Mainstreaming Cover Crops: Training Opportunities for Crop Consultants and Extension Educators

Mainstreaming Cover Crops: Training Opportunities for Crop Consultants and Extension Educators

Summary

The grant was awarded and the project started September 2015. Our plan was to deliver the webinars in 2016 and 2017.  This report covers the time period from October 1 through December 31, 2015. The cover crops curriculum committee was formed and a conference call held in October.  The team was made up of university based faculty, CCAs working in the private sector, industry representatives, USDA-NRCS personnel, farmers, PFI staff and ASA/SSSA staff. Seven of the 14 team members participated on the call with other members providing email comments.

The team determined that the 3 webinars for 2016 would be held February 4, 11, and 18. The corresponding in-person meetings would not be held in 2016 but moved to 2017 with potential sites identified (Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin) but would need to be confirmed at a later date.

The first three webinars will be on general principles, with a list of potential topics created that would be further refined. The second three webinars along with the corresponding in-person meetings will focus on regionally, specific issues. Specific topic content and speakers would be identified in January.

Plans were developed for promoting and outreach through ASA’s delivery system. Promotions will begin in early January once the webinar registration pages are complete. The webinars will be free to all participants with funding provided by the grant.

Objectives/Performance Targets

Cover Crops curriculum committee was organized and met via conference call.
Webinars were planned and dates determined.
Topics were identified.
Promotions and outreach was planned.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Committee formed.
Webinar dates set.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

None to report at this time due to webinars not yet being promoted and delivered.

Collaborators: