State Interagency Training Committee
Conservation Training
Monthly e-Newsletter
Coordinating an efficient approach for building a statewide team of well-trained conservation professionals that deliver best management practices for soil and water conservation
Growing Winter Wheat Profitably
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Monday, July 9
Arlington

Learn management strategies that maintain yield and quality as well as marketing strategies to maximize price. Farmers and soil specialists will also share how introducing wheat into a crop rotation can improve profitability over the entire rotation. Find out more and r egister at  https://fyi.uwex.edu/danecountyag/events/wheat/
Midwest Compost School
July 10-12
Stevens Point

Course content is geared for anyone who would like to understand more about composting and who desires to improve their compost quality, regulations, marketing, and profitability. Some of the training topics are:
  • Introduction to the composting process
  • Recipe development and feedstock characteristic
  • Compost quality and measurement
  • Animal composting and mass mortality
  • Odor management
  • Hands-on compost pile construction
  • Midwest regulations overview and update
Go to  https://www.uwsp.edu/wist/Pages/2018-Midwest-Compost-School.aspx to find out more and to register.
1:00-2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, July 10
Online

Methods to restore microbial diversity in our soils include: increasing soil fertility, crop productivity, and profitability in farms and rangeland. Metagenomics and metatranscriptomics are giving us a new way to look at soil microbiota and increasing our ability to understand how soil microbiology helps to define the essence of soil health. Also discussed in the webinar will be the use of a static composting process to produce high quality fungal dominant compost that can be used to inoculate soils and seeds to help restore microbial biodiversity and function to soils of agroecosystems. More information is available at http://www.conservationwebinars.net/webinars/regenerating-the-diversity-of-life-in-soils-hope-for-farming-and-climate/
1:00-2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, July 10
Online

New research shows that we are really only paying attention to the here and now 47 percent of the time. You might be thinking of that project due in ten minutes during your meeting or about that upcoming conference while having conversations with loved ones. No matter what time of the day, your mind is probably wandering.  As humans, our minds are constantly reliving the past and planning the future, but unfortunately, not being in the present can also be detrimental to our health. One way organizations are helping employees enhance productivity through the "here and now" is by practicing mindfulness.  Check out   https://www.govloop.com/training/mindful-leadership-govie-edition/  to learn more.
2:00-3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, July 11
Online

Invasive aquatic plants and animals introduced through trade channels pose a significant threat to natural ecosystems. Invasive organisms can be released into waterways or escape from private ponds and water gardens. Invasive aquatic species can also be included in shipments to vendors and consumers via "hitchhiking" organisms or mislabeling. Join us to hear about successful efforts and lessons learned in blocking invasive aquatic species from these trades. Register at http://northcentralwater.org/the-current/
8:00-9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, July 11
Madison

Cyanobacteria, commonly known as "blue-green algae," can close our beaches, damage the lake ecosystem, and even release dangerous toxins into the water. It can be all sorts of colors - blue, green, red, brown, and sometimes with an iridescent sheen - and even look like floating globs or cut grass in the water.  Go to  https://cleanlakesalliance.org/event/yahara-lakes-101-science-cafe-2018-07/  for more information and to register.
1:00-4:00 p.m.
Friday, July 13
Lancaster

According to our recent survey, waterhemp has become the most concerning weed species in Wisconsin row crop production. Glyphosate-resistant waterhemp has been confirmed in 25 counties, and PPO-resistant waterhemp has been confirmed in four. To learn more about waterhemp management in soybean, join us for a tour of our challenge plots that showcase comparisons of 29 PRE-emergence soybean herbicides, the value of Group 15 herbicides sprayed POST-emergence in soybean, and a systems approach for weed control in Xtend soybean.  RSVP by July 10 to Dan Smith at  [email protected] o r (608) 219-5170.
1:00-4:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 15
Broadhead

Hear about planning grazing systems to regenerate soil health, with an emphasis on planning water systems and fencing, NRCS programs as they pertain to grazing and what landowners need to do in order to be eligible to participate in NRCS programs, grazing planning from the landowner's perspective in a rental scenario, including developing lease relationships and calculating costs and potential payback of converting to managed grazing. Go to  https://www.swbadger.org/news--events.html to find out more and to register by July 9.
10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Monday, July 16
Arlington

This field-based summer clinic will demonstrate several weed management tools, including tine-weeders, rotary hoes, row cultivators, and roller/crimping equipment. Experts will be on-hand to discuss best weed management strategies for different crop stages and field conditions.  To register for a meal, please RSVP to Jody Padgham at  [email protected]  by July 11.
10:00 a.m.-Noon
Monday, July 16
Turtle Lake

Learn about the use of different hoophouse styles and reviews, crop selection, best management practices, and summer cover crop installation. Get more information on the "Growing Season Class Series" at  http://www.mnfoodassociation.org/
9:00-11:45 a.m.
Tuesday, July 17
Arlington

The following research trials will be showcased: 1) Herbicide Programs in Corn, 2) Weed Management in Enlist Corn, 3) Impact of Carrier Rate on Efficacy of PRE-Emergence Corn and Soybean Herbicides, 4) Comparison of PRE-Emergence Herbicides for Weed Control in Soybean, and 5) Systems Approach for Weed Control in Balance Beans, Enlist, Liberty Link, and Xtend Soybean. RSVP by July 13 to Mindy Breunig at  [email protected] or Kelly Tomko-Ewing at [email protected] 
1:00-3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, July 17
New London

Bouressa Family Farms raises a 100% grass fed and finished beef herd of British White Park cattle. Livestock are on pasture year-round, managed with daily moves during the growing season, and fed round bales on pasture during the winter month. The farm is managed using a holistic approach focused on diversifying and incorporating permaculture practices. Bouressa Family Farms direct markets beef products throughout the state. Join us to learn more about direct marketing and ways you can diversify your rotational grazing operation. Contact Ji ll Hapner at
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 18
Online

Accessing land for pasture-based livestock production, particularly adaptive grazing, can be a barrier for beginning or established graziers to start or expand their herds. Contract grazing provides a solution to this challenge by using grazing leases to connect graziers and landowners for mutual gain. By providing access to forage without ownership, contract grazing helps graziers increase their forage stock and herd productivity while generating soil health and other income for landowners. Robert Bauer, Grazing Specialist with Southwest Badger RC&D, will share the fundamentals of contract grazing and how it can most effectively be applied, including contract arrangements, negotiation strategies, and conservation planning. Find out how to participate at  https://www.swbadger.org/news--events.html
1:00-5:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 21
Coon Valley

You will learn how to: 1)Evaluate fencing investment, 2) Build high-quality fences, and 3) Maintain barbed, temporary, and high tensile electric fence.  Find out more and register at  https://www.swbadger.org/news--events.html
10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, July 24
Eastman

Hear about experience with sudan grass and millet for summer forage on a 283-acre organic dairy.  Check out more at  https://crawford.uwex.edu/files/2018/04/2018-Pasture-Walk-Scheduel-Crawford-County-Great-River-Graziers-and-Kickapoo-Grazing-Initiaive.pdf
Noon-1:00 p.m.
Tuesday, July 24
Online

An introduction to the influence an urban forest has on storm water flows and water quality. Focus will be on the science that can be  delivered in cities to affect storm water through specific urban forestry practices. Go to h ttp://www.conservationwebinars.net/webinars/transitioning-from-gray-to-green-infrastructure-using-urban-forestry
Dam Owner Information Sessions
9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, July 24 - Eau Claire
Wednesday, July 25 - Green Bay
Thursday, July 26 - Fitchburg

The DNR workshops will cover responsibilities of dam owners, how to complete inspections and operation practices, and permitting requirements. The workshops will also provide an opportunity for dam owners/operators to meet one-on-one with regional dam safety staff. For more information, contact
Maintaining Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds
Noon-1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, July 25
Online

Northern bobwhite quail and many other grassland bird species have experienced significant population declines over the last several decades. Loss of native grassland habitat is one of the primary causes of these declines. The CP33 - Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds is a Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) practice that provides nesting and brooding habitat for quail and other grassland birds on less productive cropland field margins. This webinar will discuss the CP33 practice requirements, their importance on the landscape and how best to establish, manage, and maintain the habitat quality for quail and grassland birds. For more information, go to http://www.forestrywebinars.net/webinars/maintaining-quail-and-grassland-bird-habitat-in-the-agricultural-landscape-cp33-habitat-buffers-for-upland-birds
6:00-9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 25
Viroqua

Hear about:

*Preventing erosion
*Reducing farm input costs and improving your bottom kline *Minimizing impacts of flooding 
*Building and improving your farm's soil

Contact Ben at  [email protected] for more details.
Practical Ways to Profit - Field Day with Ray Archuleta
10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 26
Viroqua

Learn about: 

*Reducing flood impacts 
*Cutting farm costs and getting the most out of farm inputs *Gaining a deeper understanding of the living soil beneath you

Demonstrations will include: On-site soil pits, rainfall simulator, healthy soil testing and activities

C ontact Ben at  [email protected] for more details.
What's That Green Stuff Floating There?
1:00-3:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 26
Boulder Junction

Have you experienced nuisance algae blooms in your favorite swimming hole? Wisconsin's algae expert, Gina LaLiberte, from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, will talk about the biology and identification of different algae that we might encounter in our northern surface waters...from the toxic to the non-toxic varieties. Contact Carolyn Scholl at [email protected] or (715) 479-3682 for more details.
Value Chain Coordination
2:30-3:45 p.m.
Thursday, July 26
Online

Increasing the health and wealth of communities and the local farmers who supply them requires physical infrastructure to collect and move food; but it also requires a significant level of coordination - people and organizations who are able to make fruitful connections between the food and the consumer, who work to pilot new ideas, and who make the political and business ground fertile for success. More information can be found at  http://www.wallacecenter.org/webinars/-july-26-2018-value-chain-coordination-getting-started
Keeping Water in Our Soil 
9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Friday, July 27
Spring Green

The field day will showcase no-till drilling, cover crops, and managed pastures. The event will include infiltration tests and a soil pit. A complimentary lunch will be served with guest speaker Lance Nacio, a Gulf of Mexico fisherman.   For questions, contact:  Margaret Krome at  [email protected]
or Gene Schriefer at (608) 930-9850.
Integrating Cereal Grains into an Organic Dairy Rotation
9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 31
Cuba City

Learn about the integration of rolled-crimped rye into the soybean crop, soil health gains on the farm, and the integration of cereal grains into a dairy rotation as both quality feed for the herd and off-farm sales.   Register at  https://mosesorganic.org/events/organic-field-days/jul-31/
Regenerative Grazing with Cattle, Goats, and Pigs
10:00 a.m.-Noon
Tuesday, July 31
Caledonia, IL

Discussion will touch on: 
  • Regenerative grazing and whole farm planning 
  • Pasture establishment of legumes and grasses 
  • Livestock fencing, water lines, and mineral feeders for cattle and goats
  • Managing rotations and monitoring pasture  
  • Winter feed (hay), housing (or lack thereof) and watering 
  • Equipment to move hay in winter, muck barns and winter pack in spring, handling castrations and vaccinations, and managing insect pests
  • Cow-calf operations and breeding
Cover Your Tracks with Clover
1:30-3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 31
Caledonia, IL

Hear about:
  • Composted manure from nearby livestock farms which is managed according to Biodynamic indications
  • Long and short term cover crops (the vegetable fields are two years in production and two years in cover crops)
  • Occasional broadcasting of organically certified rock powders and trace nutrients
  • A (surprising?) tillage method that enhances soil quality
  • The RTK GPS system which maintains integrity of the growing beds and significantly reduces compaction
UPCOMING CONFERENCES

Imagery Summit at ESRI UC
July 8-10
San Diego, CA

Farm Technology Days
July 10-12
Marshfield

WI Land+Water County Conservationist Meeting
July 19-20
W isconsin Rapids

Wisconsin Counties Association Conference
September 23-25
La Crosse

Keep updated and track your conservation training needs

Highlights from CPTP include:

Can't make the training?
Check out these training videos

WI Land+Water hosted Webinars








Keeping Forests Healthy in a Changing Climate




 

RUSLE 2  








DATCP Videos






DNR Videos

AgrAbility - Purdue University
Partner Training Websites


Dept Natural Resource
Lynda.com  (technology training)
Science & Technology Training  Library
SITCOM Training e-Newsletters are distributed monthly. 
If you have a training opportunity to share, please contact   Penny Pohle at  [email protected]. For more information about SITCOM and its members, visit:  http://wisconsinlandwater.org/training/state-interagency-training-committee