National and local experts will lead upcoming workshops

Farmers interested in registering for the March 13, 15 or 22 workshop should use the online registration form. Up to 50 farmers will be accepted for each workshop on a first-come basis.

for Indiana farmers March 13, 15 and 22 to provide answers to these questions. They'll discuss ways to make conservation cropping systems more successful on your farm.

The outcomes will be two-fold:    

1. To help farmers adopt practices that lead to improved soil health throughout their farming operation; and 
2. To provide opportunities for Indiana Conservation Partnership staff to take what they learned and brush up on delivery skills for future workshops in their home districts.              

Lisa Holscher, soil health program manager for the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, says the purpose behind these workshops is simple. "When we focus our attention on soil health and educate farmers and the public about the positive impact healthy soils can have on productivity and conservation, we are helping Indiana farmers feed the world more profitably and sustainably."

Workshop dates are locations are:

• March 13: Vincennes University, Jasper Campus, 850 College Ave., Jasper and March 15: Southeast Purdue Agricultural Center, 4425 East 350 North, Butlerville. These two Conservation Cropping Systems workshops focus on:
• How soil characteristics affect a successful conservation cropping system
• Introduction to biological soil tests 
• Tuning in nutrient management for no-till and cover crop systems
• Equipment adjustments and systems
• Seeding methods, management, and termination considerations for cover crops   
• March 22: Diagnostic Training Center, Purdue Agronomy Research Center, 4540 U.S. 52, West Lafayette. This Cover Crop Training workshop highlights:
• How to use the Midwest Cover Crop Selections Tool and Cover Crop Pocket Guide to choose cover crops and mixes for specific benefits
• Nutrient management adaptations for cover crop systems
• Insect management in cover crop systems
• Terminating cover crops and herbicide carryover considerations
• Hands-on evaluation and identification of cover crop species and mixes.

The cost for each workshop is $20 which includes lunch and materials. Pre-registration is required no later than one week before each workshop. Check-in opens at 8:30 a.m. Each session starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m.