Anna Cates

Dr. Anna Cates is a distinguished State Soil Health Specialist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Soil, Water, and Climate at the Minnesota Office for Soil Health (MOSH). Her role at MOSH, a collaborative initiative established in 2017 between the Board of Water and Soil Resources and the University of Minnesota Water Resources Center, is pivotal in advancing soil education and fostering grower networks. Dr. Cates is deeply committed to researching and promoting best practices for healthy farms and ecosystems. Her research interests lie in soil education, sustainable land management, and soil health, areas in which she has made significant contributions through numerous presentations and blog posts. Dr. Cates is actively involved in collaborative research projects that aim to enhance sustainable soil and land management practices. Her work is instrumental in securing external funding for various research initiatives, including a notable three-year soil health project. Dr. Cates's collaborative efforts extend to working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including farmer organizations, state agencies, and local experts. Through these partnerships, she delivers research-based recommendations that are specifically tailored to meet Minnesota's unique soil health needs. Her expertise and dedication to soil health have made her a respected figure in the field, and she continues to influence sustainable practices across the region. In addition to her research and outreach activities, Dr. Cates is also involved in teaching and mentoring students, helping to cultivate the next generation of soil health specialists. Her passion for soil science and education is evident in her commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable land management practices. Dr. Cates's contributions to the field of soil health are widely recognized, and her work continues to have a positive impact on both the academic community and the broader agricultural sector. Her dedication to improving soil health and sustainability is reflected in her ongoing efforts to engage with and educate various stakeholders about the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems.