CCSI-HAT Soil Health Podcast Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative

When we talk about pollinator strips, we typically think about bees and butterflies. However, pollinator strips also attract a host of other beneficial insects that bring value to crop production. Listen to Rick Clark, West-central Indiana Farmer, and Christian Krupke, Purdue University Professor of Entomology wax poetic about the positive impacts of planting insect habitat.

Amanda and Jacob Baird, beginning pumpkin farmers join University of Illinois Extension Educator Nathan Johanning and long-term no-till pumpkin farmer Rod Johnson of Hobart, Indiana to learn the tips and tricks of successful u-pick no-till pumpkins - from cover crops to dealing with rodents.

It's April and lawns may have greened up, but that doesn't mean cover crops are actively growing. Understanding effects of night time low temperatures, that different cover crops species may break dormancy at different times, and other considerations are key to successful termination.Walton, Indiana farmer Cameron Mills and Pierceton, Indiana farmer Jamie Scott talk about key considerations in their farming operations - including Plans A, B, C, and D...Their plans change because they are always looking ahead. Jamie and Cameron also talk about looking ahead to fall... and winter. Some residual herbicides can affect emergence. In addition some may affect root growth to an extent that cover crops may not overwinter well. These Penn State articles may prove useful in making those residual herbicide selections: Corn SoybeansThese articles from Penn State may be usefull

Mike and Susan Brocksmith of Vincennes, Indiana received the American Soybean Association Conservation Legacy Award at the 2020 Commodity Classic.They have always been strong conservationists. With time consuming hog and cow-calf operations, Mike began no-tilling in 1977 as a way to save time. Through the 80's, 90's, and on the Brocksmiths continued to evolve their operation.In addition, Mike and Susan use their farm as a field classroom for Susan's students from Vincennes University, as well as groups of farmers and agronomists.

Vole damage to crops is dependent on several variables - palatability and density of cover crops, soil types, field borders, and... raptor perches.Abby Prieur and Megan Zagorski recently wrapped their Masters Studies at Purdue University where they focused on practices and field qualities that could impact the probability of vole damage in Indiana cropfields.They discuss their findings and how farmers, agronomists and others can use this information to help focus scouting and management efforts.

In 2019, a lot of new clients walked through the doors of USDA Service Centers looking for options on their prevent plant acres - for resources on managing those fields. Many turned to cover crops for the first time. Even though each of the podcast guests was representing a conservation organization - a consistent theme was tapping into a vast network of experienced soil health farmers as a resource.These interviews were recorded at the 2020 IASWCD Annual Conference and included 5th generation farmer and USDA-NRCS Chief Matt Lohr, Northern Indiana Farmers and SWCD Supervisors Cameron Mills and Andy Ambriole, and former Indiana NRCS State Conservationist and now International Soil and Water Conservation Society Board Member Jane Hardisty.