Regional Conservation Finance Ag Educator Training set to take place in Mid-September
There is still time to register for the Regional Conservation Finance Ag Educator Training coming up in just two and a half weeks in Arlington, Wisconsin. Hosted by the Soil Health Nexus, UW-Madison Division of Extension, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture of Consumer Protection (DATCP), Wisconsin Land + Water, and other multistate extension partners, this training is designed to equip agricultural educators with the financial impact and considerations of conservation agriculture.
Taking place at the Arlington Agricultural Research Station on September 16-17, 2024, this training offers a unique opportunity to hear experts in agricultural economics while networking with agricultural educators from extension, conservation districts, and agricultural organizations from across the Midwest. Attendees will hear latest research on the financial impacts of cover crops, no-till practices, and nutrient management and hear from experts who have successfully navigated financial discussions with producers.
The two-day event kicks off on Monday, September 16th, with a day packed with informative sessions, including discussion on the economics of nutrient management, reduced tillage, and cover crops. Attendees will also get practical tips on working with farmers on financial topics, along with an overview of the Soil Health Alliance for Research and Education (SHARE) and Wisconsin’s Producer-Led Watershed Grant Program. The day concludes with a producer panel and a provided dinner, offering a chance to network and discuss the day’s learnings.
On Tuesday, September 17th, participants will tour the U.S. Dairy Forage Research Farm and the farm of a local farmer conservation leader and innovator. This hands-on experience will further enrich participants’ understanding of the practical applications of the concepts discussed on day one. You can view the full agenda here.
The training is based on a conservation finance curriculum developed by a team of multi-state partners including the Network, the University of Minnesota Extension, the Environmental Defense Fund, and Croatan Institute.
With all the buzz about soil health, regenerative ag, and climate-smart, farmers want to know how practices such as cover crops and no-till pencil out. And while data on the financial impacts of conservation practices are still emerging, there is a growing collection of research that is establishing a knowledge baseline – this training is a great way for agricultural educators to learn this baseline knowledge, get a better understanding of where to find resources and support, and get tips on how to have candid financial conversations with the producers they work with.
Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills in conservation finance. Register by September 6th and join us in advancing sustainable practices in agriculture!
This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under agreement number 2023-38640-39573 through the North Central Region SARE program under project number ENC23-221. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.