Earthly Berry Farm Becomes Water Quality Certified

August 14, 2024 by Alyson Levig

Earl and Coleen Hensel, proud owners of the Earthly Berry Farm in Hubbard County, have recently become water quality certified under the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP). The decade-old program is a voluntary opportunity that certifies farmers taking the lead in implementing conservation-minded practices to protect water quality. To date, there are over 1,400 certified producers and one million certified acres throughout the entire state. 

“We farm to preserve, improve, and protect the resources on our farms, in our community, region, and to improve the lives of others throughout the world,” Earl said. “And the certification process has put those actions and goals into a plan for our generation and the next.” 

The Hensel’s farming operation is currently on a 4-year transitioning period where their 80 acres of existing forest and cropland are being converted into a perennial organic farm that includes forest, hay land, and an elderberry orchard. To help them achieve this, Earl and Coleen plan to use cover crops and compost for plant fertility as well as trap crops, companion cropping, and beneficial insect habitat as their pest management strategy. 

Cover crops can be defined as any non-cash crop grown to the primary cash crop. These crops have the potential to increase soil organic matter, reduce erosion, improve soil structure, and promote water infiltration. Trap crops are specific plants used to attract pests from another crop whereas companion cropping is the planting of diverse crops in proximity to the main crop to aid in pest control and weed suppression. They can also provide habitat for beneficial insects like the native conservation cover areas the Hensels will incorporate into their operation next year. 

“Conservation is important to us and so is preserving, improving, and protecting the resources on our farm,” Earl explained. “If you’re not improving your soil and water quality on your farm, are you managing your land for tomorrow?”

Because of the current and future best management practices implicated on the Earthly Berry Farm, Earl and Coleen, officially became certified water quality producers on November 29, 2023, where water quality is protected, and soil erosion is reduced.

“Our certification shows the community and our customers that we are following our plan,” Earl said. “And that our God-given berries will be good for both you and the Earth.”

Posted In: MAWQCP