By Alena Whitaker
The Iowa Learning Farms conservation webinar taking place Feb. 28 at noon central time will feature Rick Cruse, professor of agronomy and director of the Iowa Water Center at Iowa State University. Cruse was raised on a farm in northeast Iowa and has been engaged with Iowa farmers while working at Iowa State for more than 40 years. His research, teaching and extension efforts address management impacts on soil erosion, water and crop production.
This episode will mark the 300th webinar in the series. The weekly webinars consistently draw live audiences exceeding 100 participants, offering insights on a broad range of topics as well as opportunities to ask questions of the presenters.
In the webinar, “Soil Conservation and Water Management – the Keys to Improving Climate Resilience,” Cruse will highlight factors and practices that affect agricultural climate resilience. He will focus on the importance of water and water management and discuss actions including draining excess water, capitalizing on water sourced from shallow groundwater and maximizing water infiltration and storage through improving soil health.
“Water and water management are the most fundamental components of climate-resilient farm plans,” said Cruse. “We are eager to help Midwest farmers gain a better understanding of the underutilized water resources that they may already have, and how those resources can substantially improve their climate resilience.”
Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
The webinar will also be recorded and archived on the learning farms website.
Learning farms has applied for a Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit (CEU) for attending this webinar. Those who participate in the live webinar are eligible. Information about how to apply to receive the credit will be provided at the end of the live webinar.
Upcoming Webinars in the Series:
- Up Next: Wednesday, March 6 with Lindsay Pease, University of Minnesota.
- March 13: Hanna Poffenbarger, University of Kentucky.
- March 20: Patrick Wall, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
- March 27: Dara Wald and Miguel Diaz Manrique, Texas A&M University.
In production since 2011, the Iowa Learning Farms Conservation Webinar Series is a respected resource for learning about the latest in research and implementation efforts of conservation-related practices. The webinar series has logged more than 75,000 live and archival views to date.
Shareable photos: 1. Tile drainage outlet along a bank. 2. Rick Cruse, professor of agronomy and director of the Iowa Water Center at Iowa State University.
About Iowa Learning Farms:
Established in 2004, Iowa Learning Farms is building a culture of conservation by encouraging adoption of conservation practices. Farmers, researchers and team members are working together to identify and implement the best management practices that improve water quality and soil health while remaining profitable. Partners of Iowa Learning Farms include the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, EPA Section 319 Grant Program and GROWMARK, Inc.
Source : iastate.edu