A roundtable discussion was held on Monday afternoon at The Union on Last Chance Gulch in Helena to celebrate the first Montana Soil Health Week. Government leaders, ranchers, business owners, and community partners all gathered to discuss the importance of healthy soil.
In 2023, the Montana legislature passed a bipartisan resolution designating the first week of April as Montana Soil Health Week. This week aims to raise awareness about the critical role that soil plays in agriculture, food security, and nutrients. Norane Freistadt, vice chair of the Northern Plains Resource Council, emphasized this point during the discussion. She highlighted how overusing and treating soil with unnatural fertilizers can lead to decreased nutrient value in fruits and vegetables produced by people and animals alike.
On Wednesday, Montana Soil Health Day will be celebrated with an online screening of the award-winning documentary “To Which We Belong.” This film showcases farmers and ranchers who utilize simple yet effective methods to restore and revitalize landscapes. Interested individuals can register to attend the free online screening for a chance to learn more about healthy soil practices.
