Skip to content

Advanced Soil Health Training

Supported through a mix of foundation and donor funding, AFT’s initiative goals are to increase farmer adoption of soil health practices, train a growing cohort of farmers that can scale up soil health practice adoption through their networks, provide the most up-to-date, practical information for a smooth transition into soil health systems, and ensure technical assistance access to all producers. 

AFT’s starting point to scale-up soil health across the country is through a comprehensive and practical training program called Advanced Soil Health Training (ASHT). This program is designed to deepen the soil health knowledge of experienced farmers and farm advisors and give them the tools to bring this knowledge to a wider audience.  The program is a cohort-based, producer-centered curriculum designed to accelerate adoption of soil health management systems across agricultural supply chains through technical advancement and relationships. 

Watch highlights of our Advanced Soil Health Training in the Southeast
Image description

About the ASHT Program

The ASHT training program was originally developed for row crop systems including corn, soy, wheat, and cotton, and is now adaptable across crops and geographies. This learning program builds technical capacity, strengthens advisor and producer networks, and creates durable pathways for adoption at scale. By combining applied training with peer-to-peer systems, the ASHT enables farmers and service providers to help their networks implement soil health practices with confidence, expanding adoption within their regions. Training is delivered by nationally recognized soil health experts and AFT staff alongside experienced farmers, researchers and extension professionals.

Image description

When is the Next Training and How to Apply?

AFT is conducting these ASHT trainings on a case basis, depending on the region and funding availability. New training opportunities will be announced here. In the past, AFT was able to provide farmer stipends to attend these trainings. Stipends for future trainings will depend on funding support available.

Next training scheduled for: Mid-Atlantic Region from February to April 2027 - More details to come soon!

Sign up for updates from our Advanced Soil Health Trainings, when applications will open for trainings, microgrants, and other programs!

Sign Up for Updates

I’m a hands-on learner, so going out in the field, hearing from farmers themselves has been excellent; and then being able to talk with farmers from different states, everyone has something unique that they are doing. More people should come to these trainings because you have people that are willing to show you how soil health works and why it works.

- Farmer Monica Pohlar, Midwest Training

Partner With Us

The ASHT model is designed to be deployed in partnership with organizations seeking to advance soil health, climate resilience, and supply chain sustainability goals. AFT works with partners to tailor training cohorts based on geography, commodity focus, and desired outcomes.  

Partnership opportunities include:  

  • Supporting training cohorts aligned with crop supply chains  

  • Advancing soil health and climate outcomes in priority sourcing regions  

  • Building capacity among producers, advisors, and supply chain partners  

  • Expanding producer networks that support ongoing adoption and learning  

By partnering with AFT, organizations can help catalyze a scalable, producer‑driven model that strengthens agricultural systems while delivering environmental and economic outcomes. Please reach out if you are interested in partnering with us to host an Advanced Soil Health Training event.

Image description

Initial Funding for this initiative was provided by the USDA program formerly known as Partnership for Climate Smart Commodities. AFT partnered with Truterra (part of Land O’Lakes) to execute this project. With the initial funding support (from 2024 to spring 2025), the following was accomplished:

  • Designed the Advanced Soil Health Training (ASHT) curriculum.
  • Using the ASHT curriculum, trained 75 farmers (3 cohorts: Southeast, New York and Midwest regions) producing corn, soy, wheat, cotton and dairy in adopting soil health practices.
  • Created an online version of the Advanced Soil Health Training, which will be available by fall 2026.
  • Conducted outreach about soil health practices to 1000 farmers.
  • Produced and published several factsheets related to soil health practice adoption, as well as an online Peer Network Training program.

The ASHT Curriculum

Participants can expect to strengthen their skills in the following 4 core areas: 

  1. The science of soil health and principles for successful soil health practice implementation 

  1. How to troubleshoot and adapt soil health practice management for particular and changing circumstances 

  1. How to effectively communicate about practice adoption 

  1. How to grow a supportive and engaged network 

Assessing soil health

Topics Covered in Advanced Soil Health Training

• Introduction to Soil Health and Soil Function  

• Soil Health Management Principles  

• Soil Biology and Habitat  

• Soil Health Indicators  

• Strategizing and Implementing Soil Health Management Systems  

• Adapting Nutrient and Pest Management in a Soil Health Management System  

• Cover Crop Management  

• No-till and Strip-till Management  

• Social and Economic Considerations  

• Utilizing Prescribed Grazing on Cropland for Soil Health  

• Effective Communication to Build Peer-to-Peer Networks  

• Create and Support Peer-to-Peer Networks and support others’ transitions to Soil Health Management Systems 

ASHT Format

A typical ASHT cohort consists of approximately 30–35 participants and is delivered through four two-day sessions over 4–6 months. Each session combines:  

  • Classroom-based instruction on soil health science and system design  

  • Hands-on learning at working farms  

  • Group exercises focused on troubleshooting and adaptation  

  • Structured peer exchange and relationship building 

How can you help?

Our work would not be possible without you.

Become a Member

Make a Donation

Get a Free No Farms No Food® Bumper Sticker

Get 10% off your first merch order

Follow Us