioning soils and healthy crops, people, and communities.

Dan Dietrich, a rancher from Mt. Morris, IL, shared his experiences with adaptive management grazing.

In holding our event in September, attendees were able to touch the cover crops that were planted after wheat harvest, feel the softness of the soil beneath the covers, see how the grazing cattle are knocking back weeds and allowing desirable grasses to flourish, witness the water infiltration of different farm management practices, and hear directly from the tenant farmers who are nurturing crops at Sinsinawa Mound.

Thanks to everyone who joined us, and thanks especially to our sponsors who made the event possible. It was a fantastic experience and we’re incredibly grateful that we had the opportunity to spend time with everyone who attended and introduce them to the soil care practices being implemented at the Mound.

Read more about the conference happenings here.

Plant Family Interconnectivity Discussed at Pop-Up Field Day

A week after the Soul of the Soil conference, tenant farmer Bernard Runde requested a pop-up field day showcasing one of the cover crop fields that was planted after wheat harvest. He had some farmer friends who hadn’t been able to get to the conference but were interested in learning about the cover crop mix that was planted. About 20 people attended the Sept. 30 event at the intersection of Murphy Rd. and County Rd. Z, where they learned about the principles of soil care and why it’s important for rotations to include all four plant types (cool-season broadleaves, warm-season broadleaves, cool-season grasses, and warm-season grasses).

SW WI farmers assessing a cover crop field
At the pop-up field day on Sept,. 30, Sinsinawa tenant farmers Bernard Runde (far left) and Aaron Leibfried (sitting next to Bernard) — along with almost 20 others from the area — listened as soil consultant Rick Bieber (far right) discussed the benefits of keeping living roots in the ground for as much of the year as possible.

God and Science Intertwined

A question that comes up frequently about Fields of Sinsinawa centers around why the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa are interested in having a farmer-led learning center on their property. Sinsinawa Mound is a bit of a hidden gem, after all, and apparently the connection between the sisters and the surrounding farmland is not widely understood. But the property has been in their care since 1847, when the Venerable Samuel Mazzuchelli, who reportedly said, “This place was meant for God and Science,” founded the Dominican Sisters at the Mound.

Recently, Sister Sheila Fitzgerald, who has been a Sinsinawa Dominican since 1957, wrote about the sisters’ stewardship of the land, how it stems from Mazzuchelli’s vision while also encompassing the vision Pope Francis expressed in Laudato Si’: On Care for our Common Home and the land ethic advanced by Aldo Leopold. In her eloquent and passionate essay, she says, “Fields of Sinsinawa’s…goal is to shift our consciousness to understanding soil as the source of all life. It is to experience the sacred soil as a community to which we belong. It is to respect an entire living community in the ground beneath us and to know our interdependence with it.”

Read Sister’s Sheila’s entire piece, “God and Science Intertwined”

Fields of Sinsinawa in the News

Fields of Sinsinawa scored some great coverage of the Soul of the Soil conference by local and not-so-local media. Here are links to stories from reporters who were in attendance.

Galena Gazette

Farmers Get to the “Soul of the Soil”

By Murphy Obershaw

Progressive Farmer

Convent Finds Legacy in Soil Health

By Chris Clayton

Telegraph Herald

Fields of Sinsinawa grows ag education campus with conference

By Benjamin Fisher

,

•

,
Tony Peirick
Wisconsin

Tony Peirick

I am co-chair of Fields of Sinsinawa. I farm south-central Wisconsin in Watertown with my brother, sons, and family members. We are a 200-cow dairy and 1100-acre cash grain farm. We do no-till, cover cropping and planting green. I’m also the Chairman of our farmer-led group, Dodge County Farmers for Healthy Soil & Healthy Water. I’m very excited about the Fields of Sinsinawa. We have a great opportunity here!

Wisconsin Lead Contact

Peirick0583@gmail.com

Close Window
Marty Weiss
Wisconsin

Marty Weiss

I am from Beaver Dam WI. I’ve been married to my wife Sue for 48 years and we have three children (Michele, Kelso MO; Monica, Ham Lake MN; and Douglas, Beaver Dam WI). Until 2003 I was a dairyman with a registered Holstein herd which I rotationally grazed. Then I custom grazed breeding age dairy heifers until 2022. Now I cash crop corn, soybean, and winter wheat with cover crops following corn and soybean harvest and a multi-species 15-way mix following wheat harvest. I’ve been no-tilling for the 5 years and previously strip-tilled for 25 years. I’m co-chair for the Dodge County Farmers for Healthy Soil & Healthy Water and am also on the facilities and steering committees for the Fields of Sinsinawa.

Close Window
Jerry Daniels
Wisconsin

Jerry Daniels

My wife, Barb, and I are former dairy farmers from Kenosha County, having moved out to Juda, Wisconsin about 18 years ago. We crop farm using no-till, cover crops and planting green on our acres. We believe in the health of the soil and what we can do to improve our soil and try to help anyone else who is interested in this ever-growing and changing endeavor. Our crops include wheat, oats, corn, beans, grass mix hay and cover crop mixes. Additionally, we have CRP and CREP acres as well as timber with which we are looking to help our wildlife. We are active members in our watershed group, Farmers of the Sugar River Watershed. Every day provides a new opportunity to learn, share and grow, and we are truly enjoying our life.

Close Window
Dani Heisler
Wisconsin

Dani Heisler

I’m nestled into the driftless region of southwest Wisconsin near Richland Center, where my two Australian Cattle dogs and I enjoy our wooded and managed prairie acreage. Growing up, I was actively involved in my family’s beef operation that cultured my love for the land and cattle from a young age. I attended University of Wisconsin at River Falls where I achieved a Bachelor of Science, studying Animal Science, Agronomy and Food Science. Throughout my professional career I’ve worked across production agriculture, organic production, livestock nutrition, and non-profit work in Regenerative Agriculture. I currently serve Wisconsin farmers and landowners at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) through my role as the Producer-Led Watershed Protection Grant Program Manager. It’s inspiring to have the opportunity to support and promote producer-led initiatives in soil and water quality improvement goals, through the interconnectedness of agricultural sectors, conservation, and social science.

Close Window
Myron Sylling
Minnesota

Myron Sylling

I farm 900 acres of corn and soybeans with my wife, Nikki, and son Camron in southeast Minnesota. My brother Mikal and I work together to help each other out. I have no-tilled since the early 90’s and have used cover crops since 2013. I have experience aerial seeding, drilling, and frost seeding covers and primarily drill my cover crops after harvest. I am a mentor with the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition. I also sell AgriGold seed as well as BW Fusion products. Part of these roles is helping farmers understand their soil potential through soil and tissue testing.

Minnesota Lead Contact

myronsyl@gmail.com

Close Window
Tom Cotter
Minnesota

Tom Cotter

I am a fourth generation farmer in Austin, MN. My wife Alma and I raised four kids and are trying our best to raise healthy food and to take care of our land for future generations. I currently farm 800 acres with a third of those being certified Organic and two thirds being No-Till with covers on all acres. In my rotation I raise corn, sweetcorn, soybeans, peas, oats, alfalfa, sunflowers, buckwheat, hemp grain and fiber, Organic CBD hemp for Superior Cannabis Company that I co-own with a friend, and a grass-finished cow/calf herd. I started planting cover crops in the late 90’s and have done strip till/no till since 2013. My cattle graze every acre which consists of cash crops, large multi species cocktails, V4-V6 inter-seeding, winter rye before no-till soybeans, sweet corn and organic ground. Back in the 90’s I had nowhere to go for help with cover crops and soil health. That is why now I want to make sure that the new adopters to soil health have help and don’t feel alone like my Dad, Mike, and I felt back then. My Dad was a nationally-known Storyteller and I am continuing that tradition and sharing my Soil Health journey with those that listen and care about our future.

Close Window
Karl Dallefeld
Iowa

Karl Dallefeld

I have been involved with soil health for the past 30 years. This journey started with grassland management across the Midwest and soon encompassed cover crops with grain farms. I have had the honor to work with farms across the U.S. and Canada. The blessing of working with so many awesome farms and ranches directly influenced my personal livestock operation. Utilizing techniques to build soil health while raising healthy cattle increases profitability. It is my passion to keep the next generations on the farms and in turn keep our local communities thriving.

Close Window
Dennis Rauen
Iowa

Dennis Rauen

I have been involved with soil health for the past 30 years. This journey started with grassland management across the Midwest and soon encompassed cover crops with grain farms. I have had the honor to work with farms across the U.S. and Canada. The blessing of working with so many awesome farms and ranches directly influenced my personal livestock operation. Utilizing techniques to build soil health while raising healthy cattle increases profitability. It is my passion to keep the next generations on the farms and in turn keep our local communities thriving.

Iowa Lead Contact

dennis@rpmfarley.com

Close Window
Eric Schmechel
Iowa

Eric Schmechel

I have been working with the Dubuque Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) for over a decade on both agricultural and urban watershed management policies, projects, and programs. I began working with agricultural landowners on a cold-water trout stream (Catfish Creek) project in 2007 and since have collaborated with both Dubuque County and the City of Dubuque, managing stormwater and floodplain permits, projects, and policies. In 2020, the 28e watershed agreement was formed with me leading the Dubuque County Watersheds team, working with both agricultural and urban watershed components. I enjoy being outside as much as possible – fishing, camping, hunting, exploring, bluegrass festivals, and spending time with my kids.

Close Window
Ted Smith
Iowa

Ted Smith

I live on our family’s Century Farm in Northeast Iowa with my wife and three kids. We regeneratively farm cover crops, corn, soybeans, hay, and cow-calf herd with only family labor. We’ve seen firsthand changes in soil health and its benefits leading to profitability. We enjoy working with and learning from nature to better our operation.

Close Window
Rick Kaesebier
Illinois

Rick Kaesebier

Over the last ten years, I have transformed from simply a dirt farmer in central Illinois into a regenerative farmer. I and my wife Kathy have transitioned from a corn and soybean rotation to an expanded rotation also including cover crops, wheat, and animal impact from the hooves of beef cattle and Khatadin sheep. A keeper of honeybees, I specialize in bourbon barrel aging honey. I believe that regenerative farming has made me a better and more observant farmer, and my relationship with the land is mutually beneficial. Not only does the land give you a return for your investment, but if you invest in the land, you can help renew it to its former function.

Close Window
Kathy Kaesebier
Illinois

Kathy Kaesebier

I am the final generation to farm following many generations, going back to the days of my ancestral Cherokee nation. I and my husband, Rick, have been farming regeneratively in central Illinois for the past ten years, when we added cover crops, wheat, and Khatadin sheep and beef cattle to our rotation. Our three grown daughters are not returning to the farm to raise food, but instead are busy teaching and guiding pre-K to university students as well as corporate executives.

Illinois Lead Contact

rkkaesebier@gmail.com

Close Window
Walter Lynn
Illinois

Walter Lynn

I have a decades-long portfolio of experience working with NGOs, businesses and industry leaders involved in all facets of production agriculture, agribusiness and conservation. I currently serve as a board member and was past chair of Holistic Management International. I see my role with Fields of Sinsinawa as an opportunity to significantly increase adoption of regenerative agriculture throughout the nation and beyond.

Close Window
Greg Thoren
Illinois

Greg Thoren

I farm regeneratively with my wife, Janis, on 2200 acres in the Stockton area in Jo Daviess County, Illinois. I have been incorporating regenerative practices for more than 12 years. All land is non-GMO, no-till, and is operated in continuous cover crop. We also produce beef cattle using managed grazing and are developing direct marketing strategies for our product. In 2023 we became certified at Regenified’s highest level: Tier 5 certification. In addition to being on the Fields of Sinsinawa Steering Committee and Land Committee, I serve on the Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau board and am a Director for the farmer-led Jo Daviess County Soil & Water Health Coalition.

Close Window
Julie Schwab
Dominicans of Sinsinawa, Administrative Support Team

Julie Schwab

I have a B.S.E. in Elementary Education and Special Education, an MA in Theology and an MA in Sustainability. Some of my professional experiences include: grade school teacher, chaplain for individuals with AIDS, solidarity accompaniment in Guatemala, co-director of a center for people who were experiencing homelessness, and I presently serve on the leadership team for the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation.

Close Window
Sheila Fitzgerald
Dominicans of Sinsinawa, Administrative Support Team

Sheila Fitzgerald

I grew up on a small family farm in Washington County, Nebraska on land originally homesteaded by my great grandparents in 1854. I became a Sinsinawa Dominican in 1957 and served in a variety of educational and social service ministries for over 60 years. For many of those years I also served on our Sinsinawa Land Committees helping to envision how, in partnership with this land, the mission and legacy of the Sinsinawa Dominicans will continue to be a vital presence in the agricultural community. I believe that Fields of Sinsinawa will carry that mission forward.

Close Window
Jeanne Tranel
Dominicans of Sinsinawa

Jeanne Tranel

I was born and raised on a farm in Northwestern Illinois. It was here that I grew to love the earth and creation and to respect and find the soil as a source of life. The Dominicans of Sinsinawa always impressed me because of their respect for the earth. At present I am living at the Academy Apartments at Sinsinawa Mound and feel as though I have come home to the land that has nourished me.

Close Window
Jay Brandt
National

Jay Brandt

I farm with my wife Ann, and our two grown children Christopher and Isaac. The Brandt Family Farm is located in central Ohio, just south east of Columbus, the state capital. The Brandt Family has been farming in the area for 4 generations and produces corn, soybeans and wheat. Our farm hosts Walnut Creek Seeds, a dealer of cover crops and forages, and participates as a regenerative grain hub, providing seed cleaning and flour milling for ancient, heirloom and landrace grain. Our current operation has been focused on education of conservation practices, with an emphasis on cover crop adoption, for the last 30 years. My father, David Brandt, has been coined the godfather of the soil health movement, and is world renown for his passion about soil conservation and use of the soil health principles to reduce reliance on synthetic inputs and to farm in nature’s image.

National Lead Contact

jay.brandt@walnutcreekseeds.com

Close Window
Loran Steinlage
National

Loran Steinlage

I am a farmer, fabricator and Ag industry engineering consultant. I and my wife, Brenda, live on FLO farms near West Union in northeast Iowa. We are evolving towards a companion/relay no-till cropping system which is focused on cycling plants to keep a living plant in the soil at all times. We currently produce corn, soybeans, cereal rye, winter wheat, malt barley and buckwheat. I am an AgVenture Investment board member, an AgLaunch judge, and Northeast Iowa Dairy/Ag Foundation board president and lead on the net zero committee. I am a recipient of the Iowa Environmental Leadership Award, the 2020 No Till Farmer Innovators Award, the No Till Farmer 2023 Conservation Ag Operator Fellowship, and the 2023 Iowa Leopold Conservation Award.

Close Window
Rick Clark
National

Rick Clark

I am a fifth-generation farmer in Warren County, Indiana on the land my family has farmed since the 1880s. I hold a degree in agriculture and economics from Purdue University. For over 10 years, I have been shifting my operation to focus on soil health and diversity. I use non-GMO seeds, no-till farming, crop rotation, and cover crop diversity to regenerate soils and create profit. I speak nationally on the importance and success of this approach and work with other farmers trying to do the same. I received a Land O’ Lakes Outstanding Sustainability Award, a regional American Soybean Association Conservation Legacy Award, and the 2019 Field to Markets Sustainable Farmer of the Year award, and am showcased in the movie “Common Ground.”

Close Window
Jimmy Emmons
National

Jimmy Emmons

I am the Senior Vice President of Climate Smart Programs with Trust in Food. I farm in Dewey County, Oklahoma where I represent the third generation on the family farm. I and my wife Ginger have been farming and ranching together since 1980. We have a diverse 2000-acre cropping operation, a 250 cow/calf herd, and take in yearling cattle for custom grazing on nearly 6000 acres of native range. I share what we’ve learned about soil health on our farm through workshops, field days and test plots and travel across the country speaking about soil health from a producer’s point of view. In 2017, my wife and I were awarded the first Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award for the conservation work we’ve done on our operation.

Close Window
Tom Mosgaller
Administrative Support Team

Tom Mosgaller

My work has been in helping organizations and communities improve their quality of life. As Director of Quality for the City of Madison and past president of the American Society for Quality (ASQ) I have worked nationally and internationally spreading the good news of quality.

Close Window
Beth Baranski
Administrative Support Team

Beth Baranski

My husband, Jim, and I live in Galena, Illinois where we raised our son, Alex. We have an
architectural firm, and I am an active volunteer. I became involved in local water
resource management issues through the League of Women Voters of Jo Daviess County.
We facilitated the development of a county-wide water resource management plan and
an Illinois EPA-approved watershed plan for the lower Galena River. I serve as Organizing
Secretary for the farmer-led Jo Daviess County Soil & Water Health Coalition. I believe
that Fields of Sinsinawa has the potential to address many of the social and
environmental concerns that all of us share and l’m excited to be involved!

Close Window
Evan Hudson
Administrative Support Team

Evan Hudson

I am an Iowa native who moved to Dubuque in 2017. I started my current role as a nonprofit program coordinator after a decade teaching English as a Second Language, including seven years teaching in Vietnam and two at Divine Word Seminary in Epworth. My current role with Dubuque Harm Reduction revolves around providing and advocating for evidence-based addiction recovery policies in the Dubuque area. I am strongly motivated by the concept of regeneration, and Sinsinawa Mound has occupied a special place in my heart since I moved to Dubuque. I am excited to collaborate with the Fields of Sinsinawa team and the broader network of aligned people and projects as we collectively work together to heal ourselves, our communities and the environment, and build the world we all know is possible.

Close Window