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
Organics and Regenerative Agriculture
2:00-3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 5
Online

Within the sustainable agriculture community "regenerative agriculture" has emerged as a new and popular buzzword to signify an approach to farming that is "beyond organic" or "Organic 2.0". This webinar explores the different schools of thought behind organic and regenerative agriculture, highlights the differences and overlapping similarities between both practices, and provides examples of regenerative practices that can be incorporated into organic production systems.  Register at  https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7366379740882172161
Urban Trees and Stormwater Management - Transitioning from Gray to Green
Noon-1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 6
Online

Trees offer a range of ecological benefits that include, but are not limited to, the reduction of stormwater runoff. As cities grow or redevelop, there are opportunities to reduce reliance on traditional gray infrastructure elements (e.g., drains and pipes) through the use of trees, green infrastructure, and knowledge of the site's traditional natural hydrology.  Find out more at  https://learn.extension.org/events/3184
Field Day
9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 7
Kewaunee

This field day will include: 
  • Soils pit
  • NRCS rainfall simulator
  • Low disturbance manure applications
  • UW-Discovery Farm tile project
RSVPs appreciated to Aaron at   aaron.pape@uwex.edu  More information can be found at  http://peninsulapridefarmsinc.org/2017/08/11/save-the-date-ppf-field-day-sept-7/
What Do I Need to Know about No-tilling Non-GMO Corn?
10:00 a.m.
Thursday, September 7
Online

During the webinar you will hear:
  • How to manage herbicide and insecticide challenges without traits like Roundup Ready, LibertyLink or Bt
  • How to use cover crops within a non-GMO system to support the growth of conventional corn
  • Economics behind raising non-GMO corn and how they can pencil out to be more profitable
  • Other considerations in trying to raise a productive non-GMO crop, such as herbicide drift management, application timing of pesticides and more.
Register at  https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5290034500081749507
Basic Ag for Conservationists
8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Friday, September 8
Arlington

This field training and tour will include:
  • Components and resource concerns of livestock systems
  • Tillage equipment and soil health
  • Shooting slopes
Registration is available at  http://conservation-training.uwex.edu/courses-events  Contact Penny Pohle at penny@wisconsinlandwater.org or (608) 441-2677 Ext. 6 for more information.
Pasture Walk
Noon-3:00 p.m.
Friday, September 8
Mason

This pasture walk will  cover the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Program and pasture layout improvements.  Contact Deb at (715) 590-2130 for more information.
Agroforestry and Long-term Leases
1:00-4:00 p.m.
Friday, September 8
Jefferson

Agricultural leases are dominantly year-to-year contracts that favor annual crops like corn and soybeans. So, how do you plant perennial crops that need several years before they can be harvested and sold for a profit? Long-term lease contracts are very important in these cases and can help both the landowner and tenant reach agreements that benefit each other and the land. Also hear how they are collaborating to combine tree crop establishment and cattle grazing to produce healthy soils.  More details can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/131901127408336/
The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly of Transitioning to a Grass-based System
Noon-4:00 p.m
Sunday, September 10
Broadhead

There will be a brief tour and discussion about their pastured turkey operation, which utilizes the same methods used for pastured broilers. We will discuss raising hogs in a barn, dirt lot, and pasture. We will focus our afternoon on transitioning from grain finishing cattle to a 100% grass finished system. The Riemers currently run both systems, so participants will get a close up look at the challenges and benefits of both systems.  We can discuss pasture and soil health, cattle breeds, stocking rates, establishing new pastures, grazing methods, cover crops, working with the NRCS, and fencing. They are in their first year of rotational grazing and will share the challenges and joys of setting up a brand new system on about half the farm.   

Other topics that may be of interest are: Livestock guardian dogs, farming with multiple generations of family, the benefits and drawbacks of diversifying, partnering with other farmers, pastured layers, including kids in farming operations, moving from family only farming to hiring help, non-GMO grains, direct marketing meats and more.

Corn Bred for Organic Farmers Field Day
10:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m
Monday, September 11
East Troy/Elkhorn

Learn about the Mandaamin Institute's corn breeding program. They breed for four things that organic farmers find important: higher nutritional value, GMO contamination prevention, greater nitrogen efficiency, and better ability to compete with weeds. Learn more by contacting Virginia Thomas at mandaaminoffice@gmail.com or (262) 248-1533.
Pasture Walk
10:00 a.m.-Noon
Tuesday, September 12
Lancaster

Summer 2017 was the first full season for a multi-year trial of silvopasture created by thinning existing woodlots on the research station. We will look at the silvopasture and comparison plots and discuss preliminary observations of the value of silvopasture for animal welfare, providing forage, and reducing environmental impacts from woodland grazing, as well as management challenges.

We will also discuss limitations and opportunities for white clover in Wisconsin pastures. We will walk through pasture plots and observe performance of several new and old white clover varieties sown with tall fescue in spring 2016.  Discussion will focus on different "types" of white clover and efforts to develop and identify white clover lines suited to cold winters and summer dry periods characteristic of Wisconsin. 


For more information, contact Arin at  arin.crooks@wisc.edu or
(608) 723-2580. 
Mindful Leadership
1:00-2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 13
Online

Mindful leadership means engaging in your work and your team, skillfully and in the moment. Mindfulness can help you prioritize personal well-being and transform the workplace culture around you, one interaction at a time.  At this webinar, y ou will learn:
  • What mindful leadership in action really looks like.
  • The benefits of bringing intention to your work style and interactions.
  • How your organization as a whole can benefit from mindfulness.
Registration can be found at https://www.govloop.com/training/mindful-leadership/
DNR Water Quality Monitoring Strategy Overview and Role of Partner Agencies
11:00 a.m.-Noon
Wednesday, September 13
Online

Wisconsin DNR Monitoring Section staff will present an overview of the Water Quality monitoring strategy, specifically focusing on surface waters. WDNR will describe our major monitoring programs, but focus on those programs where partner input and collaboration is common. This webinar will focus on areas where counties (or other federal, state and local partners) can become involved in the prioritization and planning of monitoring locations, parameters, timing or intensity. We will also describe the project planning and decision making process that will help partners, working through their local Water Quality biologist, become involved in developing quality, fundable projects. Future webinar series with WDNR Water Quality monitoring and assessment staff will focus on listing and delisting impaired waters, TMDL prioritization, moving towards TMDL implementation and case studies of successful monitoring projects.

Join the webinar at  https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/213746573  Contact Chris at chris@wisconsinlandwater.org for more information.
Drought and Invasive Species
1:00-2:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 14
Online

Drought creates the potential for invasive plant species to increase in diversity and abundance in a variety of ecosystems, often mediated by the occurrence of disturbances (wildfire, insect outbreaks).  Because the frequency and magnitude of droughts will increase in a warmer climate, scientific information on drought effects is needed to inform management and planning to ensure long-term sustainability of forest and rangeland ecosystems. This webinar will explore (1) current issues related to the effects of drought on invasive species, (2) examples of drought-related impacts on ecosystems, and (3) management options for increasing resilience.  Go to http://www.climatewebinars.net/webinars/drought-invasives  to find out more and how to join the webinar.
Wetland Delineation
September 15-16
Ridgeland

This course is a practical field-oriented guide to wetland delineation. We will discuss what determines a wetland and how to identify and document wetland vegetation, soils, and hydrology during a delineation. We will dig soil pits, identify vegetation, look for signs of hydrology, and physically stake the wetland boundary in the field. In the lab we will discuss the basics of completed data sheets and accurate reporting as well as regulatory oversight. This course is intended for beginners and will focus on relatively undisturbed wetlands present on the UW-Milwaukee Field Station. To register, go to  http://uwm.edu/field-station/workshops/fall-workshops/
To Fence or Not to Fence (Out a Stream)
1:00-2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 19
Online

With a focus on whether to prevent livestock grazing of riparian areas or not, this webinar will provide highlights of research results from different regions of the eastern U.S. The presenters will provide important planning items to consider when working with livestock producers. To fence or not, many may find that this issue is not such an easy conclusion to reach, no matter what stance a person may have taken in the past. The research studies that are presented and several others will be available to participants.  Webinar information can be found at  http://www.conservationwebinars.net/webinars/to-fence-or-not-to-fence
Pasture Walk 
10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, September 19
Platteville

Review and reflect on shade options and methods, critique mechanically harvested sorghum used as part of cropping rotation/renovation, and pros and cons of wood shaving bedding. Contact Vance at vance.haugen@ces.uwex.edu or (608) 326-0223 to find out more.
Interseeding Red Clover in Winter Wheat Cover 
1:00-4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 20
East Troy

An in-depth look at the practice of interseeding a red clover cover crop in winter wheat examining specific production practices and management, nitrogen credits and crediting for corn, impact on conservation compliance using SNAPlus and economics. It will feature a combination of classroom and field presentations including the 2017 cover crop and corn following last year's cover crop at a local farm, drawing on 20-years' experience and research data on the practice. Register at  http://michaelfields.org/michael-fields-calendar/cover-crop-professional-development-workshop-92017/2017-09-20/
Erosion Control and Stormwater Field Day
8:00 a.m.-4:15 p.m.
Thursday, September 21
Rice Lake

Here's an  opportunity to see, touch, and learn about a wide array of erosion control and stormwater products.  The afternoon field day will include live manufacturer/representative demonstrations of how new and proven products should be properly utilized, installed, and inspected.  Recommended installation guidelines will be presented to further your understanding of why proper installation is critical for product performance.  Inspectors will gain the knowledge needed to properly inspect product installation and understand if that product is properly designed into the project.

Attendees will also be able to view a water movement demonstration which will provide side-by-side comparisons of what sheer stress levels products are classified to handle and how the Wisconsin Product Acceptability List (PAL) classifications compare to sheer stress levels.  

Go to https://www.nasecawi.org/events/september-2017-rice-lake/ to find out more and to register.
Pasture Walk
11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 23
Colfax

Hear about the  Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Program and farm transition tips. For details or to RSVP, contact Deb at (715) 590-2130.
Geology Tour
Tuesday, September 26
Northern Iowa County

This tour will be a field review of the geology in the northern Iowa County area.  The focus will be on incorporating knowledge of geology, landscape position, and soils with conservation planning.  Tim Weisbrod will be our tour guide for the day.  More details will follow with specific times (likely 9:30 to 2:30) and meeting location. We are trying to plan for a bus or carpool for the event, so please RSVP to Mike at Mike.Dreischmeier@wi.usda.gov by September 11.
Hydraulically Sizing a 378-Pond Using SITES Software
10:00-11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, September 26
Online

Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to list USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service standard references related to pond design, SITES inputs needed to design a 378 - Pond, and SITES output from a 378 - Pond design.  More information is available at  http://www.climatewebinars.net/webinars/hydraulically-sizing-a-378-pond-using-sites-software
Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers: Nitrification
and Urease Inhibitors
1:00-2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 26
Online

This webinar will cover "Nitrification and Urease Inhibitors" both of which are nitrogen stabilizers. During the webinar participants will learn: What are EEFs? What are nitrification inhibitors? What are urease inhibitors? How do they work (practical applications)? When do they work? What are the limitations (soils/climates)? When do/don't they make economic sense?  Attend the webinar to find out answers to these questions and more.  Go to  http://www.climatewebinars.net/webinars/enhanced-efficiency-fertilizers-nitrification-and-urease-inhibitors for more details.
Fall Cover Crops Field Day
12:30-3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 27
Menomonie

Topics and speakers will focus on cover crops and will include:
  • Use of cover crops with fall manure applications
  • Cover crop seed varieties update and discussion
  • Highboy cover crop application discussion and demonstration
  • Precipitation and nitrogen use efficiency in 2017
  • Rainfall simulator demonstration 
More information available at  https://dunn.uwex.edu/2017/08/14/red-cedar-demonstration-farm-2017-fall-cover-crops-field-day/
Concrete Wall Design for Animal Waste Management Structure
10:00-11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, September 27
Online

This webinar follows the basics of the structural design process for a typical concrete retaining wall, beginning with basic background material on policy, basic loading considerations, stability analysis, and finishing with the structural analysis, reinforcing, and final concrete member design.  Check out  http://www.climatewebinars.net/webinars/concrete-wall-design-for-animal-waste-management-structure for more details.
Green Value, A Tool for Simplified Financial Analysis of Forest-Based Initiatives
10:00-11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, September 27
Online

This webinar will introduce Green Value, a tool being adapted for use in the USA by its developers, the Earth Innovation Institute (EII) and the USDA Forest Service. Dr. Shoana Humprhies and Dr. Thomas Holmes will introduce webinar participants to this tool designed to support the needs of family forestland owners and conservation land managers. It will also be of benefit to consultants or agency personnel assisting private landowners. Registration information is available at  http://www.climatewebinars.net/webinars/pronr-forest-management-webinar-green-value-a-tool-for-simplified-financial-analysis-of-forest-based-initiatives
Invasive Plant Management Techniques Workshop
9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 30
Saukville

This hands-on class, offered by UW-Milwaukee's Natural History Field Station, will discuss, demonstrate, and practice all applicable control methods for five plant types. Learn about the most appropriate, efficient, up-to-date, and least environmentally-damaging methods of control. For more information, visit  http://uwm.edu/field-station/workshops/fall-workshops/
UPCOMING CONFERENCES

Wisconsin Counties Association Annual Conference
September 24-26
Wisconsin Dells

World Dairy Expo
October 3-7
Madison
 
Wisconsin Cover Crops Conference
October 4
Jackson

Food, Land & Water Conference
October 16-17
Elkhart Lake

Wisconsin Association of Environmental Education (WAEE) Annual Conference
October 19-21
Mequon

ESRI WI Users Group Conference
Green Bay
October 26-27

Women Food & Ag Network Annual Conference
November 2-4
Madison

State of Lake Michigan Conference
November 7-10
Green Bay

Green Lands Blue Waters Conference
November 28-29
Madison

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




 

Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Program

 





 

RUSLE 2  




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DNR Videos

AgrAbility - Purdue University
Partner Training Websites
 


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