Conservation Professional Training Program

2025 Manure Applicator 101 Training - Abbotsford
2025-03-13 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Abbotsford City Hall, 203 N. 1st Street, Abbotsford, WI, United States
The Division of Extension UW-Madison is offering Manure Applicator Training 101 at several locations across Wisconsin. The Manure Applicator Training Program is an interactive training opportunity for anyone who works with manure applications.
Registration is $10
Spanish language training is available with advance notice. To request it, please get in touch with Kevin Erb at kevin.erb@wisc.edu

2025 Virtual Nutrient Managment Training for Farmers
2025-03-14 10:00 - 15:00 | WI
The Nutrient and Pest Management Program within the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) are offering virtual training for farmers interested in writing their own nutrient management plans. This training provides both the basics of nutrient management and an introduction to SnapPlus.

2025 Manure Applicator 101 Training - Cecil
2025-03-17 12:30 - 15:30 | Tim Bulger Farm, W1008 Naurman Rd, Cecil, WI, United States

2025 Manure Applicator 101 Training - Dodgeville
2025-03-17 13:00 - 16:00 | Iowa County Human Services Building, 303 W Chapel St., Dodgeville, WI, 53533, United States

2025 Manure Applicator 101 Training - Kewaunee (Spanish)
2025-03-18 08:00 - 11:00 | Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy, N4893 County C, Kewaunee, WI, 54216, United States

2025 Agriculture Water Quality Webinar Series - Flood Mitigation and Water Quality in Extreme Weather Conditions
2025-03-18 12:00 - 13:00 | WI
Join the UW-Madison Division of Extension’s Agriculture Water Quality Program for a biweekly webinar series that will focus on the important factors impacting ground and surface water quality.
This webinar explores how to prepare for when extreme weather pushes our waterways to the breaking point, sometimes literally. What can agricultural producers do to reduce nutrient losses and lower flood potential downstream? See for yourself in this webinar, which discusses the dual purpose of some ag conservation practices and the extreme weather that makes them necessary.
Speakers: Steve Vavrus, State Climatologist, and Sheri Schwert, Extension Ag Water Quality Outreach Specialist
Each webinar will be an hour, starting at 12:00 pm, and will have one continuing education credit for certified crop advisors. Registration is free but required.
Please contact our Ag Water Quality team with questions agwater@extension.wisc.edu

2025 Manure Applicator 101 Training - Luxemburg (English)
2025-03-18 12:30 - 15:30 | Luxemburg Fairgrounds, 625 Third St., Luxemburg, WI, 54217, United States

2025 Manure Applicator 101 Training - Birnamwood
2025-03-19 13:00 - 16:00 | Matsche Farms, Inc, N9035 River Road, Birnamwood, WI, 54414, United States

Certified Soil Tester 2025 Training/Continuing Education
2025-04-30 - 2025-05-01 | River Doc Nature Center, 1814 23 1/2 Ave, Rice Lake, WI, 54868, United States
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) and the Conservation Professional Training Program, UW-Madison, Division of Extension, are co-hosting the spring 2025 POWTS (Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems) and Stormwater Certified Soil Tester (CST) in Rice Lake.
This 2-day training is for people who want to learn more about performing soil and site evaluations for POWTS in Wisconsin, and those who perform site and soil characterization for the design and/or construction of stormwater management systems. It is designed to prepare you to take the CST exam. For those with a current CST credential, 12 continuing education credit hours are available. Please note that this course is not approved for continuing education credit hours for plumbing credentials (Inspector, Plumber, Maintainer).
The training includes both classroom and field components, with ample opportunity for hands-on soil activities in both the classroom and soil pits in the field. The field components are a short drive from the classroom location and are planned for the afternoon of the second day (subject to change based on weather conditions and forecast).
The $50 registration fee (including an early registration discount of $10) includes the training, handouts, and lunch each day. If paying by credit card, the cost is $51.50.

View Full Schedule Here
Register Online Here
View Official Flyer Here

Foundational Crop Scouting Training Webinar: Introduction to Crop Scouting
2025-05-14 12:00 - 13:00 | WI
Prepare for a successful scouting season and career with the free Extension Crops & Soils Foundational Crop Scout Training!
Join us for weekly virtual lunch-and-learn webinars on Zoom that introduce the fundamentals of field crop scouting and apply what you have learned with a half-day hands-on training in the field at one of the three University of Wisconsin Ag Research stations. Hands-on field day registration to be announced.
Who should attend?
The Foundational Crop Scout training series is designed for entry-level crop scouts with limited or no scouting experience and anyone looking for a refresher course in basic scouting skills. We invite anyone looking for basic scout skills along with those working for crop consultants, industry agronomists, or ag service providers throughout Wisconsin to join us for this hybrid training opportunity. The program will provide crop scouts with the key foundational skills necessary for successfully scouting field crops including corn, soybeans and alfalfa.
Register for webinars here.
Learn more here.

Foundational Crop Scouting Training Webinar: Crop Staging, Stand Counts, Soil/Tissue Sampling
2025-05-21 12:00 - 13:00 | WI

Geology of Southeast Wisconsin Training
2025-05-22 09:00 - 15:00 | Waukesha DNR Service Center, 141 NW Barstow St, Waukesha, WI, United States
This one-day training is designed to dig deeper into the geology and groundwater flow in Southeast Wisconsin, discuss the basics and limitations of depth to bedrock and karst mapping, and provide real case studies of groundwater concerns and examples of local approaches to concerns. The afternoon field session includes a quarry visit and/or site visits to discuss methods of sinkhole and karst feature identification.
The audience for this agency training is DNR drinking water staff (public/private), DNR CAFO and runoff staff, LWCD/NRCS staff and consultants in Karst areas.
Location: Room 151, Waukesha DNR Service Center, 141 NW Barstow St, Waukesha, WI
Register Here
View Agenda

Foundational Crop Scouting Training Webinar: Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms
2025-05-28 12:00 - 13:00 | WI

SnapPlus V3 Summer In-Person Training - Stevens Point
2025-06-03 10:00 - 15:00 | Midstate Technical College, 1001 Centerpoint Drive, Stevens Point, WI, 54481, United States
SnapPlus V3 is now available for nutrient management planning! Join us for a one-day training on V3 of SnapPlus. We will discuss building a plan from scratch in V3 as well as demonstrate converting a V2 plan into V3. There will also be time to work on plans, and we’ll have SnapPlus developers present to answer questions and troubleshoot.
All events will offer 3 Nutrient Management CEUs. Registration is free and lunch will be provided. Please register at least one week in advance so we can plan for enough food for participants.
Location: Midstate Technical College
1001 Centerpoint Drive, Stevens Point, WI 54481
Computer Lab – Room 412
Register Here
View Flyer

Foundational Crop Scouting Training Webinar: Basic Insect ID
2025-06-04 12:00 - 13:00 | WI

Foundational Crop Scouting Training Webinar: Basic Weed ID
2025-06-11 12:00 - 13:00 | WI

Basic Ag 101 for Conservationists 2025 – Session 1
2025-06-17 09:00 - 16:00 | Hancock Agricultural Research Station
Basic Ag 101 is designed for new agency staff working with landowners. The first part, taught by experienced conservation professionals, will focus on techniques and strategies for communicating with/working with traditional and non-traditional (Amish/Mennonite, Tribal) landowners and provide a foundation in determining and assessing resource concerns in cropland (traditional/specialty), pasture and forested areas.
Location: Hancock Ag Research Station, Hancock WI
This is a joint program of Wisconsin Land+Water and UW Madison-Extension’s Conservation Professional Training Program. Contact Kevin Erb at 920-391-4652 or Kevin.Erb@wisc.edu for more information on this program.
Register Here
View Schedule

SnapPlus V3 Summer In-Person Training - Appleton
2025-06-17 10:00 - 15:00 | FVTC Appleton HSTC Building, 1825 N. Bluemound Drive, Appleton, WI, 54914, United States
SnapPlus V3 is now available for nutrient management planning! Join us for a one-day training on V3 of SnapPlus. We will discuss building a plan from scratch in V3 as well as demonstrate converting a V2 plan into V3. There will also be time to work on plans, and we’ll have SnapPlus developers present to answer questions and troubleshoot.
All events will offer 3 Nutrient Management CEUs. Registration is free and lunch will be provided. Please register at least one week in advance so we can plan for enough food for participants.
Location: FVTC Appleton HSTC Building
1825 N. Bluemound Drive, Appleton, WI 54914
Health Simulation & Energy Center – Room HS210
Register Here
View Flyer

Foundational Crop Scouting Training Webinar: Introduction to Common Crop Diseases
2025-06-17 12:00 - 13:00 | WI

Realizing Resilience: Coordinating Efforts from across the Great Lakes Basin Webinar
2025-06-18 00:00 - 13:00 | WI
This webinar is the first of a three-part series from the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) and University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership (MCAP) – Realizing Resilience: Coordinating Efforts from Across the Great Lakes Basin. The webinar series is offered in advance of the Midwest Climate Resilience Conference, scheduled for October 20-22 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Staff from the University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership (MCAP) will preview the upcoming Midwest Climate Resilience Conference, and the Great Lakes Commission will provide an overview of GLC’s Action Plan for a Resilient Great Lakes Basin. This Action Plan helps to prioritize basin-wide efforts and forms a roadmap to advance climate resilience in the region.
Register Today!

SnapPlus V3 Summer In-Person Training - Fennimore
2025-06-19 10:00 - 15:00 | SWTC Fennimore Campus, 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI, United States
SnapPlus V3 is now available for nutrient management planning! Join us for a one-day training on V3 of SnapPlus. We will discuss building a plan from scratch in V3 as well as demonstrate converting a V2 plan into V3. There will also be time to work on plans, and we’ll have SnapPlus developers present to answer questions and troubleshoot.
All events will offer 3 Nutrient Management CEUs. Registration is free and lunch will be provided. Please register at least one week in advance so we can plan for enough food for participants.
Location: SWTC Fennimore Campus
1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Building 100 – Room 124
Register Here
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Lunch & Learn: Skills for Building Farmer Networks for Conservation
2025-06-26 11:30 - 12:30 | WI
Are you a conservation outreach professional who is wanting to engage more farmers in farmer-led conservation efforts? Skills for Building Farmer Networks for Conservation is a new curriculum you can use to do just that.
Join us on Thursday, June 26th at 11:30am CT / 12:30pm ET for a free, virtual Lunch & Learn to learn about how you can use this curriculum to empower farmers in your watershed or community to engage their peers about conservation, whether or not building a formal farmer network is your goal. The curriculum focuses on key skills identified through research that can help farmers feel more confident in supporting other farmers’ decisions to try conservation practices.
Register Here!
Learn More

WHEN: Thursday, June 26th, 2025.
TIME: 11:30am CT / 12:30pm ET.
PLACE: Zoom.

Preparing Wisconsin's Rural Communities for Extreme Weather Events Webinar
2025-06-30 14:00 - 15:00 | WI
Join Ken Genskow, Jackson Parr, and Ashley Cate of Extension for an engaging session discussing statewide work on building greater capacity in Wisconsin’s rural communities to prepare for amplified weather extremes. Collaborating with farmers, local hazard planning and emergency management officials, and rural schools, their team aims to provide data, tools, and resources that enhance the ability to make informed decisions in advance of extreme weather events. The session will start with breakout rooms and end with plenty of discussion time to talk about engagement with the project.
This work is supported by the Rural Partnerships Institute (RPI). This webinar is hosted by the Network Sub-Team of UW-Madison’s Climate Leadership Team. All UW Extension colleagues are welcome to join.
Jun 30th, 2025, at 2:00 PM CT
Register Today!

SnapPlus V3 Summer In-Person Training - Janesville
2025-07-01 10:00 - 15:00 | Blackhawk Janesville Campus, 6004 S. County Road G, Janesville, WI, 53546, United States
SnapPlus V3 is now available for nutrient management planning! Join us for a one-day training on V3 of SnapPlus. We will discuss building a plan from scratch in V3 as well as demonstrate converting a V2 plan into V3. There will also be time to work on plans, and we’ll have SnapPlus developers present to answer questions and troubleshoot.
All events will offer 3 Nutrient Management CEUs. Registration is free and lunch will be provided. Please register at least one week in advance so we can plan for enough food for participants.
Location: Blackhawk Janesville Campus
6004 S. County Road G, Janesville, WI 53546
Blackhawk Room – Room 1315
Register Here
View Flyer

2025 NE-MW Regional Prescribed Fire Science and Managment Workshop
2025-07-08 - 2025-07-10 | WI
Northeast-Midwest Prescribed Fire Science and Management Workshop
This year, the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy is taking a fresh approach with its 2025 Workshop by introducing a “Blended Learning Excursion.” The event will span three days, combining virtual learning with in-person field trip opportunities across the Northeast and Midwest.
– Day One will feature a half day of virtual presentations, with Keynote from Dr. Stephen J. Pyne, and a Session on The Many Cultures of Fire.
– Day Two will be in-person field trips, hosted independently across the Northeast-Midwest by willing participants.
– Day Three, we will have another half day of virtual presentations focused on common denominators of organizational, local, and regional fire cultures for successful wildland fire management, and lightning presentations by representation from each of the 20 States in a Prescribed Fire Update.
July 8th- 10th, 2025
Learn More
Register Today

Midwest Organic Center Field Day
2025-07-08 08:00 - 15:15 | Midwest Organic Center, 3706 St Peters Rd., Marion, IA, 52302, United States
Participants will have the opportunity to interact one-on-one with Rodale Institute’s Midwest Organic Center staff and team of Organic Consultants, and learn about our research and demonstration projects focused on organic agriculture and tailored for farmers in the Midwest. This event is ideal for researchers, students, educators and all farmers, whether you are interested in learning more about organic farming, have an interest in consulting services to transition to organic, or are currently a Midwest organic farmer. Attendance is free, but registration is required. Food trucks will be available to purchase lunch during the event.

Learn More & Register

Rooted in Land Webinar
2025-07-10 19:00 - 20:00 | WI
Meet the Cates family: multigenerational farmers, conservation champions, and stewards of the land. On July 10, you’re invited to a free virtual event that brings their story to life.
From rebuilding their family farm to transforming a watershed, Dick Cates and his family have redefined what it means to farm with a land ethic—and inspire a whole region in the process.
Hear from a Leopold Conservation Award winner, published author, and lifelong soil scientist. Discover how a creek, a farm, and a fierce commitment to conservation shaped an enduring legacy.
Learn More & Register

UW Forage and Cover Crop Field Day
2025-07-15 09:00 - 14:00 | Arlington Agricultural Research Station, N695 Hopkins Road, Arlington, Wisconsin
Spend a day in the field with UW–Madison Extension’s forage-focused researchers, crops educators, statewide conservation cropping specialists to uncover new strategies for crop persistence, management, and pest management in forage systems.
July 15, 2025 | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Arlington Ag Research Station
N633 Hopkins Rd
Register Here
Learn More

SnapPlus V3 Summer In-Person Training - Eau Claire
2025-07-15 10:00 - 15:00 | CVTC Energy Education Center, 4000 Campus Road, Eau Claire, WI, 54703, United States
SnapPlus V3 is now available for nutrient management planning! Join us for a one-day training on V3 of SnapPlus. We will discuss building a plan from scratch in V3 as well as demonstrate converting a V2 plan into V3. There will also be time to work on plans, and we’ll have SnapPlus developers present to answer questions and troubleshoot.
All events will offer 3 Nutrient Management CEUs. Registration is free and lunch will be provided. Please register at least one week in advance so we can plan for enough food for participants.
Location: CVTC Energy Education Center
4000 Campus Road, Eau Claire, WI 54703
Energy Education Center – Room 132
Register Here
View Flyer

Forage and Nitrogen Management Field Day
2025-07-16 13:30 - 15:00 | WI
In field discussion on efficient use of nitrogen, including nitrogen utilization research, forage inventory and planning for livestock feeding, and the farm pulse program.

1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: Augusta, WI

Register Here
