Reader Opinion: Soil health program would be good for every Minnesotan The Soil Health Program is a powerful, positive step toward resiliency that will empower farmers and invest in the future of our agriculture. Written By: Jennifer Jacquot-DeVries | × Clean water is the life-blood of the Brainerd Lakes Area economy. Right now, Senator Carrie Ruud has an opportunity to protect Minnesota’s clean water, clean up water that is already compromised, support healthy farming practices, and show that sustainability in agriculture is a statewide Minnesota value. Creating a comprehensive set of soil health initiatives through the environmental omnibus and legacy bills currently being debated in conference committees would be a huge step forward in protecting Minnesota’s clean water and supporting sustainable agriculture all around the state. Senator Ruud’s votes and leadership on both the environmental and legacy committees matter greatly.