Agri-voltaics – Combining Productive Farmland with Solar
2022-01-11 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago)
Solar and agriculture do not have to be mutually exclusive. Work across North America and around the globe has proven that farming, pollinator habitat, and other conservation practices can be co-located – in a way that is mutually beneficial.
Info here.

Growing School Food Gardens
2022-01-11 15:00 - 16:00
To kick off this work, we surveyed 542 school garden leaders in a preliminary needs assessment designed to gather ideas and feedback for expanding teaching tools and resources specifically for edible school garden leaders.
We’ll be facilitating a lively discussion around the results of the needs assessment survey and sharing resulting next steps. Join this free event for an opportunity to connect with other school food garden educators and share your thoughts on how we can better support your work.
Info here.

People, Pipelines, and Water Protectors: Native American Sacrifice Zones - Conversations about Conservation
2022-01-11 18:30 - 19:30
Join us for our first Conversations About Conservation of the new year! We will be joined by Patricia Loew, a Professor at the Medill School of Journalism and the Director of the Center for Native American & Indigenous Research. She will be discussing Environmental Health and Ecological Justice.
Info here.

SRW A new year, a new ewe perspective
2022-01-11 19:30 - 20:30
Todd Taylor, the University of Wisconsin-Madison Sheep Research Program Manager for the Arlington Agricultural Research Station Sheep Unit, will discuss the most complex sheep on the farm, the ewe. As the ewe moves through the production cycle, her needs change. Join Todd as he covers productive ewe management during a typical year to maintain her useful contribution as part of the flock for many years.
Info here.

Native Plant Materials Virtual Conference
2022-01-12 - 2022-01-13
Successful habitat restoration depends on an adequate supply of native plant materials. Planting a diversity of native species provides ecosystem services for pollinators, wildlife, and people, as well as increasing ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change and invasive species. Lack of quantity and quality of native plant materials, both seeds and nursery stock, has significantly hindered landscape recovery efforts. To address this need, native seed partnerships are collaborating to expand native plant materials programs in many regions of the country, including the Southwest and Pacific Northwest.
This conference will bring together native plant producers, restoration ecologists and practitioners, and seed researchers to discuss progress and challenges related to increasing the supply of ecologically-appropriate native seed. Seed partnerships and collaboratives are innovative and key groups that engage multiple perspectives, pool demand, and leverage efforts across regions. Author Doug Tallamy will present his work on the nature of oaks and Olivia Messinger Carril will present her work on pollinator networks. The conference will also include expert speakers and seed producer panels from the Pacific Northwest and Southwest.
Info here.

Facilitation Basics for Coastal Managers
2022-01-12 - 2022-01-13
Productive meetings are essential to effectively plan for and manage the diverse interests and needs in our coastal communities. In this course, participants will learn basic facilitation skills, tools to engage participants, and techniques for dealing with disruptive behaviors. Class time is provided to practice using tools and skills to plan and facilitate meetings that accomplish objectives while minimizing conflict. Participants at every level are welcome, since these new skills will be useful even when attending, but not running, a meeting.
Info here.

Changing How We See Algal Blooms
2022-01-12 08:00 - 09:00
Over the past decade several advancements in harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring approaches and technologies have expanded scientists’ and regulators’ ability to monitor and study algal blooms. BloomOptix is a start-up focused on innovating how we monitor and study HABs by leveraging emerging technologies and methods. The company began in 2019, using advanced sensors and drone technologies to study HABs and water quality phenomena around New York State. In 2021, BloomOptix launched a new product which uses artificial intelligence and digital microscopy to identify and quantify HAB-causing cyanobacteria in water samples. This presentation will detail past and present BloomOptix projects including use of drones for HAB studies, artificial intelligence and how these technologies can help empower decision makers, safety personnel, and citizen scientists.
This past summer, Clean Lakes Alliance volunteers participated in this long-distance collaboration. Equipped with portable digital microscopes generously shipped all the way from London company Iolight, volunteers collected microscopic images of algae and cyanobacteria cells. These images are being used to train an AI mobile app to quickly differentiate between harmless green algae and toxin producing cyanobacteria.
Info here.

On Trees: A Conversation with Peter Wohlleben, Jessica J. Lee, and Sumana Roy
2022-01-12 12:00 - 13:00
The Forest School at the Yale School of the Environment and Orion Magazine present a second event in a series to celebrate Orion’s new anthology, “Old Growth”. “On Trees” will feature a conversation between Peter Wohlleben, Jessica J. Lee, and Sumana Roy, three authors whose work embodies the language of trees. Wohlleben’s “Hidden Life of Trees” illuminates the discreet social network of forests; Lee’s “Two Trees Make a Forest” finds history in the canopy; and Roy’s “How I Became a Tree” finds the shadows of branches throughout literature and philosophy. Together, they will discuss cultural constructs of forests and how disconnected those are from the growing reality of monoculture. Moderating the event is Mary Evelyn Tucker, co-author of “Journey of the Universe” and co-founder of Yale’s Forum on Religion and Ecology.
Info here.

Dairy Margin Protection Update
2022-01-12 13:00 - 14:00
USDA Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) update from Mark Stephenson, Director for the Center for Dairy Profitability and Dairy Policy and Analysis at UW Madison. What you need to know for 2022 sign-up and changes to the program that could affect previous years coverage.
Info here.

Grazing Public Lands 101: A Multi-State Discussion on How to Build A Public Lands Grazing Program
2022-01-12 13:30 - 15:30
Are you a public land manager or administrator in the Upper Midwest looking to integrate grazing as a land management tool? Join the Pasture Project and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), in partnership with the Regenerative Ag Idea Network (REGAIN), for a series of talks on grazing public lands.
Pasture Project has partnered with WDNR over the past several years to explore how to best utilize grazing as a public land management tool. We’re excited to share lessons learned from grazing public lands work across the Upper Midwest and beyond!
Info here.

Emerging Contaminants: A Look at Microplastics
2022-01-12 14:00 - 15:00
Often when we think about plastic pollution we think of grocery bags, straws, and bottles. However, the small fragments, known as microplastics, have become ubiquitous in our lakes, rivers, and drinking water. The next edition of The Current Webinar Series will take a deep dive into these plastic fragments and the on-going research surrounding their pathways into our waterbodies and the effects on the ecosystem.
Info here.

Economic Guidance for Coastal Management Professionals
2022-01-12 14:00 - 15:30
When coastal managers need to estimate project value and incorporate economic data, they have several approaches to consider. This training provides information about a benefits-cost analysis, economic impact analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, and more. Understanding these basics will help participants identify the appropriate approach and the data needed.
Info here.

Abridged Monarch Essentials
2022-01-12 18:30 - 19:30
Monarch Essentials is a series of comprehensive online courses organized by Monarch Joint Venture which cover various topics including monarch biology, migration, threats, plant and insect ecology, research and conservation, community science opportunities, and how to establish pollinator habitat.
The abridged essentials course is a 3-week version of our 7-week program that serves to offer the quick facts of monarch conservation and preservation. All topics from the complete course are covered, but in an abridged model that may be best for those with limited time.

January 12, 2022
January 19, 2022
January 26, 2022

Info here.

Carbon Farming Connection
2022-01-13 09:00 - 11:30
Agricultural carbon markets are growing—and so are the opportunities to produce ag carbon credits and earn additional revenue. Many farmers wonder:

How can producing carbon credits benefit my operation?
What should I keep in mind when selecting a program?
What are the risks of not starting a program soon?

To answer these questions, attend the Carbon Farming Connection, a virtual educational event bringing together farmers, carbon credit buyers, policy experts, and the scientific community for a live discussion about agricultural carbon credits and markets.
Info here.

Soil to palate stories that weave us together
2022-01-13 11:00 - 12:00
This dialogue of different perspectives is about the power that comes from deciding which ingredients to use in cooking, the phenology that can be found in the kitchen and the creativity that is formed when apprentices, farmers and chefs shape relationships with one another and the landscapes in which they work. The conversation will end with an impromptu recipe!
Info here.

Collaborating for a Carbon Neutral Built Environment
2022-01-13 12:00 - 13:00
Reducing emissions across all sectors is critical if we are to combat climate change. With the passage of the infrastructure bill and the urgent need to improve and expand our cities, it’s critical that we build in a way that is both resilient and sustainable.
Join us to learn about opportunities across the construction value chain to achieve carbon neutrality for the future built environment. The cement and concrete industry recently charted a path to carbon neutrality and there will be a focus on how others within the value chain can collaborate to help reach this goal.
Info here.

How to Make the Most of Smart Phones-Farmer Roundtable
2022-01-13 12:00 - 13:00
Tune in for a roundtable discussion with dairy farmers on how to make the most of smart phones, including apps for managing herd and financial data, coordinating schedules and staying connected with teams and more. Episode presenters will be:
· Mitch Breunig, dairy farmer, Mystic Valley Farms LLC
· Jared Feltz, dairy farmer, Feltz Family Farms & Dairy Store
Live sessions offer attendees the opportunity to engage in open Q&A with the speakers; recorded sessions are available later in the day. All Dairy Signal episodes are accessible through www.pdpw.org.
For more information, contact PDPW at 800-947-7379 or by emailing mail@pdpw.org. Join the conversation digitally by following @dairyPDPW and using #TheDairySignal on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Lambing, Kidding, and Calving on Pasture
2022-01-13 12:00 - 13:00
Join to hear how we handle lambing, kidding, and calving, including what to have on hand, helpful tools, recognizing imminent birth, how a normal birth proceeds, and when and how to intervene. What do we do after the birth? How do we select mothers that do the work, so we don’t have to? This session is team taught by Margo Hale, Tracy Mumma, Linda Poole, and Linda Coffey, all long-time producers of sheep, goats, or cattle, all NCAT Livestock and Grazing Specialists. We will send relevant ATTRA resources in a follow-up email.
Info here.

Resiliency Forum - Time & People Management for Specialty Crop Growers
2022-01-13 12:00 - 13:30
Resiliency Forums for Specialty Crop Farmers Join us for a series of online forums this winter to address resiliency on our farms. From the changing climate to the external and internal pressures impacting our farms, our strength lies in coming together collectively to support one another and to provide inspiration for addressing these challenges.
Info here.

Road Detention Structures: Adapting Current Infrastructure for Flood Resiliency and Nutrient Reduction
2022-01-13 13:00 - 14:00
The virtual field day will highlight one of the unique sites within the watershed that is adapting existing infrastructure to provide increased water storage, as well as water quality improvement opportunities. Working with Winneshiek County, Frana was able to identify a site where the existing road could be raised to enhance an existing pond structure for increased water storage and create a fringe wetland that will provide water quality and wildlife habitat benefits, while also help increase traffic safety.
Info here.

America’s Public Gardens: A Resource for Native Plants
2022-01-13 18:00 - 19:00
Take a journey to several of the nation’s public gardens. From gardens that grow exclusively native plants to others that have worked them into their diverse collection, get an in-depth look into how public gardens can help inform and influence your design and maintenance practices.
Info here.

Building Resiliency: Resilience Through Crop Diversification with Brandon Bock
2022-01-13 19:00 - 20:00
Learn how diversification and cover crops can lead to increased profitability and resilience from North Dakota farmer Brandon Bock.
Info here.

Soil Health and the Benefits of Regenerative Agriculture
2022-01-13 19:00 - 20:30
The Climate Change Coalition of Door County will host a panel discussion with four area farmers to speak about their conservation farming efforts and the ways they’re building resiliency.
Info here.

Grass-Fed Winter Workshop
2022-01-14
Hear from managed grazing and perennial based agriculture experts, local farmers, along with representatives from area butcher shops, Wisconsin Meadows, and the Livestock Compass.
Learn about the Livestock Compass with Jim Munsch and how to measure your farm profitability while exploring different marketing opportunities with everything from Equity, local co-ops, to direct marketing from some local farmers.
Rod Ofte from Wisconsin Meadows will share tips on finishing animals and carcass grading along with the importance of utilizing all cuts. Get to know the difference between grass finished and grain finished products as well as how different cuts can be prepared from Paul Short, a certified executive chef and culinary arts instructor for the Madison Area Technical College.
Info here.

Habitat restoration and bird monitoring on the Oneida Nation reservation
2022-01-14 10:30 - 11:30
Since the early 2000s, the Oneida Nation has restored nearly 3,000 acres of agricultural lands to native wetland, grassland, prairie, and forest, providing important habitat for wildlife and helping to reduce watershed runoff. To evaluate restoration success at three critical sites with respect to bird life, the Oneida Nation partnered with the Northeastern Wisconsin (NEW) Audubon Society, Audubon Great Lakes, and UW-Green Bay to launch a bird monitoring program. The deep, collaborative partnership involves nearly 30 volunteers who conducted ~300 standardized bird surveys, the data from which not only provide general information about the birds that use these sites but also guide preliminary land management decisions (e.g., water level manipulation, prescribed burns) to the restored lands. This partnership also serves as an opportunity for the bird monitors to learn about the Oneida Nation’s rich culture, history, and language, particularly in the context of the natural world.
Info here.

Lunch and Learn: One Good Idea
2022-01-14 11:30 - 12:30
One Good Idea is a new online platform and campaign to help farmers get started and have success with soil health and regenerative practices. Created by a multi-state team of university Extension professionals and farmers, One Good Idea was designed to facilitate farmer-to-farmer learning about practices that can improve soil, land, and bottom lines, such as cover crops, conservation tillage, rotational grazing, and nutrient management.
The platform is for farmers, but it can also support the work of professionals who work with farmers to implement conservation practices, such as Extension agents, farm advisors, and conservation professionals.
This Lunch & Learn is an opportunity for such professionals to learn the “science” behind One Good Idea and how it can support their work. We’ll also cover how you could collaborate with farmers to contribute to the platform and the movement to facilitate farmer-to-farmer learning about conservation and regenerative practices.
Info here.

12th Annual Winter Ag Conference
2022-01-18
The event is free to all dairy and crop farmers.
ARM Services, a risk management agency based in Barron, Wis., is bringing together industry thought leaders to share their perspectives on the year ahead. As an organization dedicated to providing the right tools and resources to help farmers succeed, ARM Services believes it is important to explore the insights on leading experts and professionals as farmers build their management plans. This year’s conference speakers include:
– Damian Mason is a speaker, author, and agribusiness consultant who will dive into the challenges that the year 2022 will have in store for agriculture, and how farmers can best prepare and address them.
– William Tierney, the Chief Economist at AgResources Company, will share his perspective on the grain markets and how the global economy will impact demand.
– Eric Snodgrass serves as the Principal Atmospheric Scientist at Nutrien Ag Solutions and will provide insight on important weather patterns that farmers can anticipate in the next few years.
– ARM Services will also discuss important changes impacting crop and milk insurance, in addition to sharing important dates and Farm Service Agency data.
“The industry continues to evolve. As it does, its important for farmers to have the latest information made available to them. This is the exact reason why ARM Services hosts this annual conference – to provide valuable information to our clients and every interested farmer. They can make better management decisions when they have better data made available to them from industry experts,” says Travis Glaser, co-owner and agent at ARM Services.
Interested dairy farmers should register by contacting ARM Services via phone (715) 418-2676 or emailing RSVP@agriskman.com. Registration is required for lunch purposes. Register by Monday, January 17.

What Do We Know About Permeable Pavement?
2022-01-18 09:00 - 10:00
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has been evaluating the water quality and quantity benefits of permeable pavements at a site in Madison, Wisconsin since 2014. USGS monitoring efforts have provided valuable insights regarding how permeable pavements perform as a storm water management practice. This information has been used to develop and update Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) permeable pavement technical standard 1008. This webinar will provide a summary of the USGS permeable pavement monitoring results and how this information has been incorporated in DNR permeable pavement technical standard 1008.
One Professional Development Hour (PDH) will be provided.
Register by Friday, January 14, at https://conta.cc/3dlmRCq If you do not receive a confirmation email upon submission of your registration, please contact Penny Pohle at penny@wisconsinlandwater.org to get registered.

What Do We Know About Permeable Pavement?
2022-01-18 09:00 - 10:00
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has been evaluating the water quality and quantity benefits of permeable pavements at a site in Madison, Wisconsin since 2014. USGS monitoring efforts have provided valuable insights regarding how permeable pavements perform as a storm water management practice. This information has been used to develop and update Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) permeable pavement technical standard 1008. This webinar will provide a summary of the USGS permeable pavement monitoring results and how this information has been incorporated in DNR permeable pavement technical standard 1008. One Professional Development Hour (PDH) will be provided.
Info here.

Seeing the Forest for the Trees: An Overview of Forestry Taxes
2022-01-18 12:00 - 13:00
Join this webinar for an overview of forestry taxes including a summary of the different types of taxes that forest landowners pay, terminology used and more! This presentation will also include the ins and outs of classifying your forest land as a business, investment or personal property including how to qualify for a profit motive classification. Presenters will also share their record-keeping tips.
Info here.
