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Risk Management Webinar Series
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ISAP's 2022 Risk Management Conference is a FREE 3-part webinar series ‘debunking’ popular myths that may be keeping some from considering soil health and conservation drainage practices. The series will look beyond the environmental benefits of conservation cropping systems, to highlight the production and economic benefits producers can gain by transitioning to a soil health system. Continuing education credits (CEU’s) will be offered.
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Carbon Markets: Farmers' FAQs
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We want to hear from you! What questions are you hearing from farmers regarding carbon markets? Which questions are the most relevant / urgent? What is stopping farmers from engaging with carbon markets?
ISAP has developed a survey to help us answer these questions and create additional ecosystem market resources and programming to better inform Illinois farmers on the evolving landscape of ecosystem market opportunities.
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ICYMI: Alphabet Soup Recap
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During ISAP’s first convening of Alphabet Soup in 2022, over 60 conservation professionals, farmers, government agents, researchers, and industry representatives came together to talk about how behavioral science impacts their work in advancing conservation.
Using eight cognitive biases that were identified in the Sand County Foundation report, “ Making Conservation Conventional,” attendees participated in an interactive, task-oriented workshop which created opportunities to share experiences, identify cognitive biases they’ve encountered in their work, and develop new approaches to advancing conservation in agriculture. |
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The Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework (ACPF) is emerging as a strategy to help conservation professionals understand and communicate the range of possible options available to landowners. ACPF integrates high resolution geo-spatial data with a powerful set of analysis tools that allows practitioners to be strategic in their soil and water conservation efforts.
The Illinois ACPF Cohort, coordinated by ISAP, continues to meet to provide opportunities for individuals who are currently using, or are interested in using, ACPF tools to network with peers, collaborate, troubleshoot, and share lessons learned in an informal space. New members are always welcome to join ACPF cohort meetings which are held approximately bi-monthly.
The next meeting of the Illinois ACPF Cohort will take place on June 15, 2022 at 1pm CT. Click here to access the zoom link for June’s meeting.
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Partner Spotlight:
The Wetlands Initiative
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In honor of American Wetlands Month, ISAP is excited to introduce The Wetlands Initiative (TWI) as May’s Partner Spotlight. The Wetlands Initiative is a founding member of the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership and has been a leader in wetland restoration for over 25 years.
In addition to their ecosystem restoration work, TWI has become a national leader in the practice of farm-based constructed wetlands that reduce nutrient pollution in agricultural runoff through their Smart Weltands program.
With The Wetlands Initiative’s membership, the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership is better equipped to support Illinois agriculture in reducing the state’s contribution to the “dead zone,” and meeting the goals of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS).
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In the last year, there has been a noticeable increase in development of commercial and utility scale solar in the Midwest. The rapid expansion creates opportunities for farmers and landowners, but also poses threats to farmland. American Farmland Trust is conducting a survey to better understand farmers' engagement with solar development in order to improve solar programs.
Complete the survey. |
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On this episode of the podcast, Abigail Peterson talks with Jim Isermann about conservation best practices that contribute to soil health and are closely related to carbon programs and the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy.
Listen to the second episode. |
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The Soil and Water Conservation Society released results from the first ever Conservation Practitioner Poll (CPP). The poll surveyed conservation practitioners in the Upper Mississippi River Basin who provide technical assistance, implement programs, and work directly with farmers to realize natural resource conservation goals on the landscape.
Review the report. |
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Life Hacks Over Lunch is a peer-learning opportunity for watershed professionals to share ideas and advice for solving real-life challenges of watershed projects. On May 20, Jean Brokish, Midwest Deputy Director with AFT, will pose this question: Documenting economic benefits of conservation practices is a challenge, and often farmers are focused on the upfront costs for seed and new equipment. What documents showing the economic benefits of conservation exist, and how can they be used to get more farmers on board?
Register for Life Hacks Over Lunch. |
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This farmdoc report explores the carbon offset market in Alberta, Canada, gaining insights into how Canada's system has dealt with practical issues due to the need for occasional tillage.
Read the full report on FarmDocDaily. |
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Do you want to work for a premier conservation agency whose mission is to "help people help the land?" The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is hiring a District Conservationist in Belleville, IL to assist with the development of a comprehensive conservation program, including an integrated system of sound land use and conservation treatment in harmony with the capability and needs of the land and landowner. |
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WEBINARS, CONFERENCES, ETC:
Corn: Its Science, Culture, and Cuisine | May 19 | Virtual | Learn More
Life Hacks Over Lunch: Meet-up Series for Watershed Professionals | May 20 | Virtual | Register
Integrating Water Quality Management and Natural Hazard Resilience through Nature Based Solutions | May 24 | Virtual | Register
FSA Farmer Loan Programs | May 24 | Virtual | Register
Advanced Grazing for Regenerating Soil and Enhancing Animal Nutrition (Session 3) | May 26 | Virtual | Learn more
Webinar: Making Riparian Forest Buffers Work For You | May 26 | Virtual | Register
CoverCress Field Day | May 26 | Macomb, IL | Learn more
Soil Health Learning Circles – Perennials and Pollinators for Soil Health | June 6 | Virtual | Register
Webinar: How do farming practices impact soil health and water quality? | June 8 | Virtual | Register
Advanced Grazing for Regenerating Soil and Enhancing Animal Nutrition (Session 4) | June 9 | Virtual | Register
ISAP Risk Management Webinar Series | Virtual
Tech Talks: Tile Flow Design Using CPS 606/620 | June 13 | Virtual | Register
Soil Health Learning Circle - Cover Crops for Soil Health | June 13 | Virtual | Register
Illinois Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework Cohort Meeting | June 15 | Virtual | Learn More
To find more events related to agriculture and conservation, visit our Events page.
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