Join the staff at the Central Lakes College Ag & Energy Center in Staples for an enriching opportunity to delve into the world of farming through our comprehensive Farm Immersion program (formerly known as Agronomy 101 Training). These immersive training days are designed to equip NRCS and SWCD participants with hands-on technical knowledge and educational insights across various aspects of modern agriculture.
•    Hands On Learning: Engage in interactive sessions and hands-on experiences tailored to deepen your understanding of agricultural practices.

This Tech Talk provides basic information for several species of livestock that may be raised on pasture, including the following topics:

This is a recording of the Easement Enhancement Program webinar training session from 2/18/2025. The webinar provided an overview of the program background, the two types of enhancement options, and eligibility process.

As our cold winter days give way to more sunshine and warming temperatures, people across the northland are itching to spend more time outside. From learning about some spring ‘pests,’ fishing for trout and exploring fun Minnesota rocks, we have several ideas to get you outside in the warm spring sunshine. Upcoming webinars are scheduled every Wednesday at noon, through May. The webinars are free, but participants are required to preregister.  

This Track is a suggested sequence of trainings, replays, and information pertaining to the design, installation, and certification of soil health systems.

This Track is a suggested sequence of trainings, replays, and information pertaining to the design, installation, and certification of managed grazing systems.

Update: Due to unforeseen circumstances this training will now be offered virtually.

This Track is a suggested sequence of trainings, replays, and information pertaining to the design, installation, and certification of herbaceous establishment practices including:

• 327 - Conservation Cover

• 342 - Critical Area Planting

• 420 - Upland Wildlife Planting

• 643 - Restoration of Rare or Declining Natural Communities

• 644 - Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management

Minnesota - along with Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio - uses the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) approach to corn N rate guidelines. This Tech Talk covers what MRTN is and why is this system used, along with the pros and cons of this approach to nutrient management. We also discuss how economic data is merged with agronomic research to help producers find the right rate for increasing economic efficiency of every dollar of nitrogen invested into their operation.

This Tech Talk highlights the New Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Assessment tool that was released this summer, as well other program updates and highlights. This session covers:

• A walk through the new assessment tool
• Discussion about how the assessment tool can be used during the conservation planning process
• A brief update on the Financial Assistance Program