80: Prescribed Fire on the Farm

80: Prescribed Fire on the Farm

From Dirt Rich by Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota

April 16, 2026 · 1h 10m · Season 7 · Episode 89

About this episode

This episode discusses the use of prescribed fire as a management tool for farms and private lands, featuring experts sharing their experiences and insights.

Prescribed burning is an accessible, if intimidating, conservation and management tool for farms and private lands. This episode’s guests bring decades of first-hand experience of strategically and safely using fire to help meet their ecological goals. The benefits of burning can compound: curbed tick or liver fluke populations can reduce herd mortality that would otherwise be a blow to your bottom line, for example. Minnesota rancher Mike Sams notes that parcels that he’s burned have a “faster green-up” and more vigorous growth afterwards. Implementing a fire regime on a property of course requires careful planning, and there is an increasing amount of resources and support available for farmers and landowners. A network of Prescribed Burn Associations – “neighbors helping neighbors” – and professionals can help you navigate risk management, access proper equipment, and build your skills and confidence alongside peers. Listen to find out how prescribed fire might work on your farm! If you're interested in learning about additional tools for brush management, check out episode 76: Managing Buckthorn and Brush for the Long Haul. Speakers Jennifer Grommes, Southern Minnesota…

People in this episode

Host: Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota

Guests: Jennifer Grommes, Jason Andersen, Bryan Simon, Mike Sams

Topics covered

  • prescribed fire
  • conservation
  • farm management
  • ecological goals
  • land management

Keywords

  • prescribed burning
  • fire management
  • ecological benefits
  • farm conservation
  • tick control

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Pheasants Forever, Great River Greening

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