CCSI-HAT Soil Health Podcast Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative

Recorded live at the Indy Farm Show, Mike Shuter - a seasoned soil health practitioner and NACD Soil Health Champion was joined by Andrew Bernzott, a young farmer and National Wildlife Federation Conservation Champion, and Dan Quinn, Purdue Extension Corn Specialist, to talk about their soil health experiences and the importance of learning from peers.

Everyone knows you can't use cover crops in river bottoms, right? WRONG!Ray McCormick, Knox County, Indiana, farms about 1000 acres of river bottom farmland and uses cover crops on every acre. He is joined by CCSI Director Lisa Holscher to talk about the benefits and challenges of this practice.

SW Indiana IT Professional / Soil Health Farmer Pat Bittner exemplifies the studious mindset of many regenerative ag farmers. His thorough research has allowed the remarkably FAST adoption of more advanced practices. Focusing upon what he wants to nurture vs. what he wants to kill, well-thought out plans of practice adoption, solid business planning, and SEEKING OUT MENTORS is making rapid change on his family's small farm.

Learning from experience soil heath farmers can help shape applied research to help address challenges from farmers newer to regenerative ag. That same critical thinking can be applied to teaching the next generation of growers and agronomists, Dan Quinn, Purdue Extension Corn Specialist, and Susan Brocksmith, Vincennes University Business Division Dean, share their experiences, observations, and the practical application of soil health practices.

Among other things, Purdue Corn Specialist Dan Quinn and Vincennes University Business Division Dean Susan Brocksmith talk about how round table discussions with experience soil health farmers can help tailor applied research and education of ag students.

Cover crops can be a great management tool for vegetable production. Steven Meyers, Purdue Horticulture Asst. Prof. of Weed Science, and Dan Perkins, Perkins Good Earth Farms discuss best practices for termination, residue management, direct seeding, and transplanting when using covers.