Soil Management Summit
Event Promotional Package
Gabrielle Bolwerk
Water Resources and Soil Health Educator
University of Minnesota
Cloquet
Team Members:
Bolwerk, G*1
-
Water Resources and Soil Health Educator, University of Minnesota Extension, Cloquet, Minnesota, 55720
Abstract
The Soil Management Summit is a statewide event held with the objective of providing practical information about soil management to Minnesota farmers and agriculture professionals. This event is unique in that it emphasizes both academic research and proven farmer experience to increase participant understanding and adoption of conservation farming practices. Through this annual event, University of Minnesota Extension and the Minnesota Office for Soil Health bring farmers, researchers, and advisors together to share information and experience with cover crops, tillage, nutrient management, and other leading soil management topics. This exchange of information leads to an increase in adoption of soil health practices across the state, benefiting farmers, the public, and shared natural resources. The 2025 Soil Management Summit drew in over 300 attendees, making it the second-most attended event in its 20-year history. In the post-event evaluation, 97% of the respondents agreed that they will use information from the 2025 Soil Management Summit in their work or on their farm. Gabi Bolwerk (Carlton County, Minnesota) created all of the promotional materials for the 2025 Soil Management Summit, including but not limited to postcards, flyers, and Facebook posts. 2,650 printed and digital postcards and flyers were distributed to Extension Educators, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and other partners. As they were handed out at events or displayed in offices, these eye-catching materials were often people’s first exposure to the Soil Management Summit. In addition, 23 posts on the UMN Extension Healthy Soils and Cover Crops Facebook page with a combined 16,640 views were used to promote the event and provide information to potential attendees. The highest performing post, with 1,998 views, highlighted the tillage breakout session speakers. The combined success of these promotional materials contributed to the aforementioned increased number of attendees at the 2025 Soil Management Summit.
Program Promotional Piece