LEXINGTON, Ky. — On February 12th and 13th, farmers in the Midsouth will have an opportunity to gain practical insights about how to make conservation practices work on their farms from fellow farmers who are already achieving success at the Farmer-to-Farmer Conservation Field Day.
The event will take place in and around Memphis, TN, including farm visits to Long Lake Plantation in Helena, Arkansas and Big River Farms in Clarksdale, Mississippi on Wednesday, February 12th, followed by a half-day facilitated group discussion at the Guest House at Graceland in Memphis on Thursday, February 13th.
The event is geared toward farmers and farm advisors who want to learn more about implementing and reaping benefits from conservation practices, such as cover crops and minimal tillage. It will be a unique opportunity for farmers to share knowledge with each other and connect with farmers in other counties and states who also want to protect soil and water while maintaining farm profitability.
“Farmer-to-farmer learning translates research and technical guidance into the realities of farm life. Farmers can hear first-hand accounts of what works and what doesn’t from someone else whose livelihood also depends on the success of this year’s crop,” said Amanda Gumbert, the event’s lead organizer and a water quality specialist with University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service.
Registration is free but required. The first 25 farmers to register for the event can have their travel expenses reimbursed, up to $500. The link to register is http://bit.ly/fielddayFeb2020.
Certified Crop Advisors can receive the following continuing education units (CEUs) for attending both days: 1.5 CEUs in Nutrient Management, 6 in Soil and Water Management, and 1.5 in Professional Development.
The event is organized by a team of university extension professionals from Mississippi State University, University of Kentucky, Arkansas Discovery Farms, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin Discovery Farms, and University of Illinois.
“Our team wanted to engage farmers directly in work that can sometimes be too policy or organization driven and really focus on the important role farmers play in watershed management,” said Gumbert.
“This event provides an opportunity for farmers throughout the Mississippi River basin to learn how their peers utilize conservation practices and gain knowledge and leadership skills that can be applied on their own farms and their home watersheds,” Gumbert added.
Previous knowledge of or experience with soil and water conservation practices is not required to attend.
— University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension
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