Case Study: Soil Biology Transition Recognized with 2025 Soil Health Award

In 2025, Steve and Peg Friedrichs of Bremen and Matt and Megan Smith of Herkimer were recipients of the Marshall County Bankers Association Soil Health Award, recognizing their commitment to soil stewardship and long-term conservation practices.

Their efforts were highlighted in local newspaper coverage emphasizing cover crops, no-till practices, and building soil health through biological management.

Behind that recognition was a multi-year, biology-first transition.

The Beginning (2021)

In 2021, the Friedrichs and Smith families began working with Kent Holle, a SoilFoodWeb consultant to better understand and restore soil biology within their operation.

The focus was not on eliminating tools, but on rebuilding function beneath the surface.

Initial work included:

  • Comprehensive soil testing

  • Biological soil assessments

  • Evaluating microbial balance

  • Identifying nutrient cycling inefficiencies

From there, the transition began.

Building Biology Through Compost

A key part of the shift involved learning to produce biologically complete compost.

Kent provided on-site instruction in:

  • Compost production and management

  • Monitoring moisture, oxygen, and maturity

  • Developing biologically diverse compost inputs

  • Using compost extracts to introduce beneficial organisms

He also guided the setup and use of a compost tea brewer to support microbial diversity and targeted biological reinforcement.

The goal was not simply to add material — but to restore living systems capable of cycling nutrients efficiently.

Ongoing Consulting & Transition Support

Over the course of several seasons, Kent provided:

  • On-site consultation

  • Management recommendations

  • Ongoing phone guidance

  • Interpretation of biological testing results

  • Adjustments to nitrogen and nutrient strategy

The work complemented their existing use of no-till and cover crops by strengthening microbial function and improving soil aggregation.

Observed Improvements

As biological management practices matured, observable changes included:

  • Increased soil structure and aggregation

  • Improved water infiltration during heavy rainfall

  • Better residue breakdown

  • Enhanced nutrient efficiency

  • More consistent crop response

  • And Earthworms!

The improvements were gradual and measurable, reflecting a shift toward soil systems functioning more naturally.

Recognition in 2025

In 2025, these stewardship efforts were recognized with the Soil Health Award. The newspaper article emphasized cover crops, no-till, and SoilFoodWeb principles.

The recognition reflects the producers’ commitment to practical implementation of biological soil management and long-term land stewardship.

Reflection

Soil recovery is not a single-season change. It is built through consistent management decisions that support biology over time.

This case demonstrates what can happen when producers invest in restoring microbial life, strengthening nutrient cycling, and allowing soil systems to function as designed.

Stewardship is not theory. It is applied management over time. Recognition follows function.