Using Manure to Improve Soil Health
1:30-2:40 p.m.
Friday,
March 1
Online
Manure provides tremendous benefits to the soil health when compared to synthetic fertilizer. Soil organic carbon, water infiltration, and pH are increased while bulk density is decreased. Manure applications according to crop nutrient requirements and the use of soil testing are very important tools used for environmental protection. This webinar will take a look at current practical research in South Dakota and Michigan related to manure use as it relates to soil health. It will focus on principles and practices that enhance soil organic matter formation, including quality of manure and using other organic matter sources in combination to improve soil health. Check out
https://learn.extension.org/events/3613
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410 Embankment Planning, Design, and Construction Roundtable
Tuesday,
March 5
Altoona
Some planning, design, and construction techniques for embankment structures will be presented with plenty of time for roundtable type discussions and project presentations. Contact Pete at
Peter.Wurzer@wisconsin.gov for more details.
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Nutrient Management Strategies for the Organic Transition
2:00-3:00 p.m.
Tuesday,
March 5
Online
Nutrient management on crop acres transitioning into organic production can be challenging, as it requires a more holistic understanding of nutrient flows and cycling on a farm compared to nutrient management on conventional crop production acres. Conventional nutrient management is relatively simple compared to organic nutrient management, since the latter is more closely tied to biological systems and soil ecology. To help unravel this complexity, this webinar will cover inherent challenges and possible solutions for nutrient management on organic transition and certified organic acres. Check out
https://www.agronomy.org/education/classroom/classes/663
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Equipment for Mechanical Cultivation
2:00-3:00 p.m.
Tuesday,
March 5
Online
Join this webinar to learn about equipment and techniques for precision mechanical weed control.
Weed management is often cited as the top production challenge in organic systems, and organic growers primarily manage weeds with soil disturbance. This method of weed control can be counterproductive to soil health. This webinar will be a virtual field day looking at new tools that cause less soil disturbance. Sam will also discuss management techniques that can reduce the need for later mechanical weed control. Attendees will learn about the diversity of cultivation equipment available to producers and their advantages/disadvantages including optimizing older equipment and a summary of newer options. Information to join the webinar is at http://www.conservationwebinars.net/webinars/equipment-for-mechanical-cultivation?sr=wp~mkt-whenPub
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7:00-8:30 p.m.
Tuesday,
March 5
River Falls
An environmental journalist is bringing his book about farmers who are changing the agricultural system to the St. Croix River region.
His new book "
Wildly Successful Farming"
shares stories about farmers throughout the Midwest who are balancing profitability and food production with environmental sustainability and a passion for all things wild. More information is available at
https://www.stcroixriverassociation.org/events/
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Cover Crops, Carbon & Conservation
10:00 a.m.-4:15 p.m.
Wednesday,
March 6
Fond du Lac
Fond du Lac County Farmers Soil Health Group invites you to join them for a day of learning about soil health management from other farmers! We are committed to figuring out ways to improve soil health on our farms,so we can improve the water quality in the watersheds where we farm. This workshop will help farmers better understand how their soil biology works underground and provide an opportunity to listen to other Wisconsin farmers who are planting cover crops and using no-till. Check out
https://fonddulac.extension.wisc.edu/events/cover-crops-carbon-conservation/
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Genetic Technologies for Environmental Management: eDNA 101
11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Wednesday,
March 6
Online
John Higley of Environmental Quality Operations will present on the science and application of environmental DNA as an AIS early detection tool. The target audience for this webinar is managers with little to no molecular training. For more information check out
http://cbwn.ca/edna-webinar/
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Grazing Lands: Workshop for Agency Staff and Interested Graziers
10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Wednesday,
March 6 - Chilton
Tuesday, March 26 - Menomonie
April (TBD) - Jefferson
Participants will work together developing a preliminary grazing plan layout from a case study(s) (ex: Dairy, Heifers, Beef, etc). Groups will complete stocking rates, discuss seedings (renovations), watering and lane layouts.
NRCS, private grazing consultants, WDNR, land and water agency representatives, and livestock producers will discuss how they utilize a variety of different federal, state, and local funds to implement grazing on private and public lands. Contact Mary
at
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Marketing & PR 101: How to Promote Your Organization or Program
1:00-1:30 p.m.
Thursday,
March 7
Online
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
· Gain a basic overview of marketing & PR tools to effectively reach target audiences
· Employ best practices for marketing & PR
· Understand these practices as applied to a real-life case study
· Apply learnings to help develop their own marketing & PR plans to promote their organization and programs
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Heart of the Farm - Women In Ag Conferences
Thursday,
March 7 - Wisconsin Dells
Monday, March 11 - Randolph
Thursday, April 4 - Kiel
Tuesday, April 9 - Marshfield
Saturday, April 27 - Merrill
"The Heart of the Farm Conferences provide an opportunity for farm women to learn about farm management skills and strategies in a comfortable setting," said Jenny Vanderlin, Associate Director and Coordinator of the Heart of the Farm-Women in Agriculture Program, Center for Dairy Profitability. "These conferences address the needs of farm women by providing resources and information to improve their farm business."
Topics include: Alternative Ag Ventures, Time-saving Tips, Managing Financial Stress, Taking Care of You, Ask A Vet, Negotiation Skills, and much more! More information is available at https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/heartofthefarm/conferences/one-day-conferences/
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CAD Training Session 1
Tue
sday, March 12
Altoona
A casual paced class intended for all levels of users. The class will have a loose and fluid "agenda", leaving plenty of room for questions and discussion. The first class will concentrate on surfaces and grading scenarios, including but not limited to:
- Customizing Surfaces
- Creating 2 Surfaces From 1 Survey
- Grading Common and Not-So-Common Practices
- Calculating Stage Storage
- And Whatever Else Comes Up Along The Way!
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Capitalizing on Soil Health Benefits
1:00-2:00 p.m.
Tue
sday, March 12
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Becoming an Effective Public Speaker
1:00-2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 13
Online
W
hile public speaking can be intimidating, it is a skill just like any other that can be practiced and perfected. Learning about best practices can reduce anxiety and make one a more engaging and effective speaker, with the presence to authentically connect with any audience.
Join to hear from experts who can help you transform into a confident and successful public speaker, no matter your role or level in government.
Specifically, you'll learn:
- How to keep audiences energized and engaged.
- The most effective rhetorical strategies for driving home your message.
- Key elements to prepare for a successful public speaking engagement.
Register at
https://www.govloop.com/training/becoming-an-effective-public-speaker/
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Soil Health and Water Quality
2:00-3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 13
Online
The benefits of soil health best management practices on farm resiliency and plant and ecosystem health is well known. Less well known is the connection between soil health and water quality. Tune in to
to hear the latest research from across the region on the connection between cover crops, tile drainage, and tillage timing on nutrient and sediment runoff. Register at https://northcentralwater.org/the-current/
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The Pillars of Great Pollinator Habitat Design and Management
10:00-11:15 a.m.
Thur
sday, March 14
Online
Many farms have field edges or underperforming areas that could be seeded to native grasses and wildflowers to benefit bees and butterflies. This presentation will cover the most important considerations on how a pollinator habitat project should be designed, planted, and managed. Learn how great habitat results can be easily achieved with a little planning and consideration on the front-end of the project. Also learn about a
$1,000 cash incentive offer. Register at
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8499424290403133186
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Getting Started with ArcGIS Notebooks
11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m.
Thur
sday, March 14
Online
This seminar introduces basic concepts of data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of ArcGIS Notebooks-a new product that provides an integrated Python scripting environment in ArcGIS Enterprise. The presenters share Python scripting tips and tricks using examples that include Jupyter Notebook, ArcPy, and ArcGIS API for Python. You'll see how to script an analysis, automate repetitive tasks, and discover how the fields of spatial data science and GeoAI can help GIS professionals, researchers, scientists, and data scientists more fully understand and solve complex problems. Check out
https://www.esri.com/training/catalog/5c7091bd65e21d6e2182f252/get-started-with-arcgis-notebooks/
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Winnebago on Tap
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 14 - Oshkosh
Exploring Agriculture's Toolbox to Protect Land and Water Resources
Friday, March 22 - Oshkosh
Why is NE W
I Groundwater So Vulnerable to Contamination?
Thursday, March 28 - Appleton
Ice Age
History of the Fox River Valley Region
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CAD Training Session 2
Tuesday, March 19
Altoona
A casual paced class intended for all levels of users. The class will have a loose and fluid "agenda", leaving plenty of room for questions and discussion and will concentrate on bringing a plan together with topics such as:
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Conservation Partner Meetings
Tuesday, March 19 - Jefferson
Thursday, March 28 - Oshkosh
Monday, April 1 - Dodgeville
Thursday, April 4 - Eau Claire
Tuesday, April 9 - Merrill
The Conservation Partner Meetings are designed to give an opportunity to get together and talk about conservation programs, challenges, and opportunities.
The meetings are open to conservation staff, members of the LCC, agency staff, and other interested conservation partners. More information including registration is available at http://datcpservices.wisconsin.gov/confreg/ConservationPartnerMeeting.jsp
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Organic Practices for Climate Mitigation, Adaptation, and Carbon Sequestration
1:00-2:00 a.m.
Wednesday, March 20
Online
In this webinar, we will discuss the capacity of sustainable organic systems and practices to sequester soil carbon, minimize nitrous oxide and methane emissions during crop and livestock production, and enhance agricultural resilience to weather extremes. The presentation will include practical guidelines for optimizing the organic farm's "carbon footprint" and adaptability to climate disruptions already underway. Find out more at
https://ofrf.org/news/new-climate-guide-evaluates-best-organic-practices-curbing-climate-change
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National Cover Crop Summit
March 20-21
Online
In response to demand from growers seeking a better understanding of best practices when it comes to the use of cover crops in their farming operations, No-Till Farmer and Strip-Till Farmer are unveiling the first-ever National Cover Crop Summit - a 100% free-to-attend online event focused on equipping you with the knowledge necessary to harness the full potential of a cover-crop system to protect your soil and increase your farm's profits.
Find out more
https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/events/207-national-cover-crop-summit
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Direct and Wholesale Marketing Success: Techniques for Increasing your Farm Income
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 21
Amery
Farm Table Foundation, in collaboration with MOSES and Land Stewardship Project, is offering this marketing workshop to help you find the right market outlet to match your skills and personality, land, crop mix, and customers' needs, discuss trends in the food market and the pros and cons of various marketing models including: roadside stands, farmers markets, CSA, agri-tourism, restaurants, pick-your-own, on-line sales, wholesale, retail and brokers, and work in class on designing a mix of markets and crops that work for your farm and market based on customers' needs and your strengths. Find out more and register at
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/direct-and-wholesale-marketing-success-techniques-for-increasing-your-farm-income-tickets-54989606393
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Lawn of the Future
11:00 a.m.-Noon
Thursday, March 21
Online
An emerging R&D concept at the Scotts Miracle Gro Company, "Lawn of the Future", shows how an array of innovations are working together to allow homeowners to have a beautiful outdoor space even as water resources become increasingly limited in the future. Scientist Phil Dwyer, aka Dr Phil the Lawn Doctor, will review this holistic approach to backyard conservation covering all the aspects of lawn and garden care including sustainable grass varieties, targeted fertilization, smart watering, and drip irrigation. Participants will gain new insights on new ways to enhance the water use efficiency of lawns both through the evaluation of new smart watering technologies and the best cultural practices for protecting water resources.
To register, email Debra Bogar at
deb-bogar@nacdnet.org
WITH your name, title, district or business name, state and email address.
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Conservation Plan Supporting Organic Transition (CAP138)-Technical Service Provider Training
10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, March 26
Tomah
Technical service providers (TSPs) can provide services to farmers transitioning to organic production on behalf of USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). NRCS provides financial assistance to farmers developing an organic transition plan written by a technical service provider. This training will discuss the process in becoming a TSP, how to write a conservation plan supporting transition, including the technical requirements, planning resources, and format. Go to
https://wisconsinlandwater.org/training/statewide-training-events
to find out more and to register.
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LiDAR/Technology
9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 27
LiDAR will be discussed in the morning including applicable uses for design and planning practices, including the use of the engineering tool. The afternoon will focus on smartphone apps and field use. Contact Mike at
Mike.Dreischmeier@wi.usda.gov
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Add Value to Your Milk: Exploring On-Farm Dairy Processing
9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 27
River Falls
Have you thought about processing your own milk, cheese, yogurt or ice cream? How would you go about changing your business model, marketing, and making your own product?This workshop features the nuts and bolts of early business planning including processing practicalities, building a farm-based dairy business, and advice from Wisconsin Farmers Union members who are making and marketing food products from cow and goat milk. Find out more at
https://www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com/events
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Conservation Lobby Day
10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 27
Madison
On Conservation Lobby Day, you can expect to:
* Get the inside scoop on the top issues facing our drinking water and public land.
* Participate in a scheduled meeting with your state Senator and Representative's offices.
* Network, strategize, and make new friends with hundreds of other conservation-minded citizens from across the state. Attend trainings presented by professionals.
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Off-site Resource Assessment
Wednesday, March 27
Altoona
What tools do we have to identify possible resource concerns off site? Where are they located? How do we use them? We will take a look at different tools like DNR Surface water viewer, Historical Imagery, Soil Data Viewer, GIS Data, and other tools to analyze what potential issues may be occurring on different sites from the office. To find out more, contact Alex at
alex.dvoracek@wi.usda.gov
or Tim at
Tim.Miland@wi.usda.gov
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UW-River Falls Field Scout Training Class
March 27-28
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Dairy Together Roadshow
Wednesday, March 27 - Oshkosh
Tuesday, April 2 - Eau Claire
Thursday, April 4 - Platteville
The current dairy price crisis is putting family farms out of business.
With events planned across the nation, the Dairy Roadshow is focused on improving the situation for dairy farmers. Our goal is to share information and present options with as much research base as we are able to compile, present those ideas and engage farmers and policy makers in community conversations.
Find out more at
https://www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com/events
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Streambank Protection
Thursday, March 28
Juneau
The planning and design for streambank protection. We will work through the planning tools and then discuss the design tools and the construction plan. For more information, contact Erik at
Erik.Swanson@wi.usda.gov or Beth at
Beth.Peterson@wi.usda.gov
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EmpowerU! Advocating for Invasive Species Management
Saturday, March 30 - Madison
Tuesday, April 2 - Oshkosh
Feeling stuck on your current invasive species work or not sure how to have a greater influence? We are pleased to announce EmpowerU!, a new training program that will move your invasive species work to the next level. EmpowerU! is a hybrid online and in-person course where Master volunteers, landowners, concerned citizens, and professionals will learn how to engage decision-makers who can help get action on invasive species issues. This training program is focused on invasive species, but the skills you learn can apply to any issue of concern to you! More information can be found at https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/wifdn/empoweru/
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Conservation Employee Training
9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 3
Madison
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Grow More-Communication Strategies to Promote Conservation
April 3-4
Appleton
Join us for a two-day communication training designed to equip conservation professionals with advanced strategies and techniques to better engage farmers who are hesitant or resistant to adopting cover crops and other soil health practices. Participants will learn the various ways in which people make decisions (known as mental models), how to identify farmers' preferred mental models, and how to implement targeted messaging and educational strategies for more effective outreach. This free event is offered to conservation professionals who are working directly with farmers to implement cover crops and no-till practices. RSVP by March 1 to Whitney at
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St. Louis River Summit
March 5-6
Superior
Watershed Conference
March 5-6
Green Bay
Upper Midwest Hazelnut Growers Conference
March 8-9
Eau Claire
Midwest Soil Health Summit
March 12
St. Peter, MN
Dairy Forward-PDPW Business Conference
March 13-14
Madison
WI Land+Water Annual Conference
March 13-15
Lake Geneva
Red Cedar Watershed Conference
March 14
Menomonie
Fox River Summit
March 22
Burlington
St. Croix Forestry Conference
March 28-29
Siren
Wisconsin Lakes Partnership Convention
April 10-12
Stevens Point
Nelson Institute Earth Day Conference
April 23
Madison
Rural Summit
April 24-25
Rice Lake
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