The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has launched a new training initiative. The program aims to improve conservation efforts across Wisconsin. Andrea Topper, DATCP’s Nutrient Management Outreach Specialist, explains that it targets conservation staff. The goal is to equip staff with agricultural knowledge to work more effectively with farmers.
In recent years, Topper noticed that many conservation staff lacked a farming background. This made connecting with farmers difficult. In response, DATCP partnered with organizations like Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Wisconsin Land and Water to create a specialized training program.
The new training program includes both online modules and in-person field experiences. The online modules, developed with Fox Valley Tech, cover essential agricultural practices. They include the differences between dairy, beef, and cash crop operations. They also incorporate conservation standards used by the NRCS. This online platform offers a flexible learning opportunity, making it accessible to anyone, including conservation staff across the state.
The in-person training component, scheduled for next summer, will provide hands-on experience in real-world settings. During the three-day session, participants will learn to identify resource concerns, understand different personality types, and use planning processes to address conservation challenges.
Topper emphasized that the program’s goal is to create a sustainable, collaborative approach to conservation. “We want to integrate agriculture and conservation in a way that benefits both farmers and the environment,” she said. The program aims to ensure that conservation practices are not only effective but also support long-term agricultural sustainability.
As the curriculum continues to develop, updates will be posted on the DATCP website. This training program marks an important step in strengthening Wisconsin’s agricultural and conservation efforts, helping to promote resilient, proven practices that benefit both the land and the people who rely on it.
