Strategies for Healthy Soil and Water

As the harvest season unfolds across Wisconsin, excitement grows for the Wisconsin Water and Soil Health Conference. This event is scheduled for December 17th and 18th at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. Co-chair Dan Smith is eager to share details about this year’s event. It promises to be a rich gathering of farmers, agronomists, and conservation professionals.Attendees will unite with a common goal: improving soil health and water quality.

“This is our second year combining the Discovery Farms Conference with the Wisconsin Cover Crop Conference,” Smith explains. “We started planning back in March, bringing together diverse stakeholders to discuss the pressing questions they face in the field. Our aim is to create a holistic experience centered around soil health and water quality.”

The conference has evolved to include insights from the University and Extension services. This expansion goes beyond the traditional Discovery Farms focus. This year’s theme reflects the highs and lows of the past two years. It particularly highlights the challenges posed by variable weather patterns. “The weather has been a significant factor,” Smith notes. “We want to discuss how we can manage soil health and water quality in the face of these challenges.”

Participants can expect to delve into the importance of cover crops as a strategy for mitigating soil erosion and managing herbicide-resistant weeds. “We’ve seen a growing trend towards incorporating cover crops into farm management practices,” says Smith. “They help keep soil in place and are effective in controlling weeds, particularly winter rye, which offers multiple benefits as an overwintering species.”

The conference includes participants from beyond Wisconsin. It aims to attract a wider audience with experts from across the Midwest. “Last year, we welcomed over 400 attendees, and we anticipate similar participation this year,” Smith shares. “We’re excited to welcome Dr. Lisa Schulte Moore from Iowa State University, who will discuss edge-of-field practices in cover crop management.”

Smith emphasizes the collaborative atmosphere that the conference fosters. “The informal discussions that happen during meals and breaks are often where the most valuable conversations occur,” he says. “It’s a unique opportunity for farmers and researchers to connect and share insights.”

In addition to educational sessions, the conference will feature roundtable discussions where participants can engage in deeper conversations about implementing innovative practices on their farms. “We want to facilitate discussions on topics like planner setup and planting green,” Smith adds. “We received positive feedback on this format last year, and we expect it to generate even more engagement this time.”

With growing interest in sustainable practices and potential financial incentives tied to carbon credits, Smith acknowledges the evolving landscape of agricultural practices. “Farmers are increasingly interested in the monetization possibilities related to carbon credits,” he explains. “We will certainly touch on this topic during the conference, as it’s important for farmers to explore all avenues of support for adopting these practices.”

As the conference approaches, early registration is underway. Smith encourages all those interested in improving soil health and exploring cover crop benefits to attend. “This conference is designed for Wisconsin farmers and is a great opportunity to learn and grow alongside like-minded individuals,” he says.