Lawler Farm research legacy thrives as new challenges emerge
Lawler Farm, near Eyota, has hosted University of Minnesota research since 1985, under Gyles Randall, now-retired soil scientist. It offers something that no University research plot could: Port Byron soils situated on Karst topography. Though such soils are highly productive, conditions can lead to water runoff and erosion.
Tim Lawler, with his University of Minnesota plant science degree, and Steve Lawler, a soil and water conservation scientist, saw the value in hosting research on their farm. The Lawler Farm is where it was first shown that nitrogen use could be lowered without an economic impact for the farmer. “We cut back usage; yields changed, but the economics didn’t change,” said Tim Lawler. “We have been honored to work with the University. It’s a give-and-take relationship.”
Jochum Wiersma conducts small grains research and educational field days on topics like crown rust and fusarium head blight at the Lawler Farm, reaching farmers, crop consultants and industry professionals. Other Extension specialists operate research plots there related to nutrient management and diseases in corn, soybeans and organic crops.
Highlights
- People don’t have to be mental health professionals to support friends, neighbors and colleagues in times of need. But they may not know how. Extension helped bridge this gap by providing in-person Changing Our Mental and Emotional Trajectory (COMET) training in English and Spanish in Rochester.
- Extension’s agricultural business management team delivered farmland rent workshops and agriculture tax issues courses in Rochester.
- Olmsted County is a leader in the 4-H horse project. 4-H’er Alena Skinner took second place in the speech/demonstration contest at the 4-H state horse competition in 2025. Alena also advocates for youth with disabilities.
- U of M Farm Family of the Year: Djuissi Family
- Master Gardener volunteers in Olmsted County make “nearby nature” a priority and create gardens in downtown areas, parks, in partnership with businesses and at schools such as Sunset Terrace Elementary.
- Minnesota Master Naturalist volunteers participated in National Public Lands Day with the Oronoco Parks Committee. This annual event of the National Environmental Education Foundation promotes enjoyment and volunteer conservation of public lands.
- SuperShelf locations: Channel One Food Shelf, Front and Center Eyota Food Shelf, Oronoco Food Shelf
- The Climate Adaptation Partnership is developing new resources on future groundwater and soil moisture conditions for Olmsted County based on long-term precipitation changes.
Olmsted County office
Extension has 14 regional offices supporting all 87 counties in Minnesota.
Olmsted County partners with Extension to deliver practical education and research you can use at home, at work and in your community. More about Extension in our county.
About the Minnesota 87 project
Spend time in any Minnesota county, and you will almost certainly encounter University of Minnesota Extension. Our faculty and staff, volunteers, participants, alumni and partners are woven into the fabric of rural, urban and suburban Minnesota life. This project showcases Extension in action through photos, stories and a sampling of the many ways Extension has touched the lives of people in every county.