Infusing Eco Therapy into Your Day
2021-08-18 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Online
Our daily routines can be overwhelming at times so exploring ways to relieve stress are useful to achieving a calm and relaxed day. This session will give you a better handle on how to deal with those issues as they arise to create a more peaceful and productive environment for your tasks at hand.
Info here.

Writing Effective Survey Questions
2021-08-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Surveys are a popular information collection tool to help coastal managers understand their stakeholders and quickly assess large populations. Unfortunately, because of their popularity, many people untrained in survey creation administer poorly designed surveys that yield questionable results. This live, online module serves to provide coastal managers with best practices to write more effective survey questions.
You will learn how to 1.) Review and critique surveys, and identify common mistakes in question design 2.) Incorporate 25 best practices when creating survey questions 3.) Create appropriate question layout and design 4.) Identify ways to improve survey questions that yield desired data types

Info here.

Climate Impacts on Local Flora and Fauna - Field Trip
2021-08-18 13:00 - 15:00 | WI
Baileys Harbor is home to many critical, threatened and endangered plants and animals. These species rely on the specific conditions which are found right along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Even the slightest changes in climate could pose a major problem. During this program, Katie Krouse, Program Manager, The Ridges Sanctuary, will explore the flora and fauna that rely on the specific conditions found here and discuss the threats to their survival.
Info here.

Rain Gardens: Planning, Construction and Plants
2021-08-18 15:00 - 17:00 | Online
The Green Thumb Gardening series will give you the practical knowledge to keep your home garden thriving! University of Wisconsin Extension educators and local horticulture experts will provide in-depth and accessible information for everyone from the novice to the experienced gardener.
Info here.

Stony Brook Field Event
2021-08-18 17:30 - 19:30 | WI
Tour of the restored section of the Sohrweide Farm
View an Electrofishing Demonstration
Learn more about the Trout in the Classroom program at Chilton School District
Find out about current & future projects

Info here.

WFU Summer Conference 2021
2021-08-19 09:30 - 14:30 | WI
Wisconsin Farmers Union is very excited to host our first in-person meeting in over a year! You are invited to join us on beautiful Lake Wissota at WFU Kamp Kenwood for our annual Summer Conference. We’ll spend the day catching up on all things Farmers Union, connecting and reconnecting with each other, and diving into chapter engagement as we move forward. We can’t wait to see you all!
Info here.

Leaders of the Land: A State Sustainability Series
2021-08-20 12:30 - 15:30 | WI
Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is excited to invite farmers and agriculturists to attend “Leaders of the Land: A State Sustainability Series.” This series of nine tours will take place across the state in each of the Farm Bureau districts, highlighting diverse commodities and sustainability practices.
The purpose of the Statewide Sustainability Series is to offer farmers and agriculturists different perspectives regarding environmental stewardship across Wisconsin. These events will bring farmers of all types together to explore how diverse sectors of agriculture achieve similar goals regarding water quality, soil health, waste management, carbon conversations and air quality. Each event will feature a unique learning opportunity, applicable across farms and allow networking across sectors of agriculture and areas of the state.
Cost is $20 per tour for Wisconsin Farm Bureau members. The cost for non-members is $80 for one tour which includes a one-year Wisconsin Farm Bureau membership. All additional tours for non-members are $20 each.
Register here: https://web.cvent.com/event/206cf6d6-e395-4e6a-b864-c4c36442470a/summary

Silvopasture for Livestock & Pollinators
2021-08-21 09:00 - 12:00 | WI
Join us for a silvopasture-pollinator field day at Mary Dirty Face Farm, co-hosted with the Xerces Society. A silviculture expert from the Savanna Institute will evaluate recently planted tree strips and talk about species selection, installation, and weed management. Farm host Rachel Henderson and Xerces pollinator specialist Sarah Foltz Jordan will discuss habitat value both in terms of forage/shade for livestock and food/nesting for pollinators, especially specialist bees, butterflies, and moths that require certain tree and shrub species to survive.
Register and info: https://mosesorganic.org/events/organic-field-days/silvopasture-for-pollinators-livestock-august-21/

AIS Snapshot Day
2021-08-21 09:30 - 12:30 | WI
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.
This is event is recommended for ages 8 and up; minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Register here: https://wateractionvolunteers.org/event-page/aquatic-invasive-species-snapshot-day-2021/

Methods of Pastured Pork and Poultry Production
2021-08-21 09:30 - 15:30 | WI
See two farms raising pastured pork and poultry in a couple of different ways! Pastured pork and poultry can be a viable method for produce growers to add the fifth principle of soil health, Integrating Livestock, into their soil health practices. These methods of production are often overlooked in soil health programming and education. Over the summer, we hope to create educational materials or a podcast on this topic as it is something that farmers who don’t have a land base to run cattle, but do have acreage enough for poultry or pork, can benefit from.
Register: https://www.sfa-mn.org/soil-health-for-fruit-vegetable-growers/

Wisconsin Harvest of the Month Campaign
2021-08-23 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
The webinar will focus on the purpose of the campaign and how to participate, DATCP’s Minimally Processed Farm to School Veggie Pilot Project, menu planning for school nutrition programs, and connecting to schools.
Speakers will include:
Emily Latham, MPH
Health Communications Outreach Specialist
University of Wisconsin- Madison Division of Extension
Sarah Smith, MPP
Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change Specialist
University of Wisconsin – Madison Division of Extension
April Yancer
Farm to School & Institution and WI Foods Program Specialist
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Maggie Byrne, RDN, CD
Public Health Nutritionist
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
About the Wisconsin Harvest of the Month
The Wisconsin Harvest of the Month is a statewide campaign for schools that encourages students to eat more Wisconsin-grown fruits and vegetables. Each month, schools showcase one seasonal, Wisconsin-grown fruit or vegetable, which allows students to taste, explore, and learn about the importance of eating fruits and vegetables.
For more information, visit https://healthyliving.extension.wisc.edu/programs/harvest-of-the-month/.

PDPW Agricultural Community Engagement (ACE) On-Farm Twilight Meetings
2021-08-23 18:00 - 20:30 | WI
Attend one, or more, of the free Agricultural Community Engagement® (ACE) On-Farm Twilight Meetings. Each meeting will kick off with a farm tour at 6:00 p.m. and will be followed by ice cream and an open discussion. This event will conclude at 8:30 p.m.
Join local community leaders and dairy farmers to learn together and discuss important issues such as water, community development, resource management, changes in ag and rural communities, road and transportation and other critical subjects.
These meetings are brought to you by the Wisconsin Counties Association, Wisconsin Towns Association and the Professional Dairy Producers and are open to the public.
Register: https://pdpw.org/programs/2021ACEMeeting/details

Diseased, Decayed, Defective, and Dangerous: When Good Trees Go Bad
2021-08-23 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
Trees provide a variety of benefits to society. But trees also lose branches or break when forces exceed their structural strength or the root-soil connection. Tree failure can cause severe damage to houses and other structures, deny access or use of infrastructure, and injure or kill people. Landowners have legal “duty of care” for trees on their properties, including responsibility to obtain expert assistance when appropriate. Learn how qualified arborists assess tree risk by estimating likelihood of tree failure and impact, and the consequences to property and people. Dr. Glen Stanosz is the UW-Madison emeritus professor of tree and forest health, and is also a certified arborist with the additional qualification in tree risk assessment.
Info here: https://kemp.wisc.edu/outreach/

Smart Salting for Parking Lots and Sidewalks
2021-08-24 08:00 | Online
Free training for winter maintenance professionals who remove snow, apply road salt or maintain snow removal equipment used on roads.
Learn how using the right amount of salt can save time, budget and our waters.
The training will include: best management practices to keep paved areas safe, benefits of using a liquid salt system, guidance on how to determine the right amount of salt to use, and case studies from local applicators.
Register: https://www.wisaltwise.com/Event/Home/Detail/942

2021 Drainage Tools Workshop
2021-08-24 08:00 - 14:00 | WI
What does this workshop cover?

Drainage Design as a Nutrient Reduction Strategy: Learn how drain spacing and depth affects water quality and crop yield.
Drain Spacing Tool: Learn the basics of using the tool to estimate the optimum drain spacing that maximizes economic return on investment.
Controlled Drainage Suitability Tool: Learn to identify land in the Midwest USA with a high chance of being suitable for controlled drainage.
Subirrigation Suitability Tool: Learn to identify land in the Midwest USA with a high chance of being suitable for subirrigation.
Drainage Water Recycling: Learn about the features, site suitability, crop yield benefit, profitability, and water-quality benefit of drainage water recycling.
EDWRD Tool (Evaluating Drainage Water Recycling Decisions): Learn the basics of using the tool to size a pond for drainage water recycling.
Shallow Drains Tool: Learn to use the tool to make an informed decision about drain depth. The tool estimates the nitrate load reduction of shallow drains compared to deep drains.
Reducing Phosphorus Loss with P-filters: Learn about the features, site selection, maintenance, installation, and water-quality benefit of P-filters.
P-TRAP Phosphorus Transport Reduction App: Learn the basics of using the P-TRAP app to design a P-filter for reducing phosphorus loss in drainage discharge.
Drain Sedimentation Tool: Learn to use the tool to identify soil at risk of drain sedimentation (sediment clogging the drain).
Nutrient Loss Calculator: Learn to use the tool to get an idea of nutrient loss from your tile, so you can improve profitability and downstream water quality. Listen to real-world examples of how producers are modifying their farming practices based on the tool’s results.

Register here: https://www.egr.msu.edu/bae/water/drainage/news/2021-drainage-tools-workshop

UW Organic Agriculture Research Field Day
2021-08-24 10:00 - 15:30 | Arlington Agricultural Research Station, N695 Hopkins Road, Arlington, Wisconsin
This field day will highlight organic research conducted at UW–Madison, as well as information about best practices for organic production. Lunch will be provided. Pre-registration is required.
To register, send email to emsilva@wisc.edu.
Information here: https://news.wisc.edu/agricultural-research-station-field-days-return-for-2021-season/

Growing a Regenerative Crop Production System
2021-08-24 11:00 - 13:00 | Online
Part 1: Exploring the Future of Regenerative and Organic Crop Production
Part 2: Connecting for Conservation
Register here: https://www.agronomy.org/meetings/sustainable-agronomy/program/

Conserving Grasslands for Birds and Monarchs
2021-08-24 13:00 - 14:00 | WI
Monarchs share habitat with countless other organisms. In this webinar, Drew Larsen and bird biologist Kelly VanBeek share how conservation of grasslands intersects with the conservation of native pollinators, grassland birds and gamebirds, using case studies from Southeastern Wisconsin.
Register here

Diverse Forages for Dairy Operations
2021-08-24 13:30 - 14:30 | Online
Join Josh Hiemstra as he discusses the many ways he integrates annual and perennial forages into his farming operation for feeding dairy cattle. We’ll take a look at trials where Josh is co-seeding and interseeding forages with silage corn, as well as testing different nitrogen application rates. We’ll also see a diverse cover crop cocktail mix sown after wheat harvest. To top things off, we’ll check out an establishing alfalfa-grass hay field that was seeded with a nurse crop following last year’s forage mix.
Josh will be joined by Becky Wagner, agronomist for Fond du Lac Land and Water Conservation Department. Becky will describe how the county is helping farmers like Josh implement soil health-building practices with cost-share opportunities.
Topics:

Feed value of forages
Diversified crop rotations
Alfalfa and clover establishment
Silage corn

Register and info here: https://practicalfarmers.org/events/field-days/live-from-the-farm/diverse-forages-for-dairy-operations/

North American Manure Expo
2021-08-25 - 2021-08-26 | Online
Manure Expo 2021 will feature live presentations, panel discussions plus a host of on-demand presentations from some of the industry’s leading experts. Two live event days and a virtual tradeshow opening prior to the event makes it easy for farmers, manure applicators and industry suppliers to connect with one another over the course of the show. Ontario is our host province this year, with a schedule of high-caliber education sessions and virtual tours curated and presented by the team at OMAFRA.

ACRES Healthy Soil Summit
2021-08-25 - 2021-08-26 | Online
The annual Healthy Soil Summit is built for farmers, growers and ranchers searching for an advantage in today’s marketplace. Instructors are real farmers who practice what they teach, including detailed tactics to build soil resilience, increase water storage capacity and decrease costly inputs and programs
Register here: https://soil.acresusa.com/program-agenda/

UW Agronomy and Soils Field Day
2021-08-25 08:00 - 12:00 | Arlington Agricultural Research Station, N695 Hopkins Road, Arlington, Wisconsin
This field day will feature field plot tours and UW research updates on soil fertility and management, pest management, Kernza® production and other grain production systems, and many other topics.
Please register by August 15 at https://go.wisc.edu/a32g16 or call (608) 262-0485. More info at: https://go.wisc.edu/agronomysoilsfd.

Wisconsin Basic Soils & Web Soil Survey to Interpret Land Capabilities
2021-09-01 09:30 - 15:00 | Online
This online, instructor-led course is designed to give conservation professionals an introduction to soil science and how soils information is used in the conservation planning process. Participants will be introduced to several common soil properties and interpretations as well as an overview of soil survey map unit design and composition. Participants will learn how to use Web Soil Survey to access soils information and how to apply this data for conservation practice planning, implementation, and evaluation. There are four modules (listed below). Each will be about an hour long with time following for questions.
1) Common soil properties and interpretations: Jennifer Smith (State Soil Scientist, NRCS)
2) Soil Survey, map unit design, and map unit composition. Jeremey Ziegler (SE Area Resource Soil Scientist, NRCS)
3) Web Soil Survey and accessing soils information: Andrew Paolucci (Assistant State Soil Scientist, NRCS)
4) Applying soils data in conservation planning: Josh Odekirk (SE Area Resource Soil Scientist, NRCS)
More details can be found here.
Register here by August 24.
Contact Andrew.paolucci@usda.gov or JenniferL.Smith@usda.gov for questions about this course.

Seven Principles for Selling Conservation
2021-09-01 13:00 | Online
Join us for the National Watershed Coalition Webinar on Seven Principles for Selling Conservation, using those principles to sell several aspects of Watershed Project work, including addressing mitigation efforts, and the importance and opportunities for buffer and riparian development. Our featured presenter is Bobby Whitescarver.
Registration and info here.

WDNR BITS Training Webinar Series
2021-09-16 09:00 | Online
BITS is the DNR’s online system to track BMPs implemented through certain pollution abatement programs.
DNR will be hosting the following webinars to help you prepare and submit data in BITS:

Targeted Runoff Management Grants in BITS – Thursday, Sept. 16 at 9 a.m.

In this webinar, we will dive into BITS and walk through the process of submitting a TRM grant final report. We’ll also go through some frequently-asked questions and have a Q&A session. Register here for the TRM webinar.

Multi-Discharger Variance in BITS, pt. I: Applications and Plans – Thursday, Sept. 30 at 9 a.m.

This webinar will go through the process of using BITS to apply for MDV funding and submit a plan for funding you’ve received. We’ll talk strategy for applying for MDV funds and planning in the highest-impact watersheds as we walk through the system step-by-step. Register here for Part I of the MDV webinar.

Multi-Discharger Variance in BITS, pt. II: Annual Reports – Thursday, Oct. 14 at 9 a.m.

In this second MDV webinar, we’ll talk about the reporting phase of your MDV projects: how to document implemented practices and submit a report to the DNR. We’ll cover common questions and advice for submitting the most meaningful data. Register here for Part II of the MDV webinar.

Are There Agroecosystems That Build Soil Carbon? & Setting Up the Winter Wheat Crop for Success
2021-09-21 12:30 - 13:30 | Online
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension’s Badger Crop Connect, is finishing up the 2021 growing season with several webinars in September and October. This series provides agronomists, crop consultants and farmers timely crop updates for Wisconsin during the growing season.
This session is on Winter Wheat and Soil Carbon: Randy Jackson presenting Are there agroecosystems that build soil carbon? & Shawn Conley presenting Setting Up the Winter Wheat Crop for Success.
Details here.

What's the Buzz? Exploring the Impact of Prairie Strips and Pollinators
2021-09-21 13:00 - 14:00 | WI
View the flyer here.

Forced Aeration with Preprocessing Mortality Composting Systems Under Practice Standard 316
2021-09-21 13:00 - 14:30 | WI
Join us as we discuss where forced aeration and preprocessing came from and how NRCS, through a simple Conservation Innovation Grant nearly twenty years ago, help mold this alternative to static pile composting. During this webinar, how the science of composting is harnessed and optimized through preprocessing and forced aeration and how NRCS and industry guidance and involvement have driven the years of process improvement and innovation will also be discussed. Participates will discover how the process’s consistent and independently verified performance has impacted loading rates, cycle times, facility sizing, and facility design options including the “Open Floor” Concept. Supporting documentation, facility sizing worksheets, estimated costs, and start-up and operational videos will be presented. Swine and poultry operations will be emphasized.
Details here.

82nd Minnesota Nutrition Conference
2021-09-22 - 2021-09-23 | WI
The Minnesota Nutrition Conference, now in its 82nd year, is a highly regarded and well-known livestock nutrition conference in the upper Midwest. This conference delivers leading-edge, research-based knowledge to advance sustainable production of beef, dairy, poultry, and swine. This annual event is presented by the Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, and University of Minnesota Extension.
Details here.

MN Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) Research & Management Showcase
2021-09-22 | WI
Join us for a selection of talks covering the latest MAISRC research on zebra mussels, spiny water fleas, watermilfoil, genetic biocontrol, and much more.
Register here.
