Conservation Professional Training Program

2020 Online Tile Drainage Design and Water Management Workshop
2020-08-04 08:30 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Online
Join the University of Illinois Extension for the online drainage design and water management workshop. Register for one of two days.
View the agenda and register here.

Soil Health: The Foundation for Regenerative Agriculture
2020-07-30 - 2020-07-31 | Online
This free virtual event is to advance the opportunity that improving soil health offers to address climate change, water quality, food production, biodiversity, and many other pressing issues. Among the meeting topics:

Comprehensive strategy for advancing soil health
Determining effective measurements of soil health
Dimensions of adoption
Filling the economics gap for farmers
Soil health policies and programs in action

Find out more here.

​'Question, Persuade, Refer' ​Virtual Training Sessions
2020-07-29 17:30 - 19:30 | Online
As part of its efforts to provide resources to help address farmer mental health wellness, the Wisconsin Farm Center is hosting a series of Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) virtual training sessions for agriculture service providers, farmers, and the agricultural community. QPR is an intervention method designed to help trainees identify and interrupt mental health crisis situations and direct individuals to proper care.
Register here.

SWCS Annual Conference
2020-07-27 - 2020-07-29 | Online
This year’s conference theme, “Expanding Horizons: Where Conservation Meets Innovation,” evokes images of the expansive views of the region and the deep and varied soil horizons that make Iowa’s farmland some of the most productive in the world. This year’s theme also speaks to the broadening of individual perceptions and experiences as attendees discover new concepts, partners, and advancements in soil and water research.
More information here.
Conference Registration Rates

SWCS Member: $75
Nonmember: $99
Senior (65+): $50
Full Time Student: $50
Farmer: $50

Conservation Agronomy of Cover Crops: Start to Finish
2020-07-22 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Topics include: Managing pests, residuals and herbicides; nitrogen management; agronomics of cover crop advising.
Register here.

Measures of Soil Water Cycling
2020-07-21 11:00 - 12:00
Measuring and assessing soil health are critical components to understanding how changes in agronomic management practices affect soils capacity to support cropping systems. In this presentation, the Soil Health Institute (SHI) will focus on explaining measurements and assessments of soil health associated with soil-water dynamics. Specifically, SHI will address how and why measurements such as surface infiltration, plant available water holding capacity, bulk density, and aggregate stability can be used to understand how management practices impact soil’s ability to move and store water. SHI will also share insights from the North American Project to Evaluate Soil Health Measurements.
Register here.

How to Get Started Restoring Your Cold-water Stream in Your County
2020-07-21 08:30 - 09:15 | Online
There has been a strong interest by counties in the past ten years to work with landowners on stream projects that involve bank stabilization and habitat for both game and non-game species (frogs, birds, snakes, etc.). Stream projects often involve multiple disciplines, several partners and funding sources. Where do you find the technical expertise and funding to get started? Join Jeff Hastings, former county employee and now with Trout Unlimited, for an informal discussion on how to develop a roadmap for success!
Join at https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/213746573
Contact Penny at Penny@wisconsinlandwater.org with any questions

Porous Asphalt Pavement for Stormwater Management
2020-07-20 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Porous asphalt pavement is a stormwater management solution that reduces stormwater runoff, improves water quality, and reduces the footprint for stormwater management systems. Attendees will learn:

* Why porous asphalt pavements are needed
* How they reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality
* Best practices for design and construction
* Lessons learned to maximize the benefits of a well-maintained porous asphalt system for stormwater management

Register here.

Integrating Cover Crops on a Vegetable and Poultry Farm - Termination & Turnaround to Planting
2020-07-20 12:30 - 13:05 | Online
In this three-part series, join Rob to learn about the different ways he integrates cover crops throughout his vegetable and poultry farm. From spring-seeded and fall-seeded cover crops to interseeded, quick-turnaround covers in the summer and fallow beds for running poultry, Rob has tried almost everything and will show a good mix (and single-species stand!) during these virtual field days.
Find out more and register here.

Dairy Market Update Webinar
2020-07-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
During this free webinar series, Sara Dorland of Ceres Dairy Risk Management will provide monthly dairy market insights into what’s happening today, tomorrow and the rest of 2020. Join us to learn more about:

COVID-19 impacts locally and internationally
Trends in food-service and consumer buying
Avenues for risk protection now and in the future

This is the third webinar in a series of three. The webinars are being held:

May 21 – 12 p.m.
June 18 – 12 p.m.
July 16 – 12 p.m.

Register for all three webinars at https://pages.compeer.com/SummerDairyMarketUpdateWebinarSeries.html

The Role of Crop Advisers in Promoting Conservation Agriculture
2020-07-16 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
Despite decades of promotion, the voluntary adoption of conservation practices on farmland is still low. There is a great deal of literature that focuses on farm and farmer characteristics that lead to greater adoption, but less work has been done on conservation information messengers. Evidence from farmer surveys indicates that farmers are greatly influenced by their private crop advisers. However, the exact role for crop advisers in promoting conservation agriculture remains unclear. Using social science data from Indiana and Michigan, this webinar will discuss potential roles for crop advisers in promoting conservation agriculture. It will also convey how acceptable these roles are among crop advisers, farmers, and public agencies.
Register here.

DATCP Grant Opportunities
2020-07-15 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Wisconsin farmers can learn about several grant opportunities available through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) during this grant-writing webinar. DATCP staff will present information on the following grant programs:

Specialty Crop Block Grants
Dairy Processor Grants
Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin Grants
Producer-Led Watershed Protection Grants

Information will be provided on the intended purpose of each grant, deadlines, available funding amounts, eligible applicants, and grant expectations.

Register here.

For more information about the series, contact Diane at diane.mayerfeld@wisc.edu

Badger Crop Connect
2020-07-15 12:30 - 13:30 | Online
Badger Crop Connect is a new crop production webinar series developed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension Crops and Soils Program for the 2020 growing season. Badger Crop Connect’s goal is to bring agronomists, crops consultants and farmers timely crop updates for Wisconsin. This bi-weekly webinar is planned to continue through September. Webinars will have CCA CEUs available as assigned. There is 1.0 credit the area of Pest Management available for this webinar.
July 15th Agenda:
Local Update on Crop Conditions
Kimberly Schmidt Shawano County Ag Educator
2020 Soybean Disease Updates – Management Strategies
Damon Smith, UW Madison Extension Crop Pathologist
Using Scouting Data to Manage Corn Rootworm and Other Insect Updates
Bryan Jensen, UW Madison Crop Entomologist

Register here by 5 pm CT on July 14th.

Practical Steps to Implementing Regenerative Agriculture Principles & Practices
2020-07-14 19:30 - 21:00 | Online
Learning the Six Soil Health Principles, the Four Ecosystem Processes, and the Three Rules of Adaptive Stewardship are crucial first steps to initiating regenerative agriculture on your farm or ranch. However, how you practically implement those principles and rules is another matter. In this webinar we will provide some very practical and achievable steps for starting, and continuing, your journey into regenerative agriculture and adaptive stewardship. Questions we will address include: What are the best baseline measurements to track? How do you know if you are making progress? How can you implement these steps and still maintain profitability? Where can you strategically cut inputs, equipment costs and reliance on products and services, while realizing improvement in both productivity and net margins?
Register here.

Setup and Logistics for Cover Crop Success
2020-07-14 08:00 - 17:00
Topics include: Fall and spring logistics; seeding preparation and process; coordination of services – termination, nutrient management, strip-tillage, crop scouting.
Register here.

Conservation Partnership Training
2020-07-14 - 2020-07-16 | Online
WI Land+Water along with DATCP, DNR, NRCS, and Pheasants Forever will provide information about programs and topics integral to successful conservation programs. The draft agenda is posted at https://wisconsinlandwater.org/training/conservation-employee-training More training materials will be posted on this webpage prior to the training. No registration is required for this free training, but there is a limit of 250 participants. Join from your computer at https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/213746573 You can also dial in using your phone: (571) 317-3122 – Access Code: 213-746-573 Contact Penny at Penny@wisconsinlandwater.org with any questions and/or to be included in future training updates.

Roller Pasture Series: Watering Systems
2020-07-13 14:00 - 14:30 | Online
We’ll learn about creating an efficient watering system – which is helpful when planning rotational grazing. Bill and Stacey have added water lines and developed a portable water tank system to improve the way they water their Low-Line cattle on their diverse livestock farm. Join us as Bill shows us what they have done and improved in designing this system.
Find out more and register here.

The Hydrology of Upper Watershed Wetlands: A Tour of Penokee Hills
2020-07-10 10:30 - 11:30 | Online
Upper watershed wetlands are critical to regulating water throughout watersheds, yet they are among the most under-recognized wetlands in Wisconsin and sometimes some of the most altered. Join Wisconsin Wetland Association’s Executive Director Tracy Hames for a virtual tour of some intact headwater wetlands in the Penokee Hills in northern Wisconsin, an area that was once the site of a proposed iron mine. Tracy will discuss the important functions of upper watershed wetlands for the health of watersheds and communities and share this beautiful and vital place with you.
Register here.

Cook County's New Stormwater Credit Trading Market
2020-07-09 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
Stormwater credit trading is an innovative, market-based approach that enables infrastructure that reduces flooding to be built efficiently where it’s needed most. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago recently authorized stormwater credit pilots in two Cook County watersheds. The Nature Conservancy and the Metropolitan Planning Council will manage these pilots through our StormStore partnership. Join us for this webinar where we’ll explain stormwater credit trading and the Cook County pilots, as well as discuss what we’re looking for in the first projects in Cook County to take advantage of stormwater trading.
Find out more here.

WI Land and Water Summer County Conservation Meeting
2020-07-09 - 2020-07-10 | Online
A virtual meeting will be held due to COVID.
With Keynote Address from the Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes!
Topics to include:

Local strategies to addressing climate change
Conservation stories across Wisconsin
A retrospective on the Producer-Led Watershed Grant Program
Implementing water quality standards in your watershed
Financial implications of COVID-19 on counties
A conversation on racial equity and inclusion

With special address from Lt. Governor Barnes!
And join us for Social Hour with Brix Cider! Kick back and learn about the relationship between conservation and this uniquely local beverage.

More information here.

The Current Webinar: Harmful Algal Blooms
2020-07-08 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
With summer in full swing, many folks enjoy spending time out on the water. However, harmful algal blooms, or HABs, can put a damper on summer fun. Tune in to the next edition of The Current to hear an update on the Network funded Reservoir Observer Student Scientists program as well as the latest HABs research.
Register here.

Designing a Successful Pasture and Grazing System
2020-07-08 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
A well-managed pasture is one of the most cost-effective and high value feeds that can be produced. Not sure where to begin? This webinar will provide an overview of different grazing systems and will discuss essential considerations like layout, fencing, shelter, water, and stocking rates to help you be successful when setting up a pasture system.
Register here.

Surface Water Grant Applicant Webinars
2020-07-08 | Online
Are you curious about the DNR’s Surface Water Grant Program? Would you like to learn more about funding opportunities, applying, and managing grant projects? Please attend one of our upcoming two-hour webinars. We will be offering six in total, each with a regional focus. Attendees will meet their local biologist and environmental grant specialist; learn about grants available for the protection and restoration of lakes, rivers and wetlands, and get tips on applying and managing projects. We’ll provide some time to answer your questions as you look toward preparing a pre-proposal for the first program deadline coming on September 2. NOTE: We will be focusing on Education, Planning, and Management Grants, including those for lakes, rivers and AIS. We will not cover the Lake Monitoring and Protection Network or County Lake Grants at this time. We are planning a webinar to cover these programs for the end of July. For registration information, contact Ali at Alison.Mikulyuk@wisconsin.gov

The Pros and Cons of Insurance Pest Management: The New IPM
2020-07-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
Although corn and soybean variety improvements (including GM crops) and reductions in pest pressures have combined to simplify crop production and improve yields, the adoption of pest management technologies – including chemical pesticides – is higher and more uniform than ever in these cropping systems. The key advantages of these approaches are convenience and simplicity, in terms of a reduction in the need for monitoring pests and a perception of minimizing risk. Dr. Krupke will discuss some of the unanticipated consequences of this approach and whether the time is right to reconsider some of the default approaches in corn and soybean insect pest management.
Register here

Impact of Roller-Crimping Cereal Rye + Live Weed Zapper Demonstration
2020-07-02 13:30 - 14:30 | Online
Levi will show us the field where he previously roller-crimped a cereal rye cover crop and planted soybeans. He will also demonstrate the Weed Zapper, which uses electricity to kill weed escapes that have grown taller than the soybean canopy. In lieu of traditional cultivation, both roller-crimping cover crops and zapping weeds are part of Levi’s strategy for reducing tillage in his organic row crop system.
Register here.

Approaching Oats as a Cash Crop
2020-07-01 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Oats are becoming a hot commodity as more grocery shoppers reach for oat-based products – but in the field, we’re still treating them like a second-class crop. This virtual field day will showcase the steps Scott has taken to step up oat production on his organic crop and livestock farm, including his participation in a cooperator trial for better oat variety selection. The field day will also explore how the Wedemeiers use interseeding cover crops and relay cropping with small grains to manage nutrients, erosion, and weeds on their farm from underseeding clover with oats to relay cropping spring wheat and soybeans.
Register here.

Cover Crops and Forage
2020-06-29 18:30 - 19:30 | Online
Get a first-hand view of how the De Bruin family farm integrates cover crops with their operation. This virtual field day includes a video tour of the farm in which Jake and Doug will discuss their journey with cover crops and how they use cover crops to benefit their cattle operation. After the video tour, Jake and Doug will host a live facilitated discussion and Q&A session.
Register here.

Using Conservation to Improve Farm Profitability - 60-Inch-Row Corn + Interseeded Cover Crops
2020-06-27 17:00 - 17:30 | Online
Nathan and Sarah farm using in-field conservation practices that reduce soil loss, increase soil health, reduce inputs, and provide forage for livestock. They also target edge-of-field conservation on marginal lands to provide water quality and wildlife benefits while improving return on investment on farmed acres. We’ll chat with Nathan twice over the course of the season to learn about conservation he’s using on his farm to increase profitability. In part 1, Nathan will discuss planting corn in 60-inch rows with interseeded cover crops, and he’ll share the environmental and agronomic benefits he sees – or hopes to see – from the practice.
Learn more and register here.

Early Season Organic Weed Control
2020-06-25 19:30 - 20:30 | Online
In this virtual field day, Matt will show video of various passes of tine harrows and rotary hoes he made through the field earlier in June, and then we’ll take a live look at the field. He’ll also go over why and when he uses particular pieces of equipment, as well as the adjustments he makes. Learn about a European tine harrow Matt says is uncommon in Iowa but is starting to gain more attention.
Learn more and register here.

Tillage Management and Structural Conservation Practices
2020-06-25 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
In this webinar, the presenter will compare tillage management practices and structural conservation practices in use by growers in 2013-2016 to those in use in 2003-2006 to evaluate changes in practice adoption between the two time periods. Tillage management system practices include conventional tillage, no-till, and conservation tillage; structural conservation practices include buffer strips, filters, terraces, contour farming, and strip cropping. Approaches to tillage management and structural conservation practices used by growers have shifted significantly between the two periods, with the trend toward less tillage and more comprehensive cropland conservation treatment. Information presented will include conservation plan data from NRCS field offices.
Find connection information here.
