This training series provides an introduction to the knowledge, skills, and abilities to plan, write, and certify Conservation Cover (CPS 327). Additional training may be necessary.
TTCP
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- 1. Knowledge of State's Crops and Cropping Systems
What criteria should you use when selecting a soybean variety? How do the economics pencil out for different soybean maturities in your area? What disease traits should you be on the lookout for? Learn more through a discussion of these questions and trial results with Dr. Seth Naeve, Extension soybean agronomist and Dr. Dean Malvick, Extension plant pathologist.
What criteria should you used when selecting a corn hybrid? How do hybrid maturities affect your bottom line? What about hybrid selection and disease resistance? Watch the recording for answers to these questions and hybrid trial results with Dr. Jeff Coulter, Extension corn agronomist, Tom Hoverstad, Researcher from Southern Research and Outreach Center and Dr. Dean Malvick, Extension plant pathologist.
Soybean crop management in Wisconsin (soybeans, part 1/3)
(Time: 12:35) This video discusses components contributing to yield in soybeans including varietal selection, regional climate and fertilization.
Vegetative Growth Stages of Soybeans (soybeans 2/3)
(Time: 16:39) This video focuses on the early season growth and development of soybeans
R Stages, Soybean Management in Wisconsin (soybeans 3/3)
(Time: 17:42) This video focuses on the reproductive stages of growth and development of soybeans.
This website provides information on variety selection, growing, harvest and storage, planting and pest management for forages in Minnesota.
This website provides information on growing sugarbeets and pest management for sugarbeets in Minnesota.
This website provides information on crop and variety selection, growing, harvest and storage, planting and pest management for small grains in Minnesota.
Corn yield in Wisconsin and the US (Corn, part 1/3)
(Time:13:41) Dr. Joe Lauer's presentation about "Corn Growth, Development, and Physiology". This part (1 of 3) focuses on an overview of corn yield in Wisconsin and the US.
Corn growth and development staging systems (Corn, part 2/3)
(Time 41:01) Dr. Joe Lauer's presentation about "Corn Growth, Development, and Physiology". This part (2 of 3) focuses on systems used to label stages of corn plant development in Wisconsin and the US.
Yield components of corn (corn, part 3/3)
(Time 24:02) Dr. Joe Lauer's presentation about "Corn Growth, Development, and Physiology". This part (3 of 3) focuses on the components that contribute to yield in corn.
- 2. Knowledge of Soil Health and Management
It's All About Carbon: Building a Thriving Soil Biological Community
A supplemental video for the 2021 Soil Health and Sustainability. Dennis Chessman of NRCS gives a presentation on Soil Carbon at the 2018 National No-Tillage Conference.
Mitigating Climate Change Through the Soil Carbon Sponge
Discovery Farms Programs in Wisconsin and Minnesota are excited to bring to you a virtual conference series this winter. Join us as we cover topics like water quality, soil health, climate change, and more!
A series of fact sheets describing soil physical, chemical and biological properties and how to assess them.
Understanding Soil Quality Impacts on Soil Functions and Other Resource Concerns
(Time: 1:18) Participants learn about nutrient management and healthy soils, and the resulting effects on water quality through a study of mechanisms for increasing soil organic matter, providing habitat for soil microorganisms, and improving soil quality.
Unlock the Secrets in the Soil
A series of 41 videos, mostly under five minutes each that discuss various soil health topics and applications of soil health principles.
Core NRCS Conservation Practices for Enhancing Soil Health
(Time: 1:10) This webinar focuses on how several core NRCS conservation practices can be used by farmers to improve soil health, linking them to the four soil health planning principles, i.e. minimizing disturbance, maximizing diversity, keeping a living root growing, and maintaining residue cover.
(Time: 57:21) In this session, Dr. Jessica Gutknecht discusses soil health. When you think about the soil beneath your feet, or beneath your tractor, what does it mean for it to be healthy? What does it take for it to be healthy, and what are the results of those efforts? In this talk, we will explore the world below with a brief introduction to soils, how soil structure is built into a healthy soil, and some management options for building a healthy soil. We will also discuss the win-win of soil health for sustainable management and for adaptation to increasingly variable Minnesota weather and climate.
(Time 1:00:22) Our soils support 95 percent of all food production, and by 2060, our soils will be asked to give us as much food as we have consumed in the last 500 years. They filter our water. They are one of our most cost-effective reservoirs for sequestering carbon. They are our foundation for biodiversity. And they are vibrantly alive, teeming with 10,000 pounds of biological life in every acre. Yet in the last 150 years, we’ve lost half of the basic building block that makes soil productive. The societal and environmental costs of soil loss and degradation in the United States alone are now estimated to be as high as $85 billion every single year. Like any relationship, our living soil needs our tenderness. It’s time we changed everything we thought we knew about soil.
- 3. Ability to use Current Wind and Water Erosion Prediction Tools
This training module focuses on the types of erosion and the resource concerns associated with erosion. It orients participants to the types and processes of soil erosion to prepare them to utilize the current soil erosion models - RUSLE2 and WEPS.
Water Erosion Prediction with RUSLE2
This course provides an overview of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), and instructions on how to use the RUSLE2 model to estimate sheet and rill erosion.
Wind Erosion Prediction with WEPS
This course provides an overview of the Wind Erosion Prediction System (WEPS), and instructions on how to use the WEPS model to estimate wind erosion.
- 4. Knowledge of Tillage Systems used in the State
Ag 101, Session 3: Tillage Equipment and Planting Systems
Tillage Equipment: Basics of tillage equipment. What different equipment is used and different uses & functions; Alt. Planting Systems: Different types of planting theories and planters; Tying It Together & Grower Hesitations: How tillage & planting tie together with alternative practices being implemented. How one farming practice change leads to many.
This webinar goes into the details of the five soil disturbing processes modeled in RUSLE2 (inversion, mixing, mixing with some inversion, lifting/fracturing, and compression). A video of a tillage implement in action for each of the processes is shown and discussed. The effects of the tillage types are demonstrated and discussed in a comparison between a conventional, reduced-till, and no-till corn/soybean rotation. Finally, the webinar ends with a very brief discussion of the economic factors that one should consider in making the move from a conventional to reduced-till or no-till system. This webinar was offered on-demand only to accommodate the use of videos. The videos are provided separately below for anyone having issues with the recording of this webinar.
A review of tools for estimating erosion, primary and secondary tillage equipment, and the effects of the equipment on erosion calculations, SCI and STIR.
This course will review tillage calculation tools, primary tillage implements, and secondary tillage implements used in a corn/soybean setting.
- 5. Knowledge of Wildlife Habitat Management and Adaptive Plant Species
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Minnesota KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs):
Inventory and Evaluation (I&E) Planning Phase
Job Class I
- 1. Read and understand the Conservation Practice Standard (CPS) 327, Implementation Requirements (IR), and Statement of Work (SOW)
Job Class II and III
- 1. Ability to use Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guides (WHEG) in the FOTG
- Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guides in the FOTG
- Tech Talk: Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guide for Monarchs
Tech Talk Replay from August 3, 2020. Karin Jokela, Xerces Society, reviews the monarch habitat evaluation guide (WHEG). She demonstrates how to assess various herbaceous plant communities to determine insecticide risks, weed management risks, milkweed stem density, forb cover, and forb richness. Karin also provides tips on plant ID and support tools.
Design Phase
Job Class I
- 1. Develop introduced seeding plan using the MN NRCS Seed Calculator
This course is the fourth and final module in the ATN 31 series, and it provides instructions on the use of the Seed Calculator Tool for developing seed plans and completing checkouts after plantings.
Tech Talk: Seed Calculator Revisions
The new version of the seeding spreadsheet has the ability to do seeding checkouts based on seed tags listing a Pure Live Seed (PLS) applied column. This method streamlines the checkout data entry to just one number per species. The spreadsheet still accommodates doing a checkout with a seed tag using the traditional purity and germination data entries. It also provides for a two step process whereby a seed tag utilizing purity and germ data can be combined with a PLS style tag to get a single efficient printout to document the seeding meets standards and specs. All species included in the calculator can now be brought into a seed mix using a reference number assigned to that species. The reference number will bring in the data used for that species in mix evaluation, such as seeds per pound, bloom period and etc. The use of the reference number will streamline the process of customizing a mix.
- 2. Knowledgeable of the recommendations found in Agronomy Technical Note #31
Introduction to Agronomy Tech Note #31
Agronomy Technical Note #31 (ATN31) is used as a guide for the establishment of native and introduced plantings of herbaceous vegetation for the following practices:
- Conservation Cover (327)
- Contour Buffer Strips (332)
- Critical Area Planting (342)
- Filter Strip (393)
- Forage and Biomass Planting (512)
- Cross Wind Trap Strips (598C)
- Restoration of Rare or Declining Natural Communities (643)
- Upland Wildlife Habitat Management (645)
- Wetland Restoration (657)
This course is the first module in the series, and it provides an overview of Agronomy Tech Note 31 and an introduction to introduced, native, and invasive species.
This course is the second module in the ATN 31 series, and it describes the different methods for seedbed preparation and seeding and covers seeding equipment, seeder calibration, herbicide considerations, and planting dates. This course also discusses the concepts of Pure Live Seed (PLS) and Seeds Per Square Foot (seeds/sq. ft.).
Seeding Considerations and Evaluations
This course is the third module in the ATN 31 series, and it covers companion crops, temporary cover, weed control, and fertilizer and lime considerations. This course also outlines the procedures for completing stand evaluations.
- 3. Ability to read soil tests and develop fertilizer recommendations (refer to ATN #31). Develop temporary cover plan, if applicable
Seeding Considerations and Evaluations
This course is the third module in the ATN 31 series, and it covers companion crops, temporary cover, weed control, and fertilizer and lime considerations. This course also outlines the procedures for completing stand evaluations.
- 4. Knowledge of planting dates for introduced plant species used
This course is the second module in the ATN 31 series, and it describes the different methods for seedbed preparation and seeding and covers seeding equipment, seeder calibration, herbicide considerations, and planting dates. This course also discusses the concepts of Pure Live Seed (PLS) and Seeds Per Square Foot (seeds/sq. ft.).
- 5. Knowledge of planting methods and equipment
This course is the second module in the ATN 31 series, and it describes the different methods for seedbed preparation and seeding and covers seeding equipment, seeder calibration, herbicide considerations, and planting dates. This course also discusses the concepts of Pure Live Seed (PLS) and Seeds Per Square Foot (seeds/sq. ft.).
Native Warm Season Grass Drill Calibration
(Time:16:27) Jake Watson, USDA NRCS and Michael McCord discuss how to calibrate a drill for Native Warm Season Grasses.
No Till Drill – Truax Seed Drill
This series of videos by the Tallgrass Prairie Center explains and demonstrates all phases of no till drill calibration using a Truax seed drill with native grass and forb seeds.
Can Native Plants Be Seeded by Hand?
How is native seed spread when heavy equipment is unavailable or too expensive to justify? Elizabeth Steele walks through some tips and tricks on how to spread native seed evenly and effectively by hand the good ole fashioned way.
- 6. Knowledge of site preparation methods for annual crop fields
This course is the second module in the ATN 31 series, and it describes the different methods for seedbed preparation and seeding and covers seeding equipment, seeder calibration, herbicide considerations, and planting dates. This course also discusses the concepts of Pure Live Seed (PLS) and Seeds Per Square Foot (seeds/sq. ft.).
Warm Season Grasses (1 of 5) “Site Preparation”
(Time: 5:21) Step 1 of 5 on planting and managing native warm season grasses.
Preparing Land for Seeding Native Grasses & Plants
(Time: 1:37) Preparing the seedbed correctly will increase the likelihood of seed germination and a successful planting. The equipment to achieve the best seedbed and pictures showing the difference between a good and bad seedbed will be covered.
Seedbed Preparation and Seeding Installation
Montana NRCS Plant Materials Center presents this video with considerations for seedbed preparation and seeding installation.
- 7. Knowledge of soil moisture zones (dry, dry/excessively drained, mesic/well drained, wet/poorly drained)
Soil Drainage Classes vs. Plant Soil Moisture preferences
This handout is a convenient reference that equates soil drainage classes from soil maps with the soil moisture classifications that are used by plant nurseries.
Job Class II
- 1. Develop native seeding plan using the MN NRCS Seed Calculator
This course is the fourth and final module in the ATN 31 series, and it provides instructions on the use of the Seed Calculator Tool for developing seed plans and completing checkouts after plantings.
Tech Talk: Seed Calculator Revisions
The new version of the seeding spreadsheet has the ability to do seeding checkouts based on seed tags listing a Pure Live Seed (PLS) applied column. This method streamlines the checkout data entry to just one number per species. The spreadsheet still accommodates doing a checkout with a seed tag using the traditional purity and germination data entries. It also provides for a two step process whereby a seed tag utilizing purity and germ data can be combined with a PLS style tag to get a single efficient printout to document the seeding meets standards and specs. All species included in the calculator can now be brought into a seed mix using a reference number assigned to that species. The reference number will bring in the data used for that species in mix evaluation, such as seeds per pound, bloom period and etc. The use of the reference number will streamline the process of customizing a mix.
Tech Talk: Designing Pollinator Seed Mixes
Karin Jokela, Xerces Society Partner Biologist, demonstrates how to design and evaluate pollinator seed mixes using the latest version of the NRCS seeding and certification calculator. Minnesota's native bees and butterflies are diverse, and supporting them with high quality conservation plantings can sometimes be a complicated endeavor. This training provides an overview of the unique considerations that should be factored into pollinator seed mix designs, as well as ample opportunities to practice inputting and evaluating various seed mixes within the NRCS calculator.
Tech Talk Replay: Evaluating Seed Mixes
Tech Talk Replay from June 22, 2020. Karin Jokela reviews pollinator habitat requirements and considerations, and goes on to evaluate several example seed mixes to determine if they meet NRCS standards and specifications and if they will address the resource concern. Seed mix considerations also included longevity, diversity, season long pollinator benefits, and balance among species.
- 2. Knowledge of functional plant groups (warm season grasses, cool season grasses/sedges, non-legume forbs, legume forbs, woody species, etc)
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- 3 and 4. Knowledge of planting dates for native plant species used and Knowledge of planting methods and equipment for native seedings
This course is the second module in the ATN 31 series, and it describes the different methods for seedbed preparation and seeding and covers seeding equipment, seeder calibration, herbicide considerations, and planting dates. This course also discusses the concepts of Pure Live Seed (PLS) and Seeds Per Square Foot (seeds/sq. ft.).
Native Warm Season Grass Drill Calibration
(Time:16:27) Jake Watson, USDA NRCS and Michael McCord discuss how to calibrate a drill for Native Warm Season Grasses.
Seedbed Preparation and Seeding Installation
Montana NRCS Plant Materials Center presents this video with considerations for seedbed preparation and seeding installation. Seeding equipment examples begin at approximately 28 minutes.
- 5. Knowledge of site preparation methods for transitioning from one perennial plant community to another
This course is the second module in the ATN 31 series, and it describes the different methods for seedbed preparation and seeding and covers seeding equipment, seeder calibration, herbicide considerations, and planting dates. This course also discusses the concepts of Pure Live Seed (PLS) and Seeds Per Square Foot (seeds/sq. ft.).
Prairie Restoration: Site Preparation
Dr. Dwayne Elmore joins Oklahoma Gardening host Kim Toscano to discuss the many benefits of prairie habitat, how a prairie restoration can fit into a residential landscape, and what steps need to be taken to prepare a site for restoration.
Seedbed Preparation and Seeding Installation
Montana NRCS Plant Materials Center presents this video with considerations for seedbed preparation and seeding installation.
Brome Conversion and Long-Term Grassland Management
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 projects.
Organic Site Preparation for Wildflower Establishment
This document details multiple methods of organic site preparation to prepare a seedbed for native plant establishment. The methods include: solarization, smother cropping, repeated shallow cultivation, sheet mulching, soil inversion, organic herbicide applications, and sod removal.
Job Class III
- 1. Knowledge of target pollinator species (monarch, honeybee, bumblebee, etc.), preferred plant species (Monarch Nectar Plant List, Honeybee Plant Rankings, etc.) and host plant relationships
Monarch Biology and Management
This recorded webinar covers the biology of the monarch, its conservation status, and management techniques to improve breeding habitat for the butterfly.
Tech Talk Replay: Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guide for Monarchs
Tech Talk Replay from August 3, 2020. Karin Jokela, Xerces Society, reviews the monarch habitat evaluation guide (WHEG). She demonstrates how to assess various herbaceous plant communities to determine insecticide risks, weed management risks, milkweed stem density, forb cover, and forb richness. Karin also provides tips on plant ID and support tools. The page also contains links to many helpful resources for monarch habitat.
Xerces Pollinator Conservation Resources: Great Lakes Region (eastern MN)
On this webpage you'll find Great Lakes Region-specific collections of publications, native plant and seed suppliers, and other resources to aid in planning, establishing, restoring, and maintaining pollinator habitat—as well as materials to help you learn about the species of invertebrates and native plants you might encounter.
Xerces Pollinator Conservation Resources: North Central Region (western MN)
On this webpage you'll find North Central Region-specific collections of publications, native plant and seed suppliers, and other resources to aid in planning, establishing, restoring, and maintaining pollinator habitat - as well as materials to help you learn about the species of invertebrates and native plants you might encounter.
- 2. Knowledgeable of the recommendations found in Minnesota Agronomy Technical Note #9, found on the FOTG
- Minnesota Agronomy Technical Note #9
Tech Talk: Prairie Strips Part 2: Addressing Pesticide Risks to Pollinators
Emily May and Karin Jokela from the Xerces Society will present on pesticide risks to pollinators in habitat near cropland, including field research on pesticide contamination and impacts, and how to address and mitigate those risks in planning prairie strips. The talk will include local case studies and partner experiences.
Installation and Certification Phase
Job Class I
- 1. Ability to read seed tags
This course is the second module in the ATN 31 series, and it describes the different methods for seedbed preparation and seeding and covers seeding equipment, seeder calibration, herbicide considerations, and planting dates. This course also discusses the concepts of Pure Live Seed (PLS) and Seeds Per Square Foot (seeds/sq. ft.).
- 2. Ability to calculate pure live seed
This course is the second module in the ATN 31 series, and it describes the different methods for seedbed preparation and seeding and covers seeding equipment, seeder calibration, herbicide considerations, and planting dates. This course also discusses the concepts of Pure Live Seed (PLS) and Seeds Per Square Foot (seeds/sq. ft.).
- 3. Ability to identify at least six approved introduced plants used for 327 seedings
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- 4. Ability to identify at least seven common weeds in Minnesota
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- 5. Knowledge of Minnesota Seed Law and Minnesota Noxious Weed Law
Selling Seed in Minnesota (Seed Law)
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has put together this video presentation to help retailers understand the requirements for labeling and selling seed in Minnesota. It provides basic information that seed retailers should know regarding the Minnesota seed law, seed inventory management strategies, and seed label requirements. Please contact seed.mda@state.mn.us with any questions or if you would like further information.
All seed that is sold in Minnesota must be properly labeled to meet the requirements of the Minnesota Seed Law (Minnesota Statutes, sections 21.80-21.92) and the Federal Seed Act. These laws are intended to protect consumers based on truth-in-labeling principles and promote fair competition among seed sellers through the establishment of minimum standards.
The Noxious Weed Law affects growing plants. Some plants are noxious because they can harm people, animals, the food we eat, and nature. MDA, county, city, and township officials inspect land and ask owners to control and eradicate noxious weeds that are present in order to keep them from spreading and harming neighboring lands.
Prohibited noxious weeds are annual, biennial, or perennial plants that the commissioner designates as having the potential or are known to be detrimental to human or animal health, the environment, public roads, crops, livestock or other property.
- 6. Knowledge of operation and maintenance for introduced vegetative establishment (e.g. mowing and herbicide strategies)
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- 7. Ability to determine if an herbaceous seeding is established based on Minnesota Agronomy Technical Note #17, found on the FOTG
- Minnesota Agronomy Technical Note #17
Seeding Considerations and Evaluations
This course is the third module in the ATN 31 series, and it covers companion crops, temporary cover, weed control, and fertilizer and lime considerations. This course also outlines the procedures for completing stand evaluations.
Job Class II and III
- 1. Ability to identify at least 12 native prairie graminoids, forbs, and woody species
Basics of Plant Identification for Conservation Planning
This course introduces you to plant identification and its role in the conservation planning process. You will learn basics of plant identification, such as how to identify plant parts and how to use different types of plant keys. You’ll also learn about collecting and preserving plant samples and about electronic and other resources that can help with plant identification. You’ll lastly learn how plant identification is used within specific phases of the Nine Steps of Conservation Planning.
Introduction to Plant Identification
(Time: 1:07:49) Plants are of central importance to natural resource conservation. Thus, the ability to identify species or species groups is an essential skill for USDA NRCS field staffs. The goal of this webinar is to provide participants with a basic understanding of plant ecology and a framework for determining the identity of plants. Participants will learn about the major groups of plants, traits that they should be looking for to distinguish plant groups, when to look for distinguishing traits, how to collect and preserve plant specimens, resources available to determine plant identification, operation of a simple plant key, and limits on the precision of plant identification. This webinar will also identify additional resources/training available to further develop skills.
Karin Jokela, Xerces Society Partner Biologist, and Jeff Kalin, NRCS State Wildlife Biologist, cover native plant identification for the most commonly used grass and wildflower species in pollinator conservation mixes, as well as problematic weedy species that often show up during the establishment phase. Species will be presented as seedlings, mature plants, and as seed heads. Karin and Jeff will also share strategies and tools to help you carry on learning plant identification skills until you feel proficient.
Tech Talk: Native Plant Communities
Megan Benage and Becky Marty from the DNR present on Native Plant Communities. This workshop session covers a tour of the Native Plant Communities Field Guides including key features, how to key things out and pitfalls to using the guide and applying its information. The session also includes plant characteristics and how to key things out for Plant ID. In addition, you will find out how you can use the information contained in the Native Plant Community guidebooks in your job with prairie and forest examples.
- 2. Knowledge of operation and long-term maintenance for native vegetation (e.g. mowing and herbicide strategies, prescribed fire, conservation grazing, brush management, etc.)