Tech Talks

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

• Walk through the new assessment tool
• Talk about how the assessment tool can be used during the conservation planning process
• Provide a brief update on the Financial Assistance Program

A replay of this session can be found here.

During this session Samuel Porter, NRCS State Economist, will present a portion of the Soil Health and Sustainability course on economics in a virtual format. This Tech Talk will give perspective of factors that go in to a decision to adopt soil health practices and described common challenges to soil health adoption. Additionally, Sam will summarize effects of adopting soil health practices through partial budgets and case studies.

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 will help cover what is MRTN, and why is this system used, along with the pros and cons of this approach to nutrient management. Join us to 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.

A replay of this session can be found here.

This tech talk will provide basic information for several species of livestock that may be raised on pasture. The tech talk will discuss the following topics: 

• Livestock terminology

• The different kinds/classes of grazing livestock

• Dietary preferences of each species and basic nutritional requirements for each species

• The roles that dietary preferences and nutritional requirements play in developing grazing systems

• Basic livestock production systems

• Reproduction

• Marketing:  Where do animals go when they leave the farm?

• Stock flow on the farm: Summarizing how to maintain animals in a year-round livestock operation

This Tech Talk is designed for people with little or no experience with livestock.

A replay of this session can be found here.

Margaret Wagner (MDA) will provide an update on the implementation of the Groundwater Protection Rule to minimize potential sources of nitrate pollution to the state's groundwater. Margaret will also highlight voluntary efforts such as partnerships with ag retailers as well as work with the UMN and SWCDs.

A replay of this session can be found here.

Dr. Miranda Meehan will provide an overview on virtual fence and considerations when integrating it into a grazing system based on her team’s experience the last two years. She will also give an update on research being conducted using virtual fence to manage grazing on rangeland and annual forages in North Dakota.

A replay of this session can be found here.

The MPCA recently released its new online program to develop nutrient management plans. The Nutrient Management Tool (NMT) includes a GIS based mapping component as well as the ability to keep land application records. George Schwint, principal engineer for the MPCA feedlot program, will provide an overview and demo of the new tool. George will also highlight another new resource from the MPCA, the Nutrient Management Planning Map. This is a publicly available interactive map that displays the best available data for sensitive features across the state and provides BMPs and requirements for land application of manure in these areas.

A replay of this session can be found here.

This training will provide newer employees with an orientation to the Technical Training and Certification Program. Participants will become familiar with the training resources that are available to them through TTCP. In addition, participants will start to develop their own personalized learning plan. Those who plan to attend should bring your job description to the training and ask around to find out the five most commonly used conservation practices in your work area.

Nutrient Management: Fertilizer Recommendations

What goes into creating a fertilizer recommendation? Dr. Daniel Kaiser will discuss the approach the University of Minnesota takes in creating fertilizer recommendations along with covering similarities and differences with surrounding states. The talk will cover how recommendations are made for each crop, why they are different in different regions, why soil testing is important, and how the research is conducted. There will also be information on up and coming changes to recommendations.

A replay of this session can be found here.

This precursor to Brush Management field day trainings will highlight the importance of creating desired plant communities using ecological site descriptions to restore native plant communities, protect soils, improve water quality, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, improve forage accessibility for livestock, and much more! Join Jeff Duchene, State Grazing Specialist (NRCS), Jared Holm, Forester (NWTF), as they discuss the Conservation Practice Standard Brush Management (314) which includes general criteria, specifications, operation and maintenance, and scenarios where this is used including chemical, mechanical, fire, and biological controls. We’ll also take a look at tools needed to determine density of infestation and chemical application (WIN-PST). Lastly, we’ll discuss implementation requirements and how they apply to different situations you might encounter.

A replay of this session can be found here.

This session is a follow up to the in person Brush Management trainings held in May, 2025. Dusty Jasken, Area Resource Conservationist (NRCS), will demonstrate how to use the Windows Pesticide Screening Tool (WIN-PST) with commonly recommended brush management herbicides. He will also discuss when mitigation strategies may be necessary and review available mitigation options.

A replay of this session can be found here.