The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service announces its participation in the Good Idea Shop Talks, a free, virtual meet-up series for row crop and livestock producers across the midwest and mid-south. The series, designed to foster peer-to-peer learning and problem-solving, focuses on addressing on-farm challenges related to soil and water conservation. 

“These virtual meet-ups are for all farmers,” said Amanda Gumbert, extension water quality specialist in the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. “Whether you are just getting started with conservation, have lots of experience using conservation practices or fall somewhere in between, you will learn something. Plus, you can be part of a conservation community who help each other troubleshoot challenges associated with using conservation practices such as cover crops, prairie strips, field buffers or managed grazing.” 

Good Idea Shop Talks are targeted toward producers from the Mississippi River Basin states, including Kentucky, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana. However, farmers from other states are also encouraged to join. 

Each Shop Talk begins with a producer presenting a specific challenge they are facing related to an in-field or edge-of-field conservation practice. The group then collaborates to find solutions, sharing their experiences and insights. This peer-led format emphasizes active participation and mutual learning without formal presentations from experts. 

The Summer 2024 season features three virtual weekly meet-ups: August 1, 8 and 15, beginning at 12:30 pm ET. Participants can join any or all sessions. 

The series is a collaboration between the Martin-Gatton CAFE, the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension and the Mississippi State University Extension Service. 

Good Idea Shop Talks is part of the One Good Idea platform, which promotes farmer-to-farmer learning about conservation practices. Through videos, podcasts and other resources, the platform aims to help farmers discover practical conservation strategies that can enhance their operations. 

For more information and to register for the Good Idea Shop Talks, visit https://goodideafarm.org/shop-talks/.  

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Writer: Jordan Strickler, jstrickler@uky.edu                                                                                

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