Dan Gullickson of MnDOT’s Blowing Snow Control Shared Service provides a presentation and demonstration of the University of Minnesota Snow Control Tools website. Participants will learn how Minnesota winter climate data are used to design effective snow fences and reduce blowing snow impacts on transportation corridors. The session also highlights opportunities to collaborate with MnDOT on snow control and snow fence planning projects.

Ed Thomas, Vice President of Government Affairs (The Fertilizer Institute), provides a history, definition, and examples of biostimulants. Ryan Buetow, State Agronomist (NRCS) provides an overview of the interim standard Plant Biostimulant and Microbial Applications (CPS 833 ), implementation requirements, guidance documents, and examples of how the practice may be used. As an interim practice, reporting on the application of this practice is required, the Plant Biostimulant and Microbial Applications Evaluation Worksheet are discussed.

Select the crop or management below for information on variety selection, planting, growing, harvesting, storage, and pest management.

Following the November 2 Tech Talk a new Minnesota Seed Calculator will be available. Starting January 1 this calculator will be required for all herbaceous vegetation planning, so take advantage of these opportunities to prepare yourself. These weekly meetings, hosted by Aaron Janz (NRCS) and Maura Curry (PF), are for you to ask questions, go through examples, troubleshoot challenges, and build confidence in designing and certifying seed mixes. Staff are welcome to drop in anytime to get guidance, explore specific scenarios, or learn best practices.

Wondering how to get the most out of your next restoration project? Ecological restoration practitioners and project managers are invited to attend this series of free professional development webinars.

Pesticides are a leading cause of recent pollinator declines. While conservation efforts often focus on creating and managing habitat, it is equally crucial to protect these resources from contamination to ensure their lasting benefits. This two-part training equips NRCS staff and partners with the background and practical tools needed to reduce pesticide risks in field crop settings.

The BWSR Academy is a three-day, cost effective, annual training event for conservation-based local government staff.  The event is centered around 90-minute interactive training sessions with opportunities for hands-on learning by attendees. This emphasis on hands on training differentiates the BWSR Academy from conferences, conventions or symposiums which are primarily one-way delivery of information or research. The Academy sessions deliver content that is directly applicable to LGU work “back home.”

TTCP engineers Amanda Deans and Aaron Peter cover the “why” of engineering design decisions, engineering design strategies, and project goals. They explain when different types of structural outlets work best and how we size embankments, scrapes, and other wetland restoration components.

Jodi Boe (GK Technology, Inc.) provides an overview of precision mapping for nutrient management, pest management, and VRT planting.

Pam Bergstrom, Agroforester (University of Nebraska - Lincoln) demonstrates the process to plan and design a shelterbelt for wind and snow protection of a farmstead/homestead as well as a field windbreak for erosion control.