Do conservation practices increase pest and disease problems? The answer isn’t always straightforward. This session examines the realities of pest and pathogen management in conservation cropping systems. Speakers will share insights from long-term insect field scouting, crop disease research, and observations from Wisconsin farms and conservation networks. Attendees will gain practical Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies and a clearer understanding of pest and disease risks in conservation systems.

Speakers:

• Dr. Damon Smith, Vaughan-Bascom Professor, Plant Pathology, Extension Specialist, Field Crops Pathology, UW-Madison
• Dr. John Tooker, Professor of Entomology, State IPM Coordinator and Director of the PA IPM Program, Pennsylvania State University
• Matt Brugger, CCA/Agronomist, Tilth Agronomy and Project Manage, Green Bay West Shore Demonstration Farms Network

Room: 3

Soil health systems are based on principles of minimizing soil disturbance and maximizing soil cover and living roots. These principles can be achieved through adopting practices such as cover crops and no-till. Despite the advantages of a soil health system, some farmers still use tillage to address problems such as slower spring soil warming, soil compaction, nutrient stratification, and controlling herbicide resistant weeds. The speakers will discuss physical changes of the soil when tillage is introduced, and when tillage is and isn’t beneficial in soil health systems.

Speakers:

• Brady Goettl, Extension Soil Fertility Specialist, North Dakota State University
• Steve Hoffman, President, InDepth Agronomy

Room: 4

Whether you are just beginning to use cover crops in your rotation or a seasoned pro, choosing the right cover crop shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. Join us for an interactive session focused on how to select the best cover crop species and build effective mixes for your farm’s goals.

Speakers:

• Jamie Patton, Wisconsin State Agronomist, USDA NRCS
• Jim Stute, Stute Farms, East Troy, WI

Room: 6

This session will focus on 3 different approaches Wisconsin farmers are taking to maximize efficiency in manure management systems. From composting bedded pack manure in the barn and/or in the windrow, to new technologies used to deliver liquid manure from pit to field, this session is for Wisconsin manure managers of all types. Hear about real world experiences from farmers who can speak to the pros and cons of their practice and challenges they’ve faced. Bring questions specific to your farm!

Speakers:

• Matthew Canter, Evensong Farm, Cashton, WI
• Jeff Endres, Endres Berryridge Farms, Waunakee, WI

Room: 3

We can assume farmers are familiar with near-term weather forecasts from the National Weather Service, local media, or smartphone apps. But, is that all there is in the “weather toolbox” when it comes to making on-farm decisions? In this session, we will present several ag-climate decision tools to help farmers make decisions that go “beyond the forecast.”

Speakers:

• Josh Bendorf, Climate Outreach Specialist, State Climatology Office, UW–Madison
• Kevin Koepsel, Wisconet Station Host and Dairy Farmer

Room: 4

Aerial seeding technology is evolving rapidly, offering a flexible way to establish cover crops early in standing crops. This session explores the practicalities and real world results of adopting cover crop as a conservation practice on a watershed scale. Learn when, where, and how drone seeding makes financial and agronomic sense on your farm.

Speakers:

• Jeramy Williams, Owner, American Drone
• Craig Ficenec, Senior Director – Agricultural Conservation, Sand County Foundation

Room: 6