Agenda
Wisconsin Water and Soil Health Conference
Explore the intersection of on-farm research, soil health, and water quality with other farmers and agriculture professionals through dynamic keynote speakers, interactive breakout sessions, and thought-provoking roundtable discussions.
2025 Conference Agenda
All sessions will be held in the Kilimanjaro Ballroom, unless otherwise noted.
Day 1: December 16
9:00 a.m.
Registration and welcome
Coffee and snacks provided.
9:45 a.m.
Keynote Presentation – Nutrient Loss Reduction: We Need All Available Practices
Dr. Matt Helmers Professor/Director, Iowa Nutrient Research Center, Iowa State University
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States within the Mississippi River Basin are actively working to reduce the loss of nutrients to downstream waters. The scale of change on the landscape to reach these goals is extremely large and will require a range of practices. Fortunately, there are many practices farmers can use on their land, but we need to think about where they can be placed to have the greatest impact. This presentation will highlight the range of practices that can be used to reduce nutrient loss and the scale of change that is needed.
CEUs: 1 Soil and Water Management
11:00 a.m.
Breakout Sessions
Making Decisions from Soil Health Test Result
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Soil health testing has been a tool available to farmers in various forms for multiple years now. The challenge remains determining how to objectively act on the information these results provide. Speakers in this session will explore results from a statewide collaborative soil health benchmarking project aiming to provide WI farmers and agronomists with context as to how different soil health indicators are affected by inherent soil properties and field management. Hear how farmers in NW WI see value in their soil health test results, and from University of Minnesota’s Soil Health Specialist on observed relationships between crop performance and soil health measurements on Minnesota’s soils.
Moderator: Landon Baumgartner, Nutrient and Pest Management Outreach Specialist, UW-Madison Extension
Speakers:
Chris Bandura, Conservation Cropping Outreach Specialist, UW-Madison Extension
Joe Ailts, Agronomist Ailts Agronomy Crop Consulting
Anna Cates, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in Soil Health, University of Minnesota
Room: Breakout Room C
CEUs: 1 Soil and Water Management
Fundamentals to Innovation: How to Reduce Nitrate Leaching
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Nitrogen can leach below the crop rooting zone if it’s not managed properly, causing contamination in drinking water and loss in farm profitability. In this session, we will learn from Dr. Kevin Masarik about the fundamentals of nitrate leaching, how to set reasonable goals to reduce nitrogen loss, and from Jim Hebbe from Green Lake about innovative on-farm trials in achieving his nitrogen management and environment goals.
Moderator: Guolong Liang, Agriculture Water Quality Outreach Specialist, UW-Madison Extension
Speakers:
Kevin Masarik, Director and Extension Specialist, Center for Watershed Science and Education, UW-Stevens Point
Jim Hebbe, Farmer, Green Lake County
Room: Breakout Room F
CEUs: 1 Soil and Water Management
Precision Ag and Conservation Technology on a Budget
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Precision ag technology has many benefits on the farm. In this session we aim to discuss how we can use precision ag for conservation and keep it cost friendly. We will go over some DIY solutions for auto-steer, talk about where you might find the best ROI and cover specific ways to use precision ag for conservation.
Moderator: Sam Bibby, Regional Crops and Soils Educator, UW-Madison Extension
Speakers:
Adam Igl, Farmer, North Central Wisconsin
Tom Novak, Independent crop consultant and owner of Pleasant Valley Acres, LLC.
Lucas Niebur, Beef and crop farmer, Western Wisconsin
Room: Breakout Room D
CEUs: 1 Crop Management
Noon
Lunch: Weather Weirdness and Soil Health
Steve Vavrus, Director and State Climatologist, Wisconsin State Climatology Office
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How is our warmer and wetter climate with increasingly erratic weather patterns affecting water quality and soil health? We have been facing a number of climatic challenges recently, including record warm temperatures, heavier storm events, and greater precipitation variability. This presentation will document these weather trends and describe how they provide motivation for agricultural resilience strategies.
CEUs: 0.5 Crop Management
1:00 p.m.
Farmer Keynotes
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Its The Little Things
Ken Kayhart, Kayhart Farms
Crop farming in today’s world is very challenging and requires attention to detail. It is no different as you introduce conservation practices into an operation. I have had the privilege of farming my whole life alongside very gifted farmers who pioneer in conservation and care strongly for water quality. I hope to share with everyone a collective knowledge of what we have learned together over the years. Diversity is key and so is attention to detail. We don’t have it all figured out but we have learned some things along the way and I hope to share that knowledge with you. I hope that you are inspired to try something new and maybe even do some things that are old to better your operation and understanding of regenerative farming in a row crop setting.
The Balancing Act
David Trimner, Miltrim Farms
Hear from a Wisconsin dairy farmer about the successes and failures of implementing new and unique practices on his farm. Trying to balance the two goals of sustainable ag and a productive and profitable herd on the heavy soils of north-central Wisconsin prove to be a journey of learning over more than a decade. David Trimner of Miltrim Farms will share the many experiences that he and his team have gained through this journey thus far.
CEUs: 1 Crop Management
2:00 p.m.
Poster session – Highlighting innovative efforts by our producer led groups
Networking with milk and cookies provided.
3:00 p.m.
Breakout Sessions
Diving Deeper Into Tile Drainage
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The use of tile drainage in Wisconsin is growing. Tile can help dry out a wet field, yet there are water quality concerns with increased nitrates in water discharging from the tile outlet. This session will dive deeper into how tile impacts water movement in the landscape, share data on how bioreactors and other conservation practices impact nutrient losses, and discuss considerations when choosing which practices fit your operation.
Moderator: Laura Paletta, Agriculture Water Quality Outreach Specialist, UW-Madison Extension
Speakers:
Matt Helmers, Professor in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Iowa State University
Margaret Zimmer, Associate Professor in the Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, UW-Madison
Duane Ducat, Farmer, Deer Run Dairy
Room: Breakout Room C
CEUs: 1 Soil and Water Management
From Soil to Stomach: Leveraging Cover Crops for Forage
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Cover crops are a well-known soil health tool, but they can also serve a dual purpose in beef and dairy diets. Learn how integration of cover crops into grain and forage systems can not only improve soil health and reduce dependence on commercial inputs but also feed your herd. In addition to research perspectives, hear the story of a local producer that has been utilizing cover crops in a diverse crop rotation to graze his beef herd.
Moderator: Anastasia Kurth, Regional Crops and Soils Educator, UW-Madison Extension
Speakers:
Bill Powel-Smith, Founder and CEO, LandCares LLC
Marta Kohmann Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Science, UW-Madison
Roger Bindl, Farmer, RB Farms
Room: Breakout Room F
CEUs: 1 Crop Management
Manure Breakout: Keeping Nutrients and Soil Out of Water
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In the manure breakout three experts will share history, research and experiences with different practices which have helped manage manure, reduce runoff, and keep soil and manure nutrients out of surface and drinking water.
Moderator: Chris Clark, Nutrient and Pest Management Outreach Specialist, UW-Madison Extension
Speakers:
Kevin Erb, Outreach Program Manager, Natural Resources Institute, UW-Madison Extension
Ashley Muench, Undergraduate Researcher, UW-Green Bay
Davina Bonness, Director, Kewaunee County Soil and Water Department
Lee Kinnard, Farmer, Kinnard Farms
Room: Breakout Room D
CEUs: 1 Soil and Water Management
4:00 p.m.
Roundtables
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Rotate through tables featuring farmers and industry experts to workshop solutions to challenges, ask questions and engage in conversation about topics including manure composting, innovative seeding equipment, and the economics of soil health practices. You have the option to attend three roundtables.
Snacks and beer provided.
Table numbers, topics, and moderators:
1. Wisconsin’s Neonicotinoid Workgroup (AJ Jeninga)
2. DNR Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy Project Update (Joe Bonnell)
3. Wisconsin’s Weather, Climate, and Farmers (Ashley Cate, Steve Vavrus, and Josh Bendorf)
4. Food Grade (non-small) Grain Production in Wisconsin (Graham Adsit)
5. Phosphorus Losses and Soil Health (Steven Hall)
6. Camelina (Will Fullwider, Sam Bibby, and Anastasia Kurth)
7. Biologicals (Dan Marzu and Jim Hebbe)
8. Economic Policy Update for Farmers (Paul Mitchell)
9. Farm Succession: Multi-generational Approach (Joy Kirkpatrick)
10. Insect Management in Conservation Cropping Systems (Laura Flandermeyer, Jordan Kampa, and Emily Bick)
11. Biochar Use in Wisconsin (Rebecca Larson)
12. Weed Management Strategies for Conservation Cropping (Josh Kamps)
13. Interseeding Trial Work and Results from 2025 Producer-Led Watershed Groups (Wrangler Jones)
14. SnapPlus in 2025 and Beyond (Hava Blair)
15. Quantifying Pasture Metrics for Optimal Production (Melissa Ohlrich)
16. Pests and Partners: Managing Insects in Conservation (Dane Elmquist)
17. Choose the Best Way to Quantify Leaching on Your Farm (Guolong Liang)
18. Navigating Soil Health Testing (Matt Ruark)
5:30 p.m.
Adjourn
Day 2: December 17
7:30 a.m.
Breakfast – 25 Years of Producer-led Research with Discovery Farms
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Over breakfast we will bridge the past and the present through the story of the formation, evolution, and impact of the Discovery Farms Program through the past 25 years. We will cover challenges, successes, critical partnerships, and how this relates to our current day conditions. Overall, you’ll leave with a renewed sense of the value of participating in on-farm research, no matter which seat at the table you’re in.
Moderator: Amber Radatz, Agriculture Water Quality Program Manager, UW–Madison Extension
Panelists:
Dennis Frame, Co-Founding Director of Discovery Farms
Shelly Mayer, Executive Director, Professional Dairy Producers
Brian Weigel, Deputy Division Administrator, Division of External Services at Wisconsin DNR
CEUs: 0.5 Soil and Water Management
8:45 a.m.
All Hands on Deck: What every sector can do to grow cover crops
Dr. Anna Cates, Associate Extension Professor/State Soil Health Specialist, University of Minnesota
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Cates will describe recent strategy and planning discussions in Minnesota, which brought together actors across public and private sectors to come to consensus around the priority actions to improve soil health in Minnesota. She’ll share how her scientific and educational efforts fit into this larger whole.
CEUs: 1 Soil and Water Management
10:00 a.m.
Breakout Sessions
Advancing Conservation Through Farmer-Led Research
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Discovery Farms on-farm research has impacted individual farmers who host the sites, but also the state of on-farm research in Wisconsin and statewide policy, such as the WI Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy. Hear from a farmer on their experience with Discovery Farms and the impact they’ve seen, as well as from Discovery Farms staff on how the data they share is used throughout the state to inform water quality policy.
Moderator: Sheri Schwert, Agriculture Water Quality Outreach Specialist, UW-Madison Extension
Speakers:
Joe Bragger, Farmer, Bragger Family Dairy
Lindsey Hartfiel, Program Manager, Discovery Farms
Ellen Albright, Researcher, Discovery Farms
Room: Breakout Room C
CEUs: 1 Soil and Water Management
Journey of Phosphorus
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Phosphorus is essential in crop growth, yet its journey from field to waterway creates one of the most persistent challenges. In the phosphorus breakout session three experts will share research related to phosphorus to manage how P interacts in the environment.
Moderator: Chris Clark, Nutrient and Pest Management Outreach Specialist, UW-Madison Extension
Speakers:
Laura Paletta, Agriculture Water Quality Outreach Specialist, UW-Madison Extension
Francisco Arriaga, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, UW-Madison
Steve Hoffman, President and Managing Agronomist, InDepth Agronomy
Room: Breakout Room F
CEUs: 1 Soil and Water Management
Is Your Relationship with Cover Crops Feeling Boring or Stagnant?
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Is the relationship you have with cover crops not quite the thriving partnership you envisioned? Maybe it’s time for a cover crop glow-up. Join us for a session that digs deeper into how advanced cover crop interactions—with manure, nitrogen and weed management, and soil health—can turn your lukewarm results into a flourishing success story. Attend this session and let’s rekindle the spark and get the benefits you actually want from this relationship.
Moderator: Jerry Clark, Regional Crops and Soils Educator, UW-Madison Extension
Speakers:
Andy Bensend, Farmer, AB Farms
Dan Andersen, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University
Room: Breakout Room D
CEUs: 1 Crop Management
11:15 a.m.
Breakout Sessions
Advancing Conservation Through Farmer-Led Research: Part 2
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Farmer-driven, on-farm research is extremely valuable to inform management decisions, promote practice adoption and support the economic, environmental and social wellbeing of Wisconsin farmers. Hear from three farmers about their experiences with on-farm research to advance cover cropping, improve manure management, and optimize nitrogen use—in pursuit of their conservation goals. Gain insights into what they are learning through these projects and how you can get started with on-farm research.
Moderator: Abby Augarten, On-Farm Research Program Manager, UW-Madison Extension
Speakers:
Nick Dallmann, Farmer, Dallmann East River Dairy
Pat Socha, Farmer, Socha Farms
Marty Weiss, Farmer, Mic-Mon-Dou Acres
Room: Breakout Room C
CEUs: 1 Crop Management
Big Time Opportunities in Small Grains
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Are we shorting small grains of their potential in Wisconsin? Bill Stangel will speak on his work with Charlie Hammer, farmer in Dodge County, to increase management to push yield in winter wheat through the Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network. Bill will also touch on his recent tour of winter wheat agronomics in the UK, bringing some lessons learned from across the pond. Graham Adsit will present on his experience growing and marketing non-wheat small grains like barley and figuring out the logistics to tap new markets.
Moderator: Will Fulwider, Regional Crops and Soils Educator, UW-Madison Extension
Speakers:
Bill Stangel, Agronomist, Soil Solutions Consulting
Graham Adsit
Room: Breakout Room F
CEUs: 1 Crop Management
Managing Cereal Rye for Weed Suppression and Soil Health in Wisconsin Grain Production
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The UW WiscWeeds Team has been studying cereal rye cover cropping with grain production in Wisconsin for the past 6 years. Learn about the weed suppression and soil health benefits of incorporating cereal rye in a corn and soybean cropping system. Join the discussion on best management practices for termination timing of cereal rye to support high yielding corn and soybeans and improving soil function and quality.
Moderator: Dane Elmquist, Conservation Cropping Outreach Specialist, UW-Madison Extension
Speakers:
Chris Baxter, Professor of Soil and Crop Science, School of Agriculture, UW-Platteville
Josh Kamps, Regional Crops and Soils Educator, UW-Madison Extension
Room: Breakout Room D
CEUs:
0.5 Integrated Pest Management
0.5 Crop Management
12:15 p.m.
Lunch
1:00 p.m.
Farmer Panel: Scaling Conservation Using Producer Led Efforts
Jeff Hadachek, Mark Gutierrez, and Stefan Gailans
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Improving water and soil health outcomes across our landscapes requires both practical knowledge and social change. This panel will unpack successes and challenges in scaling up conservation practices through farmer-led soil and water quality networks in Wisconsin and neighboring states. The conversation will be informed by data and impact analysis from the Wisconsin Producer-Led Watershed Program, the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition, and Practical Farmers of Iowa.
CEUs: 1 Crop Management