Exploring the Present and Future of Carbon and Ecosystem Services Markets
2022-08-09 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
The Sustainable Agronomy Conference will provide Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs), Agri-Sales Professionals, and growers with the opportunity to more fully understand and implement sustainable agronomy in the field. Learn the drivers, economics, agronomics, environmental benefits, and implementation techniques of sustainable crop production. Economic, environmental, and social aspects of sustainable agronomy will be considered.
Unlike other sustainability or agronomy conferences that simply describe broad research findings, this conference will be action-oriented, practical, interactive, and applied with a focus on decision support and execution. You will leave the conference with information that you can confidently recommend to clients and implement in the field. Speakers, moderators, and panel participants will have a deep understanding of “why” and “how” to implement sustainable agronomy.
Info here.

What Does the Future Hold for Corn and Maize?
2022-08-09 12:00 - 13:00
Learn about the influence of corn and maize on public health and society. Hear perspectives on food security, environmental impact, community resilience, and a vision for the future.
Info here.

Back to Roots – Fungi and Forest Restoration
2022-08-10 09:00 - 10:00
Forest trees rely on symbiotic soil fungi to survive, grow, and tolerate harsh environmental conditions. In this webinar we will discuss the current understanding of how fungi can benefit temperate and boreal forest restoration projects. We will address promising restoration plans that actively use a group of fungal symbionts, ectomycorrhizal fungi, in sites contaminated with heavy metals, affected by soil erosion, and degraded due to clearcut logging and wildfire. We will also talk about the limitations, knowledge gaps, and possible undesired outcomes of the use of ectomycorrhizal fungi in forest restoration. We will debate about the evidence that shows that considering ectomycorrhizal fungi–host interactions could improve the chances of success of future restoration programs in boreal and temperate forests.
Info here.

Direct Liquid Application
2022-08-10 12:00 - 13:00
Bill Kern, Jefferson County Highway Department, will join us to discuss the use of salt brine in winter maintenance operations. The focus will be on direct liquid application during all three phases of a winter storm event: pre-storm, during the storm, and post-storm.
Info here.

Herbicide resistant weeds
2022-08-10 16:30 - 17:30
Herbicide resistant weeds are a persistent problem for crop production. This session will provide an understanding how resistance develops within a weed population and the mechanisms of how herbicides work in order to adapt a weed management program.
Info here.

Our History Meets Our Future - Land Conservation and Climate Resilience in the Coon Valley Watershed
2022-08-11 12:00 - 16:00
Almost 90 years ago Coon Creek was the site of America’s first watershed level soil conservation project. Hundreds of farmers participated in novel practices such as contour stripping, alternate cropping, wildlife plantings, and runoff management, and helped establish new farming methods still in evidence today. Fast forward to today, and the Coon Valley watershed has been ground zero for some of the region’s most destructive flood events of the last decade.
The tour will explore the lands where Coon Valley made conservation history. We’ll tour farms and lands in Vernon and Monroe County where today’s land stewards are meeting new challenges caused by climate change. Our tour leaders Bob Micheel, Ben Wojahn, and Curt Meine bring together a unique wealth of conservation experience and conservation history. We’ll end the tour with shade and refreshments where we’ll continue the day-long discussion of what yesterday’s lessons and today’s challenges demand from all of us as conservationists.
Info here.

Field Day: Bratsett Family Farm
2022-08-11 15:00 - 18:00
Come experience Brattset Family Farm, a 290 acre grass-based grazing farm, located within the rolling drumlin fields of Southeastern Wisconsin. This multi-generational farm produces 100% grass fed & finished beef. The cattle live humane, stress free lives, grazing on the plentiful pastures and are rotated onto fresh pasture daily to assure they have an extremely healthy environment and delicious food.
The farm is organic certified and preserved for agricultural use & wildlife conservation, in perpetuity, for the benefit of future generations by a conservation easement held by the Drumlin Area Land Trust. The farm consists of crop/pasture land; restored prairies; woodland; wooded wetland; wild life ponds and wild life habitat; a herd of 100% grass fed and finished beef cattle; pastured hogs; and a Silvoculture nut and fruit tree planting.
Info here.

LAKES REU 2022 Community Forum And Research Dissemination
2022-08-11 17:00 - 20:00
What public policies work best for improving our land and water?
How can citizens and communities best use their resources to improve water quality?
What is most impactful in terms of conservation agriculture?
What creative bioremediation techniques are feasible?
Everyone is welcome, as students from across the country share their research conducted in the Red Cedar Watershed during the summer of 2022.
Info here.

Conservation Connections: Back to Basics Pasture Walk
2022-08-11 18:00 - 21:00
With a goal of supporting farmers to better understand soil health and conservation practices, a Twilight Pasture Walk will be held at Holm Girls Dairy in Elk Mound, WI. This event is open to farmers and landowners of all experience levels and will provide information and resources as well as opportunities to connect with resources from Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
Anyone interested in regenerative practices is welcome to come and benefit from the supportive experienced grazers within the River Country grazing network. “Some of the farmers within the network have decades of practical experience and their collective knowledge has been priceless to us and without the encouragement and mentorship provided by those farmers, we would likely not have made it beyond our first year,” adds Holm. “In a perfect combination with the grazing network, NRCS staff and programs also have provided us support. NRCS provided access to cost share programs that have helped to interseed pastures, build fences, improve cattle lanes, establish a large waterway, provide woodland management, and fund a hoophouse to create a more resilient farmscape here.”
Info here.

Field Day: Together Farms
2022-08-12 10:00 - 11:00
We will meet and do a farm tour, have a chance to hear about Intensive Rotational Grazing and take a Wagon ride around the farm prior to burger night. Learn how Stephanie has used her land with an eye to conservation and the health of the animals.
All women farmers, landowners and conservationists from Pierce, Pepin, Buffalo and surrounding counties are welcome to attend– whatever your background, from beginners to experts!
Info here.

Identifying Raptors in Fall Migration in Wisconsin
2022-08-13 10:00 - 14:00
The goal of this course is to learn to identify and monitor raptors during migration. We will especially focus on learning how to identify raptors in flight; that is how we are most likely to see them during their autumn migration. Many field guides are useful for identifying a perched raptor, but the birds when seen in flight can look quite different from images in standard bird field guides, and their appearance can be confusing at first. Participants will learn how to identify and count the Wisconsin species, including how raptors appear in various lighting conditions as well as timing by species and weather conditions. We will cover likely locations in eastern Wisconsin for autumn raptor migration and how to participate in a “hawk count” (an “official” count, or one you start by yourself). We will also investigate resources for learning and study, including online sources, field guides on raptors, tools, and equipment. The course will cover vultures, eagles, accipiters, buteos, osprey, northern harrier, falcons and kites.
Info here.

NAWM's Annual State/Tribal/Federal Coordination Meeting
2022-08-15 - 2022-08-19
We invite you to join us for NAWM’s (formerly ASWM)Annual State/Tribal/Federal Coordination Meeting, to be held at the National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) from August 15-19, 2022. The purpose of this annual meeting is to support state and tribal wetland program managers, and other wetland professionals as they respond to challenges in the coming year. Although we are currently scheduled to be at the NCTC, we will be monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic very closely and will follow all federal guidelines and mandates related to the pandemic. If circumstances require it, we will shift the meeting to a fully virtual format.
Info here.

Climate Adaptation for Forest-Dependent Wildlife Webinar Series
2022-08-16 12:00 - 13:00
This 12-part series tells a story about climate change and its impacts on forest ecosystems and forest dependent wildlife species. We will examine forest ecosystems and their composition and structure under a changing climate, and the influence on wildlife populations and carbon dynamics. We will also share tools and management approaches to help facilitate forest and wildlife climate adaptation at both landscape and stand scales.
Info here.

Pasture Management, OAD and Fall Seasonal Calving on an All Forage Dairy
2022-08-16 12:00 - 14:00
Ricky is a DGA Journeygrazier. Together with his wife Thelma they took over Thelma’s parents farm. Since then they built a parlor, went to OAD and fully fall seasonal calving. They also added ancillary, Direct-To-Consumer enterprises. Ricky will talk about their decision making process and their Pasture Management.
Info here.

Managing Soil Healthy and Grazing for Better Pastures Field Day
2022-08-17
Info here.

Learn all about stockpiling forage to extend your grazing season
2022-08-18 18:00 - 20:00
Hosted by Connor Laukant at S5737 Rock Elm Rd, Rock Springs. Learn all about stockpiling forage to extend your grazing season at this pasture walk.

Info here.

Swimming with superbugs: Exploring how antimicrobial resistance moves in our environment
2022-08-19 13:30 - 14:30
Understanding the interconnected health of humans, animals, and the environment (the one-health framework) is essential to address a growing public health crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, examinations of the role of the environment to harbor and transport AMR have lagged behind efforts in human and animal medicine. In this webinar, we’ll explore what we know about how AMR moves in our environment, and explore critical needs to improve our understanding of environmental health aspects of the AMR problem.
Info here.

Restoration Field Day 2022
2022-08-20
The Restoration Field Day is a gathering for ecological practitioners, vendors, property owners, naturalists, and students of all ages. This full-day workshop will make ecological management accessible to everyone. Participants will explore a variety of land management tools, techniques, and services through field demonstrations, hands-on learning experiences, and vendor booths led by experts in restoration ecology.
This year we are showcasing the intersection of restoration, foraging and agro-ecology. We have a strong line-up of experts in each of these fields including Sam Thayer (Author of the Forager’s Harvest), Matt Smith (Riveredge Research and Conservation Director), and Devon Brock-Montgomery (The Savanna Institute).
Info here.

Aquatic Invasive Species Snapshot Day - 2022
2022-08-20 08:30 - 12:30
Wisconsin Snapshot Day is a statewide, one-day event connecting volunteers, water lovers, and local groups in a search for aquatic invasive species (AIS). You can help protect Wisconsin’s rivers, lakes, and wetlands from these invasive plants and animals that negatively impact habitat, wildlife, recreation and health. This event is coordinated in partnership with UW-Madison Division of Extension, River Alliance of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, local partners, and YOU!
Volunteers will look for invasive species at critical monitoring sites, and potential invasive species will be verified and cataloged with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to guide species control and conservation management plans. No experience is necessary and training is provided virtually prior to the event
Info here.

"Suck the Muck" at Sixmile Creek
2022-08-22 16:00 - 18:00
Dane County’s “Suck the Muck” project has received a lot of exciting attention over the past few years for its legacy sediment removal in Dorn Creek and Token Creek. Now on the third phase of the project, Dane County will begin the work in Sixmile Creek. It is estimated that approximately 25,000 tons (or about 1,800 dump truck loads) of material will be removed from this section of Sixmile Creek, including an estimated 60,000 pounds of phosphorus contained in the accumulated sediment.
In this month’s Clean Lakes 101 field trip edition, we’ll hear an update from Dane County Executive Joe Parisi and Assistant Director of Land and Water Resources John Reimer about the project. Attendees will get to see the phosphorus-laden sediment islands firsthand and learn about the removal process. Ultimately, this project is currently estimated to divert thousands of pounds of phosphorus from entering our lakes.
Info here.

Vegetable Disease ID & Prevention
2022-08-23 12:00 - 13:30
Taking an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach on sustainable and organic farms is all about planning, observation, and timely responses—nowhere is that more true than with plant disease.
Join Dr. Beth Gugino, Penn State University professor and extension specialist in vegetable pathology, to learn about observation and diagnostic tools you can use to recognize the signs of different diseases quickly, and how respond to before they get out of control. We’ll also discuss steps you can take to prevent disease in your crops.
Info here.

Climate, Weather, and Monarchs
2022-08-23 13:00 - 14:00
Weather is a key determinant of monarch numbers, but the story is complicated and interesting. Join us to learn the latest on what we know about monarch population drivers, in the past, present, and future.
Info here.

Critical Conversations: Learn how to connect
2022-08-23 14:00 - 15:00
Have you ever had a tough message to deliver but just didn’t know how to say it? Or, what you said clearly wasn’t what they heard? Making it a meaningful connection – especially when having a critical conversation – takes a lot of work.
Info here.

Organic Advisor Call Series
2022-08-24 08:00 - 09:00
The Organic Agronomy Training Service (OATS), the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s OGRAIN, and the American Society of Agronomy (ASA) have launched two new opportunities for organic advisors and ag professionals to connect and learn from each other. These are perfect for ag professionals who work with organic and transitional farmers.
The Organic Advisor Call Series are free, monthly Zoom discussions and Q&As with farmers and experts focused on all aspects of organic grain farming. Join us for the following sessions:

June 29, 8-9am CT – “Managing Weeds with Organic Crop Rotations and Technology” with Dr. Adam Davis, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
July 27, 8-9am CT – “Cover Crops, Inter-seeding, and 60-inch corn in Organic Management” with Dr. Joel Gruver, Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL
August 24, 8-9am CT – “Reduced Tillage in Organic Systems: No Till Soybeans into Cereal Rye” with Dr. Erin Silva, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Register here.

Farm Stress Management and Resiliency
2022-08-24 16:30 - 17:30
Farm and farm families experience a variety of stressors that lead to disruptions on the farm. Building resilience is necessary to reduce the impact of stressors and strengthen the farm and farm families. This session will share strategies that promote resilience and identify signs of stress on the farm.
Info here.

Summer Farm Bill Series
2022-08-25 11:00 - 12:00
Do you care about sustainable agriculture and food security? Do you want to learn more about how the Farm Bill impacts those important issues? If so, the North Carolina Food System Advocacy Coalition’s Summer Farm Bill Series is right for you!
Building from our Farm Storm last fall, we are holding three virtual sessions this summer to continue to share information about the Farm Bill and two marker bills: the Fresh Produce Procurement Reform Act and the Agriculture Resiliency Act. All three sessions will be the same but are designed to educate folks in your network as we look towards this fall and winter for more targeted advocacy around the Farm Bill after the elections.
Info here.

Raising Regenerative Tree-Range Poultry
2022-08-27
Chickens are versatile and serve as powerhouses in regenerating a farming system. Hop on the bus with other poultry enthusiasts to learn from Reginaldo “Regi” Haslett-Marroquín and Wil Crombie of the Regenerative Agriculture Alliance in Northfield, Minnesota. Regi and Wil will share how chickens in the “Tree-Range” system are raised in a coop and paddock system that integrates trees and perennial crops like hazelnuts and elderberries.
Content will be delivered in Spanish and English during this event, and interpretation will be provided.
See & Discuss:
Rotationally raised pastured poultry
Agroforestry
Coop infrastructure and set-up
Perennial crop production (hazelnuts & elderberries)
Processing and marketing Tree-Range poultry
Info here.

Farm and Fiber Tour Stop 2
2022-08-27 09:30 - 12:30
Join Three Rivers Fibershed (TRF) and Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU) local chapters for a series of on-farm events highlighting local fiber farms, soil-to-soil farming practices, and regional textile systems in Wisconsin! Featuring WFU and TRF members/stewards, attendees will have the chance to connect with local farms and shepherds engaging in climate-beneficial, pasture-based farming practices and learn about TRF and WFU and their work to support farmers and cooperative efforts to promote local agricultural systems.
Info here.

Field Day: Red Door Family Farm
2022-08-28 13:00 - 17:00
All women farmers, landowners and conservationists from Marathon, Portage, Shawano and surrounding counties are welcome to attend– whatever your background, from beginners to experts!
Info here.

2022 International Drainage Symposium
2022-08-30 - 2022-09-02
11th International Drainage Symposium
August 30-September 2, 2022
Des Moines, Iowa
Solutions to agricultural drainage challenges and opportunities will be the focus of the 11th International Drainage Symposium, held August 30-September 2, 2022 at the Marriott Des Moines Downtown in Des Moines, Iowa, USA. Two days of sessions will highlight drainage research, practice design, implementation, and policy. The third day of the symposium will feature field tours highlighting some of the innovative drainage work happening in the local area.
The challenge of increasing agricultural production on the world’s poorly drained soils in a changing climate, with ever-increasing water quality and quantity concerns, will require technical, economic, policy, and social perspectives. The symposium will provide an opportunity for the research, agency, industry, and practitioner communities to interact, share experiences, and address emerging issues related to agricultural drainage.
Join us for this event and share your work with drainage researchers, professionals, and practitioners from around the world by submitting an abstract or participating as an exhibitor or sponsor. We look forward to seeing you in 2022!
Info here.
