In this online training, Samuel Porter (Economist, NRCS MN) and Keith Olander (Executive Director, AgCentric) cover the costs and economic considerations of row crop production in Minnesota. Using FINBIN data, they examine current and recent shifts in input and output prices, farm scale, and different production systems. Intended for NRCS staff and partners, this training highlights how conservation decision making fits in the greater economic context of agricultural production.

In this webinar, Josh Beniston, NRCS Regional Soil Health Specialist covering urban areas, presents an overview of soil health in the context of urban soils. Josh walks through the aspects of urban soils may be different than rural agricultural soils and discusses the additional questions and observations that should be addressed for conservation planning in urban soils. The information in the presentation follows the topics that are presented in a new series of technical notes from the NRCS Soil Health Division. Specific topics in the presentation include:

Brush Management is becoming increasingly needed on our grassland and savanna habitats to maintain their open character. However, this tool can be very expensive, and if not used properly, somewhat ineffective. This session focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of the techniques used in brush management, plus how knowledge of basic brush biology can increase the effectiveness of a brush management program.

Karin Jokela, Xerces Society Partner Biologist, covers how to design and evaluate native seed mixes using the latest version of the NRCS seeding and certification calculator, plus some complementary tools. Finding the right native mix that achieves multiple conservation objectives and conforms to practice standards can be a complicated endeavor. This overview of the unique considerations that should be factored into diverse native seed mixes used to support pollinators and other wildlife.

An overview of successful long-term brome conversion methods based on field results. Grassland management for long-term success. Considerations to make when planning brome conversions or habitat enhancement projets.