Purdue Extension and Michigan State University Extension will bring agricultural experts, conservation professionals and farmers together Nov. 4–5 for the Soil Health Nexus In-Service in Goshen, Ind.
The two-day event, Weathering Water Extremes: Connecting Soil Health, Drainage, Irrigation and Farm Resilience, will focus on soil health and water management — both too little and too much — with an emphasis on farm resilience. Topics include cover crops, soil health, irrigation, drainage, water quality, conservation and farm resilience through presentations, demonstrations and farm tours.
Kicking off the event will be Austin Pearson, assistant state climatologist with the Midwestern Regional Climate Center and Indiana State Climate Office, who will discuss climate trends and their implications for agriculture. Other featured speakers and topics include:
- Ben Reinhart, Ecosystems Exchange conservation planner, on drainage water quality and agricultural resilience.
- Kathryn Jennings, Purdue Extension, on farm biosecurity.
- Coy St. Clair, Purdue University entomologist, on entomology in no-till and cover-crop systems.
- Eshan Ghane, Michigan State University, on conservation drainage and water management planning.
- Leslie Johnson, University of Nebraska Extension educator, on a new curriculum to support on-farm decisions that impact soil health.
- Brenden Kelly, Michigan State University, on irrigation management and water-use efficiency.
- Michael Langemeier, Purdue University agricultural economics professor, on the economics of cover crops and no-till farming.
Tours will include the Keith Miller Farm, where participants will learn about nearly 50 years of continuous no-till and cover-crop management, irrigation and water-use efficiency.
The program also will include a farmer panel on soil health, livestock and water management, followed by a tour of Martin Organic Dairy in Goshen.
The workshop is expected to provide nine soil and water conservation continuing education credits for certified crop advisers, pending approval.
The event runs 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4 and 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5. Registration is $135 for regular attendees and $110 for first-time attendees who register in advance online. On-site registration is $165. Fees include lunch both days and dinner Nov. 4. An optional Wednesday afternoon farm tour is available, with participants carpooling or driving themselves.
Financial assistance may be available. Contact Christina Curell for information.
The Fairfield Inn and Suites Goshen, 2110 Keystone Dr., is offering rooms at a $129 group rate for Nov. 3-6. Reservations must be made by Tuesday, Oct. 13 to receive the rate.
Registration fees are refundable through Friday, Oct. 23; no refunds will be issued afterward.
The event will take place at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, 17746 County Road 34., Goshen, IN 46528.
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