The Conservation Professional Training Program is a program of UW–Madison Division of Extension providing conservation training courses to help you deliver smarter solutions to farmers and rural landowners. From introductory courses for new employees to advanced training for conservation advisors, we provide diverse trainings to ensure you have the skills you need to succeed.
Conservation Calendar
We offer face to face, online and blended training to conservation agencies, private sector consultants and landowners across Wisconsin, the Midwest, and the US. View conservation-related events and trainings offered by us and our partners throughout the state.
Events Key
Extension Events
Partner Events
Calendar of Events
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5 events,
Building Land Resilience
This workshop will explore strategies for building regenerative farming systems and working landscapes. You will leave this workshop with an understanding of regenerative principles, observational exercises and tools to implement […]
Wisconsin Coun
Wisconsin Counties Association’s Annual Conference
Every autumn for the last 81 years, county officials from around the state have gathered at the Wisconsin Counties Association’s (WCA) Annual Conference and Marketplace for educational opportunities, introduction to […]
PFAS – W
PFAS – What You Need to Know
The issue of controlling per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is increasingly becoming a major environmental and public health issue in the State of Wisconsin. Hear from a county expert on […]
Animal Agricul
Animal Agriculture in a Changing Climate
Tune in to hear lessons learned along with program deliverables and impacts. This webinar will also cover the issue of methane production in beef cattle and some specific techniques that either increase or decrease production per day, per body weight, and per production outcome (like weight gain).
Designing Silv
Designing Silvopasture Plantings
Join us to learn about approaches to planning for woodland conversion and trees into pasture including tools and methods, mapping, tree spacing and patterning, and more. Register here.
4 events,
Grow More Work
Grow More Workshop
The online Grow More workshop will present a model for conservation outreach that is based in current social science and communication principles. Participants will learn about key aspects of farmer decision making and work with other conservation professionals to identify messaging strategies to reach new audiences and increase the use of farm conservation practices.
Managing Water
Managing Water Level Impacts on Wisconsin Beaches
This webinar will include a panel of experts who will discuss a range of water level issues, including basin hydrology, water level forecasts, nearshore water level impacts, and useful tools for examining coastal processes. In addition, participants will hear a local case study of designing a beach for resiliency, which provides important lessons from design conception to currently faced challenges.
Climate Change
Climate Change and Ecosystems: Lessons from the Past
How do species adapt to changing climates and how can we help them? Some of our best examples come from the end of the last ice age when the world […]
Pollinator Hab
Pollinator Habitat Restoration: Planning and Contracting
In this webinar, planners will learn how to plan and contract pollinator habitat plantings. Guidance will help planners improve the success of habitat restoration plantings with adequate site preparation, implementation, […]
1 event,
Grow More Work
Grow More Workshop
The online Grow More workshop will present a model for conservation outreach that is based in current social science and communication principles. Participants will learn about key aspects of farmer decision making and work with other conservation professionals to identify messaging strategies to reach new audiences and increase the use of farm conservation practices.
4 events,
Fence Options
Fence Options for Grazing Cover Crops & Corn Residue
This event will feature expert knowledge and farm information focused on the Five Principles of Soil Health and especially livestock integration. Learn more here.
Grow More Work
Grow More Workshop
The online Grow More workshop will present a model for conservation outreach that is based in current social science and communication principles. Participants will learn about key aspects of farmer decision making and work with other conservation professionals to identify messaging strategies to reach new audiences and increase the use of farm conservation practices.
Discussions on
Discussions on Nutrient Management Farmer Training in a COVID World and Beyond
2020 hasn’t been a normal year. You are invited to join with DATCP and other county staff to discuss short-term solutions around nutrient management training under COVID-19 restrictions and longer-term […]
Annual vs. Per
Annual vs. Perennial Forages
Daniel Olson is a dairy farmer and forage consultant from Lena, Wisconsin. His focus is on increasing the profitability of progressive operations (primarily dairy farms) all across the U.S. by […]
1 event,
PFAS – W
PFAS – What’s in Your Water?
This webinar will provide a basic understanding of PFAS. Some of the questions that will be answered include: What is PFAS? Where did it come from? Where is it found? What are the potential issues related to PFAS?
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
Wisconsin Coun
Wisconsin Counties Association’s Annual Conference
Every autumn for the last 81 years, county officials from around the state have gathered at the Wisconsin Counties Association’s (WCA) Annual Conference and Marketplace for educational opportunities, introduction to […]
0 events,
2 events,
Discussions on
Discussions on Nutrient Management Farmer Training in a COVID World and Beyond
2020 hasn’t been a normal year. You are invited to join with DATCP and other county staff to discuss short-term solutions around nutrient management training under COVID-19 restrictions and longer-term […]
Quantitative M
Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment for a Changing Dairy
his presentation will describe how quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) can be a useful tool in studying infectious disease transmission on a changing dairy landscape, provide recent examples of QMRAs relevant to the Wisconsin dairy industry, and propose a QMRA-based research agenda for proactively addressing future challenges.
3 events,
Soil Heath Vir
Soil Heath Virtual Field Trip
Learn about research-based soil health practices taught by our University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Soils Instructor and hear from the Arkansas Soil Health Alliance and a local farmer about their real-life experiences with improving soil health.
Forestry Birds
Forestry Birds and Commonly Used Herbicides for Habitat Management
Managing forest habitat for birds doesn’t have to be difficult and often aligns closely with familiar forestry practices. Learn what bird species rely on forests, why their presence is a […]
Discussions on
Discussions on Nutrient Management Farmer Training in a COVID World and Beyond
2020 hasn’t been a normal year. You are invited to join with DATCP and other county staff to discuss short-term solutions around nutrient management training under COVID-19 restrictions and longer-term […]
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
3 events,
Wisconsin Coun
Wisconsin Counties Association’s Annual Conference
Every autumn for the last 81 years, county officials from around the state have gathered at the Wisconsin Counties Association’s (WCA) Annual Conference and Marketplace for educational opportunities, introduction to […]
Choosing the R
Choosing the Right Animal for the Right Place at the Right Time
Livestock of all shapes and sizes offer opportunities but can also do damage! Join us to learn some of the differences and when to leverage different types for different uses. […]
Leasing Your L
Leasing Your Land
As a landowner, you want to be a responsible steward of your land and maintain its natural assets for future generations. Soil is one of the most important assets of […]
2 events,
Wisconsin Pest
Wisconsin Pest Management Update
Presentations will include pest management information for Wisconsin field and forage crops. Speakers will include Mark Renz, Nick Arneson, and Rodrigo Werle, Weed Scientists, Damon Smith, Plant Pathologist, and Bryan Jensen, Entomologist.
Biochar Webina
Biochar Webinar Series
This biochar webinar series will provide an introduction to biochar and review some current advances in biochar science, with subsequent discussion of nursery and landscape research and applications. Learn more […]
4 events,
A New Vision f
A New Vision for the Yahara River Estuary
In this presentation, we’ll hear from representatives of the Dane County Land & Water Resources Department, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), UW-Madison, City of Madison, and the Town of […]
Wisconsin Pest
Wisconsin Pest Management Update
Presentations will include pest management information for Wisconsin field and forage crops. Speakers will include Mark Renz, Nick Arneson, and Rodrigo Werle, Weed Scientists, Damon Smith, Plant Pathologist, and Bryan Jensen, Entomologist.
Market-Based A
Market-Based Approaches to Conservation
This webinar will discuss different market-based approaches of rewarding producers and communities for conservation practice implementation and overview several examples of innovative solutions for financing sustainable agriculture. Learn more here.
Leasing Your L
Leasing Your Land
As a landowner, you want to be a responsible steward of your land and maintain its natural assets for future generations. Soil is one of the most important assets of […]
3 events,
Wisconsin Pest
Wisconsin Pest Management Update
Presentations will include pest management information for Wisconsin field and forage crops. Speakers will include Mark Renz, Nick Arneson, and Rodrigo Werle, Weed Scientists, Damon Smith, Plant Pathologist, and Bryan Jensen, Entomologist.
Profitability
Profitability Strategies: Lessons Learned Farming Regenerative
Tune in for this panel with three farmers – who have, together, used regenerative practices for over three decades – as they discuss the mistakes they made and how they […]
Biochar Webina
Biochar Webinar Series
This biochar webinar series will provide an introduction to biochar and review some current advances in biochar science, with subsequent discussion of nursery and landscape research and applications. Learn more […]
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
Leasing Your L
Leasing Your Land
As a landowner, you want to be a responsible steward of your land and maintain its natural assets for future generations. Soil is one of the most important assets of […]
5 events,
G-Team Meeting
G-Team Meeting
The G-Team is hosted by GrassWorks as a networking opportunity for interagency grazing professionals throughout Wisconsin. This meeting will focus on giving attendees a chance to share what they have […]
Digging Deeper
Digging Deeper into Silvopasture
This webinar will feature presentations from SFA's Silvopasture & Agroforestry team, Diane Mayerfeld, Lance Smith, and Terri Peters. Agenda: Getting Started with Silvopasture Planning Design Considerations from Pasture to Silvopasture […]
Practical Meas
Practical Measures of the Soil Microbiome: How do Crop Advisors Use the Data?
Though these measurements are still being explored, the Soil Health Institute, through this webinar, aims to provide attendees with a practical understanding of these measurements and describe what kind of information these measurements yield.
Biochar Webina
Biochar Webinar Series
This biochar webinar series will provide an introduction to biochar and review some current advances in biochar science, with subsequent discussion of nursery and landscape research and applications. Learn more […]
Winter Managem
Winter Management of Livestock Grazing Operations
Join this webinar explore options and opportunities when planning for the winter months in a livestock grazing operation. During the winter months, grazing operations often face their biggest challenges when […]
4 events,
PFAS Webinar
PFAS Webinar
This two-session (3 hours per session) webinar will discuss: ~Legal basis for regulatory intervention ~Water quality sampling & analysis challenges ~Extent of contamination by PFAS compounds in the U.S. ~Economic effects […]
Dairy Summit
Dairy Summit
In addition to research presentations, there will be three panel sessions designed to stimulate ideas and discussion: A diverse panel of farmers will discuss important topics related to their unique […]
Supporting Cli
Supporting Climate Action: Forest Service Research Perspectives and Priorities
This webinar will present the station’s climate science portfolio, current research priorities, and a number of promising efforts to help curb the impacts of climate change to water, land, and people.
PFAS Webinar
PFAS Webinar
This two-session (3 hours per session) webinar will discuss: ~Legal basis for regulatory intervention ~Water quality sampling & analysis challenges ~Extent of contamination by PFAS compounds in the U.S. ~Economic effects […]
4 events,
Designing of t
Designing of the Next Generation of Sustainable Urban Stormwater Practices
The design of urban stormwater practices has been under continuous evolution over the last five decades in response to new sizing criteria, flooding concerns, changing climate and practice failure. This […]
Overview of Cu
Overview of Current Research and Innovation at the Water Research Foundation (WRF)
During the webinar, WRF will share relevant information for state drinking water programs about their research efforts and projects on: Per- and polyfluorylalkyl substances (PFAS), Lead and copper, Harmful algal […]
WI Stormwater
WI Stormwater and Watershed
Join CSWEA Wisconsin Watershed and Stormwater Committee and Marquette University for this webinar offering examples of WEF, regulatory agencies, wastewater utilities, and counties leading efforts to address the water quantity […]
Biochar Webina
Biochar Webinar Series
This biochar webinar series will provide an introduction to biochar and review some current advances in biochar science, with subsequent discussion of nursery and landscape research and applications. Learn more […]
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
2 events,
Proprietary St
Proprietary Storm Water Filtration Devices (1010)
Presenter Eric Rortvedt, WDNR Water Resources Engineer, will go over the new WDNR technical standard of Proprietary Storm Water Filtration Devices (1010). These are commercially available flow-through devices to remove […]
Discovery Farm
Discovery Farms Virtual Conference Series
Discovery Farms Programs in Wisconsin and Minnesota are excited to bring to you a virtual conference series this winter. Join them on seven Wednesdays for one hour each week as […]
2 events,
Soil Water and
Soil Water and Nutrient Management Meeting
The meetings will include topics related to the value of soil organic matter and how to build it (Matt Ruark), lessons learned about corn nitrogen management in Wisconsin and the Midwest (Carrie Laboski), and challenges of liquid dairy manure management in Wisconsin (Francisco Arriaga).
Cover Crop Boo
Cover Crop Boot Camp
Join other row crop and livestock farmers for a virtual cover crop boot camp. We’ll hear how cover crops can improve soil health, weed suppression, and opportunities for livestock grazing. […]
2 events,
Cover Crop Boo
Cover Crop Boot Camp
Join other row crop and livestock farmers for a virtual cover crop boot camp. We’ll hear how cover crops can improve soil health, weed suppression, and opportunities for livestock grazing. […]
Soil Water and
Soil Water and Nutrient Management Meeting
The meetings will include topics related to the value of soil organic matter and how to build it (Matt Ruark), lessons learned about corn nitrogen management in Wisconsin and the Midwest (Carrie Laboski), and challenges of liquid dairy manure management in Wisconsin (Francisco Arriaga).
0 events,
0 events,
Discovery Farms Virtual Conference Series
Soil Water and Nutrient Management Meeting
Soil Water and Nutrient Management Meeting
Discovery Farms Virtual Conference Series
Discovery Farms Virtual Conference Series
Discovery Farms Virtual Conference Series
Conservation News
DISCOVERY FARMS HOSTS VIRTUAL CONFERENCE SERIES IN DECEMBER AND JANUARY
Discovery Farms Programs in Wisconsin and Minnesota are hosting a virtual conference series this winter. The theme for the series is ‘Keeping up with your conservation goals through change and challenge’. Join Discovery Farms on seven Wednesdays for one hour as they cover topics like water quality, soil health, climate change, and more! These events are free and will be hosted Wednesday’s from 12:00pm – 1:00pm CT in December and January.
Learn More