Resources

Cover Crops. A guide from the Natural Resources Conservation Service on this important conservation practice.

Conservation Cover. A guide from the Natural Resources Conservation Service on this important conservation practice.

Field Office Technical Guide. All the resources.

Web Soil Survey. NRCS has soil maps and data available online for more than 95 percent of the nation’s counties and anticipates having 100 percent in the near future. The site is updated and maintained online as the single authoritative source of soil survey information.

Case Studies for Soil Health. AFT used partial budget analysis to estimate the net economic benefits that farmers have experienced from investing in soil health practices (e.g., no-till, reduced tillage, cover crops, conservation crop rotation, nutrient management, conservation cover, compost application, and mulching).

Benefits of Using the 4Rs. 4R nutrient stewardship can help improve agricultural productivity/

Manure Management: Your Guide to Managing Agricultural Wastes. Whether it is livestock waste-manure-or milkhouse water, feedlot and building runoff or processing center wastes such as washwater, we have to successfully manage all the waste, all the time, all the way.

Erosion Control on the Farm. Controlling erosion on your farm is good for the environment but also your pocketbook.

Getting Started With Cover Crops. Using cover crops in farming systems is not a new practice. Prior to the development of manufactured fertilizers, cover crops were commonly used to improve soil structure and productivity. Recent economical and environmental concerns have fueled a resurgence in cover crop use.

Cover Crop Field Guide. The Midwest Cover Crops Field Guide has been revised to include updated and new information on cover crops and their use.

Forages, Forests, and Livestock. Creating a synergistic system though silvopasture

Two BMPs are Better than One. How to boost the effectiveness of your farm’s nutrient management.

How to Use Phosphorous Wisely. Soil testing and applying phosphorous at agronomic rates is the first step in phosphorus management.

Riparian Management Near Farm Fields. Many farm fields in Michigan have a riparian area to deal with. Here are two basic strategies that can be implemented to protect these areas.

Find Your Local Conservation District. Access your local Conservation District's website, and tap into a wealth of helpful resources and information about conservation services and programs happening in your area.

Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program. An innovative, proactive program that helps farms of all sizes and all commodities voluntarily prevent or minimize agricultural pollution risks.

MSU Extension Agriculture. MSU Extension works to increase farmers’ success while protecting the environment, ensuring food safety, reaching new markets and advancing agriculture through applied research. Agriculture is now one of the fastest growing sectors of the Michigan economy.

Biosolids are the nutrient-rich organic materials resulting from the treatment of sewage sludge. Visit for more information about bioslids application.

Right to Farm The Right to Farm (RTF) program within the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) responds to nuisance complaints involving farms and will assess a farm operation at a farmer's request. Program staff evaluate farm activities to decide whether a farm is following the Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs). Staff are also available to answer any questions or participate in outreach activities to help farmers, neighbors, and local government officials understand the RTF Act.

Michigan Manure Hauler Certification Program. A voluntary certification program geared towards anyone who hauls and spreads manure.

About the Saginaw Watershed Farmer-Led Network. A video overview and Q&A about our network.

In the Weeds Podcasts. In agriculture, things change fast and growers need on time and on target weather, crop and pest information. To meet this need, the Michigan State University Extension Field Crops team will provide farmers and agribusiness with relevant podcasts. "In the weeds" will be discussing critical issues facing our farming industry every other week.

Cover Crop Video Series. MSU Extension field crops team releases new cover crop videos to provide convenient information to Michigan field crop farmers.

About the Saginaw Bay Watershed. BaySail offers an insightful overview of Saginaw Bay and the surrounding area.

A Freshwater Gem on the Lake Huron Coast. GoGreatLakesBay describes the natural wonders of Saginaw Bay and the opportunities to get out and enjoy them.

Saginaw Bay Coastal Initiative. The Saginaw Bay Coastal Initiative (SBCI) is a group of interested people, businesses, and local governments in the bay front communities of: Arenac, Bay, Huron, Iosco, Midland, Saginaw, and Tuscola collaborating with state and federal agencies for actions to improve the Saginaw Bay.