It's the meeting season. Some call it the fried chicken and green bean circuit. Call it what you will, but there's more than good food available at two one-day workshops sponsored by the Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative. Both are one-day sessions offered in different parts of Indiana to give more people a chance to attend.
The first one is Feb. 5 at the Tipton County Fairgrounds on the street south of the County courthouse in Tipton. The meeting will be held in Lily Hall. The second one is slated for McCormick's Creek State Park in Spencer. The park is about two miles east of town.
Those who attend either session will hear soil and water conservation district specialists in North Dakota tell their story about conservation planning. Both the district and farmers there have implemented unique plans to improve soil health that organizers believe could spark ideas here in Indiana. A farmer will be on hand from North Dakota to discuss how he thinks the effort has benefitted him so far. Lisa Holscher, recently named CCSI Soil Health Program Manager, will talk about a new concept – Indiana soil health regional hubs. She previously was in charge of a large watershed in west-central Indiana, and was formerly based in Sullivan County.
The meetings begin at 9 a.m. EST each day and conclude at 3 p.m. Lunch is included.
A panel of farmers who are emphasizing the importance of soil health and how to achieve it will cap off the sessions. Eileen Kladivko, Purdue University Extension agronomist, once known as the no-till worm lady, will also be on hand. She is now gaining a reputation as a leader in pointing out interactions of cover crops and their rooting capability in the soil.
To learn more contact your local SWCD office, or e-mail deedee-sigler@iaswcd.org.