Located near Lansing, Minnesota – just 5 miles from the Riverland Austin West campus.

The Sustainable Answer Acre (SAA) Research Farm helps test farming practices to reduce nitrate pollution while keeping crops productive and soils healthy.

Farm Background

SAA was created in 2018 by local organizations. The farm is over 8 acres and focuses on real-world research that helps southern Minnesota farmers.

Riverland Agriculture Instructor Nick Schiltz explains the impact of SAA on students.

SAA is supported by partners including Riverland, the University of Minnesota, and area farmers such as Tom Cotter, Jim Kellogg, and Alan Slowinski.

Research Focus

The farm tests both current and future agricultural practices to improve sustainability and profits:

• Nitrate levels and timing
• Use of cover crops
• Tillage vs. no-tillage
• Soil health monitoring
• Water quality
• Crop yield and profitability

Members from Mower County SWCD and University of Minnesota perform spring fieldwork.

Student Involvement

Riverland Agriculture students use the farm to apply classroom learning. Students in AGSC-1020, AGSC-1030, and AGSC-2010 gain hands-on experience with soil science, crop production, and precision agriculture tools.

• Learn soil types, drainage, and health
• Practice soil surveying and classification
• Test crop management methods
• Use high-tech data tools for precision agriculture

Students learning soil identification with Steve Lawler at SAA.

Students use the Web Soil Survey to compare digital maps with real soil conditions.

Students dig and study soil layers to understand texture and formation.

Students also intern with local partners, gaining valuable job experience.

Learn More

Contact Instructor Nick Schiltz or explore these links:

• Reducing Nitrate in Surficial Sand Aquifer
• Learning on the Sustainable Answer Acre