The Data-Intensive Farm Management (DFIM) Tool uses precision agriculture technology to design on-farm precision experiments, enabling farmers to increase profits by making data-driven management decisions. As part of a Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG), DFIM was enhanced to allow the tool to store, manage, and process raw field-trial data; analyze results; and generate reports on site-specific input management which can be executed with a single click. The presentation will cover how use of difm.farm could dramatically improve various Adaptive Management and Precision Management scenarios in NRCS Conservation Practice Standards 329 Residue and Tillage Management- No Till, 340 Cover Crops, 345 Residue and Tillage Management-Reduced Till, and 590 Nutrient Management, generating far more useful data at far lower costs to crop producers and taxpayers.

The objective of the webinar is to explain the purpose and limitations of the National IDIQ for A&E Services, identify stakeholder roles and responsibilities, explain the process of placing a task order, and provide guidance on administering task orders. Participants will better understand the current IDIQ functions, requirements, and typical implementation procedures for the issuance of a task.

Through a Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG), Newtrient evaluated 15 manure management technologies used in dairy systems. The project applied a modified version of an NRCS evaluation approach aligned with Conservation Practice Standard 629, Waste Treatment. Evaluation periods ranged from 15 to 52 weeks, depending on the technology. Newtrient collaborated with colleges and universities across the country to collect samples and develop detailed evaluation reports. These assessments focused on how each technology influenced nutrient levels—specifically nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—across different waste streams. In addition to environmental performance, the project also examined economic factors, including implementation costs and potential returns. Each technology was documented in a comprehensive evaluation report using the established Newtrient protocol based on the modified NRCS framework. Because several of the technologies involved manure separation, the project also produced a supplemental white paper comparing three separation technologies and exploring their potential applications. All reports and project materials are publicly available on the Newtrient website at https://www.newtrient.com/about/our-work/grant-funded-projects/2020-nrcs-conservation-innovation-grant/
This webinar provides an overview of a range of dairy manure management technologies, with a focus on their environmental performance, water quality impacts, and economic considerations.

Photo by Newtrient Bedding Recovery Unit

Aquaculture basics presented by field-based, farmer-serving university and producer-organization partners for NRCS staff to better support aquaculture producers. This session will covers aquatic animal nutrition and health, hatchery and farm management, water quality control, and system design.

This webinar will provide an in depth look at aeration technologies used to maintain pumpable manure in deep pits beneath dairy and beef slatted floor facilities. The session will cover the motivation behind adopting aeration systems, including challenges with agitation, high solids manure, hydrogen sulfide risks, and confined space safety concerns. Drawing from New York installations and ongoing Cornell PRO DAIRY research, the presentation will discuss system design considerations, operational lessons learned, impacts on manure handling logistics, and observed improvements in barn air quality. Practical guidance, common pitfalls, and resources for further learning will be included to support NRCS engineers working with producers considering these systems.
Introduce a novel aeration-based approach for maintaining pumpable manure in deep pits beneath dairy and beef slatted floor facilities. Highlight ongoing Cornell PRO DAIRY research on system performance in beef operations and share updated findings, operational considerations, and safety implications.

Livestock production basics presented by field-based, farmer-serving university and producer-organization partners for NRCS staff to better support livestock producers. This session will covers cervid and camelid nutrition and body condition, reproduction, health and biosecurity, animal and waste facilities, management and handling practices.

Dr. Ellen Crocker (Associate Professor – University of Kentucky) will cover the biology and management of some hardwood tree diseases with foliar symptoms.

Bacterial leaf scorch - John Hartman, University of Kentucky, bugwood.org

Hardwood tree species are widely distributed across the southeastern United States and provide significant economic and ecological benefits. Hardwood forests support wildlife habitat, contribute to food resources, nutrient cycling, offer recreational opportunities, and supply valuable timber. However, many hardwood species are susceptible to diseases that produce symptomatic leaves such as bacterial leaf scorch, anthracnose, and others that can reduce aesthetic value and overall tree health. Accurate identification of these diseases is essential for effective management. In this webinar, Dr. Ellen Crocker will discuss the biology, symptoms, impacts, and management strategies for several common hardwood tree diseases with foliar symptoms.

Discover how successful teams rely on flexible collaboration and ingenuity to overcome adversity, and the essential element to help your team win!

Effective mentorship is a leadership skill that strengthens people, programs, and organizations. This webinar explores practical coaching and mentoring strategies Extension professionals can use to support colleagues, develop confidence, and build long-term capacity. Participants will reflect on their mentoring approach and leave with tools they can apply immediately in real-world Extension settings.

This workshop on active listening gives participants practical tools to notice, interpret, and respond to others with greater clarity. It also guides them in applying these skills to strengthen communication, trust, and collaboration in both personal relationships and professional environments.

This session will explore multiple sources of conflict and identify tools to prevent or management conflict that arises from these sources.