Conservation Professional Training Program

Catching Carbon: Improving Soil, Navigating Markets
2021-07-22 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Online
The North Dakota Corn Utilization Council is proud to bring North Dakota corn producers a free workshop in-person at Hagge’s in Mapleton, ND on July 22 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm CT and online.
Learn more about the science behind carbon and practices for carbon capture. Take a look at new opportunities for low carbon fuel standards, credits for biofuels production, direct carbon credit sales between farmers and buyers, water quantity and quality programs, and much more.
Info: https://www.ndcorn.org/corncouncil/catching-carbon/

Pasture walk on grazing multi-species, EQIP fencing, organic transition
2021-07-22 11:00 - 14:00
Learn about cell grazing with goats, silvopasture with goats, grazing stockers for added flexibility, second year out of organic soybean/corn rotation, bale grazing results from 150 bales over-winter, EQIP fencing discussion, fencing on rough terrain, finishing cattle on grass.
Find out the details here.

Wildlife migration, monarch butterflies and you!
2021-07-21 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
Explore the role of citizen scientists in tracking the migration of monarchs, hummingbirds, Barn Swallows, Common Loons and other species across North America with Journey North. Learn how citizen scientists help to monitor the distribution and abundance of monarch larva and milkweed during the North American breeding season with the Monarch Larva Monitoring Program.
Follow this link to learn more.

Plant-insect interactions
2021-07-21 15:00 | Online
Plants have both beneficial and antagonistic relationships with insects: they rely on insects for pollination but also must contend with the numerous insects trying to eat them. This course will examine the interactions between plants and their insect pollinators and herbivores. We will survey the major groups of pollinators and herbivores, and discuss plant strategies for attracting pollinators and coping with herbivory. We will also cover carnivorous plants – a case where the tables are turned on herbivorous insects! The in-person field session will include time in the field observing plants and insects.
Follow this link to learn more.

Potato research field day
2021-07-21 13:00 - 17:00 | Hancock Agricultural Research Station
Come and network with growers and industry and get research updates on potato projects! Curious about what happens at the Hancock Agricultural Research Station? Come check us out and figure it out by yourself. It is even more interesting than you might think!
Find more details here.

Best management practices for pesticide applications
2021-07-21 13:00 | Online
To use pesticides legally and effectively, the first step is to identify the pest, then determine your pest management strategy. If a pesticide or mixture of pesticides is the best choice, the pest manager must read, understand, and follow the pesticide product’s label.
This presentation will walk through a number of key label statements. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of assuring the site is allowed on the label, environmental hazard statements, mixing compatibility and jar tests, and sprayer clean-up procedures.
Follow this link to learn more and register.

From intake to the tap
2021-07-21 12:00 - 13:30 | Online
Toxin-producing cyanobacteria blooms are a growing concern for water utilities that use surface water supplies across the country. To make informed decisions about how to limit exposure to cyanotoxins, water utilities need to understand (1) cyanotoxins occur; (2) their presence in a given water source, (3) management strategies to reduce cyanotoxins in source waters, and (4) treatments to prevent cyanotoxins from reaching customers.
The first presentation by Ms. Tricia Kilgore will review Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority’s experience with algae blooms, taste and odor, the development of an algae monitoring plan for two drinking water reservoirs, and algae bloom treatment in the reservoir and in the plants. The second presentation by Dr. Erik Rosenfeldt provides insight on which techniques are effective for addressing cyanotoxins present within intact cyanobacteria cells (intracellular), and which techniques are effective for removing cyanotoxins that are dissolved in the water (extracellular).
Follow this link for more information.

Do healthy soils grow healthier food?
2021-07-21 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
It seems logical that healthier soil could grow healthier food. But how do we measure this and demonstrate it scientifically? Exploring links between the nutrient density of food and the soil it was grown in remains a young field of study—we often have more questions than answers.
The Bionutrient Institute is a collaborative project that seeks to shed light on this topic. In 2018 they began analyzing crops and soil samples from a wide range of farms across the country to help us understand connections between soil health and food nutrition. Pasa partnered with Bionutrient Institute in 2020 to measure the nutrient content of crops grown by farmers participating in our Soil Health Benchmark Study. These analyses can help us understand whether different approaches to field management can produce healthier food.
Follow this link for more information.

Wagner Fields Farm Day
2021-07-21 10:00 - 14:00 | Wagner Farms, N6928 County Rd BB, Oconto Falls, WI, 54154
Come see corn planted into rye, interseeded covers, have a grass forage discussion and see the rainfall simulator. Lunch will be provided at noon with ice cream for dessert!
More information here.

Septic Systems 101
2021-07-20 13:00 - 14:30 | Online
In this webinar training hosted by The Private Well Class, you’ll learn about septic system management as part of a larger strategy to protect the water in your private well. We will provide answers to common questions, such as:

What is safe to flush down my drains?
Do I need to put additives in my septic tank?
How do I prolong the life of my system?

Follow this link to learn more.

The habitat matrix: Stepping down bird management from landscape to stand
2021-07-20 12:00 | Online
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Forest Ecology Working Group (FEWG) and NCTC, working in collaboration with many FWS programs and partners, have developed a monthly lecture series to address the 50-year decline of 3 billion birds through partnerships, conservation science and forest management. The series tells a compelling story about forest bird population declines, partnership opportunities, and forest management actions that can support bird population recovery and sustainability.
Follow this link to learn more.

Equipment demonstration, soil health, and drought resiliency
2021-07-20 10:00 - 13:00
Join Martin Larsen at his farm to learn about his equipment. Larsen will be showing his interseeder, no-till drill, and corn planter. Larsen will also discuss how to continue to prioritize soil health even in years with extreme weather conditions and how soil health has made his farm more resilient to these conditions.
Read more here.

Mid-season fundamental ag update
2021-07-20 10:00 | Online
This has been a summer of extremes–either too wet or too dry. As such, July provides a good opportunity to assess this year’s crop potential, while balancing that against early indications of Chinese demand for the 2021 crop. How is China doing in keeping its commitments for the current year, and what does that tell us about the year ahead? What is the expected response from Brazil farmers as they prepare to plant their crops that will be harvested in six months?
Register here.

Recruiting minority candidates to conservation positions
2021-07-20 09:00 | Online
Learn effective tips and techniques for recruiting minority candidates to conservation positions in your state with active recruitment and involvement that would embrace diversity, equity and inclusion in operations, leadership, staffing, program involvement and development.
Find out more and register here.

Managing Impacts of the Invasive Emerald Ash Borer on Wisconsin’s Wooded Wetlands
2021-07-19 10:30 - 17:00 | Online
Join WDNR forester Brad Hutnik to learn about the threat posed to wetlands by the invasive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Brad will cover some of the basics about this invader, share insights about how best to assess potential impacts, and discuss what can be done pre and post ash loss to mitigate these impacts on wetlands.
Learn more by following this link.

GrassWorks pasture walk
2021-07-17 11:00 - 12:30
Andy Jaworski was motivated to begin grazing practices on his parents farm in 2008 after being inspired to explore ideas during a Grassworks grazing conference he attended in 2007. In 2014, he began operating his organic dairy business and Andy’s Organic Acres LLC was formed.
The operation utilizes a Lely robotic milking machine in conjunction with managed intensive grazing practices during the grazing season. Cows are housed in coverall style free-stall barn in addition to the diverse pasture acres. Come see how old technology can be incorporated with new!
RSVP to Rachel at bouressafamilyfarm@gmail.com

Grain Place Foundation field day
2021-07-17 11:00 - 12:30 | Online
This field day will give you an opportunity to tour the farm and grain processing plant and to hear David R. Montgomery in conversation with experienced local organic farmers about what’s new in regenerative, organic agriculture.
Find out more here: http://www.grainplacefoundation.org/fieldday/

WWCC Field Day
2021-07-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Friendshuh Farms, 465 75th St, Clear Lake, WI, United States
Join the Western Wisconsin Conservation Council (WWCC) for a casual conversation about conservation practices. All are welcome!
The topic will be the impact of spring and fall manure application on no-till fields planted in rye, including examination of the sub-soils.
Find more information here.

Improving watershed health through agricultural-municipal partnerships
2021-07-15 14:00 - 15:15 | Online
Watersheds can benefit when municipal water treatment plants invest in conservation practices on nearby farms. These agricultural-municipal partnerships reflect a commitment to integrated planning across the complete water cycle with a strong emphasis on a highly collaborative and inclusive approach to watershed health improvement.
You will have the opportunity to learn from the experiences of the City of Boise, Ohio’s Miami Conservancy District, and Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment.
Register at this link.

Poultry agricultural sustainability
2021-07-15 10:00 | Online
During this virtual field trip, we will give an overview of the sustainability practices used by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Poultry program. Arkansas’ poultry production history, challenges, farm sustainability efforts, and future will be discussed. Tyson will share their sustainability journey and how they collaborate to encourage sustainability.
Follow this link to learn more and register.

Professional Dairy Producers Dairy Robotics Tour
2021-07-15 09:00 - 16:00 | Shawano Community High School, 220 Cty Rd. B, Shawano, WI, 54166
Explore and learn more about robotics used on three Wisconsin dairy farms. Learn from dairy producers and an experienced tour facilitator on how technology has helped improve cow comfort and increase farm productivity and performance. In addition to meeting the managers and owners of Horsens Homestead, Shawland Dairy and Olson Dairy Farms, Inc., attendees will engage in dairy business discussions during travel to and from host farms and over lunch.
Find out more here.

Practical resilience and systems thinking workshop
2021-07-14 14:00 - 17:00 | Online
Are you a member of a lake association, lake management agency, or partner organization working in the Midwest? Interested in learning how to protect your lake and keep it healthy into the future? Join researchers from Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies and Arizona State University’s School of Sustainability for a virtual workshop on long-term lake management planning where you will:
1. Learn key resilience and systems thinking concepts
2. Build a tool box of practical skills for lake management
3. Develop a network of peers within your state
Find more information here.

Preparing for and Adapting to Future Floods with Natural Flood Management
2021-07-14 13:00 - 14:30 | Online
Are you curious about opportunities to mitigate flood risks to communities and infrastructure with cost-effective, nature-based solutions? In this session, participants will learn about Natural Flood Management (NFM), an emerging concept that involves using a combination of multiple practices, in different parts of the watershed, to increase the landscape’s ability to store and manage water. You’ll hear about watershed-scale risk assessments and NFM demonstration projects that are underway in Ashland County to identify infrastructure vulnerabilities and prioritize where flood risks can be minimized through upstream hydrologic restoration actions. The panel will also discuss benefit-cost data, screening tools, infrastructure design approaches, and other resources that can help your community tap into hazard mitigation, disaster recovery, and climate adaptation funding.
Follow this link to learn more.

Harmful algae management
2021-07-14 12:00 - 13:30 | Online
As part of comprehensive strategies to protect drinking water, direct control of harmful algae through various integrated strategies can reduce their density at drinking water intakes and decrease pressure on treatment plants to remove these organisms and their toxins.
The first presentation by Dr. West Bishop will review the use of USEPA-registered algaecides in rapid responses to restore water resource uses when nuisance or harmful algae are discovered. The second presentation by Dr. Kaytee Pokrzywinski-Boyd and Dr. Mandy Michalsen will review non-traditional HAB management strategies including physical and biological control techniques.
Follow this link to learn more.

Farmland to Shoreland
2021-07-14 10:00 - 15:00
This event is for all watershed residents. We will be showcasing how practices utilized by local farmers are protecting local water quality and how you can help at home. Our speakers will provide more details about the types of farming practices, their importance to soil health, and how you can improve the soil health and decrease the runoff at your residence.
Follow this link to learn more.

USDA-NRCS public conservation virtual meeting
2021-07-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Wisconsin has announced one statewide virtual Local Working Group (LWG) meeting with a feedback survey to follow.
One of the main programs discussed at the meeting will be the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a federal conservation program that helps agricultural producers in a manner that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible goals. EQIP offers technical and financial assistance to help landowners with needed conservation practices for water quality, soil health, wildlife and other natural resources.
Follow this link to learn more.

Cyanobacteria and our lakes
2021-07-14 08:00 - 09:00 | Online
Join us to hear from one of Wisconsin’s leading algae experts discuss the infamous photosynthetic bacteria: cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). Native to every lake and river in Wisconsin, excessive cyanobacteria growth has major impacts on public health, lake accessibility, and the ecosystem as a whole.
Follow this link to learn more.

On what social science can tell us about engaging private landowners in riparian forest buffer work
2021-07-13 14:00 - 15:30 | Online
This presentation will be followed by breakout discussions focused on challenges, strategies, and other issues germane to implementing riparian forest buffers in the following Ecological Provinces in the Midwest: Laurentian Mixed Forest / Midwest Broadleaf Forest / Prairie Parkland / Central Interior Broadleaf Forest.
Follow this link for registration.

Women in Government: Breaking through barriers
2021-07-13 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Women serve as heads of state in only 22 countries, and 119 countries have never had a female leader. At the current rate, gender equality in the highest positions of power will not be reached for another 130 years. This staggering statistic needs to change. Join us to learn:

Best practices from women government leaders who have successfully navigated the career ladder
What to do if you feel your career is being stymied by gender
How to overcome words like bossy, loud, or pushy

Follow this link to learn more.

Planting new ideas, growing conservation: Rotational grazing
2021-07-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
This webinar will focus on when to move cattle to new paddocks during the spring flush versus the “summer slump,” managing weeds at different times of the year, as well as cattle nutrition considerations in grass-based systems in spring versus mid-summer.
Follow this link to learn more.
