The Hutchisons' use of variable-rate nitrogen applications onto crops are split up through the growing season to boost yields while reducing the potential for runoff. To further protect water quality, they practice mulch and strip-till practices, have installed grassed waterways and buffers, and have completed wetland restoration projects and forest management.

Tracking the use of practices like reduced tillage and cover crops that promote healthy soil is challenging but critical to gauge progress towards regional and state goals. Farmers are reducing tillage and increasing soil cover. We see more residue cover on the field, nearly doubling from 36% in 2016 to 64%.

Inspired by other farmers having success with reduced tillage, in 2010 he adopted no-till soybeans and strip-till corn. In addition to time savings and less equipment maintenance, Scotty Herriman noticed positive changes in his soil.

The 20th annual Soil Management Summit will take place Jan. 29-30 at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato, Minn.

"We're interested in keeping things as clean as possible on the farm," said Jared Coulter, who handles much of the day-to-day farm operations. "I feel like we're supposed to be stewards of God's creation, and part of that is keeping the environment clean."