By Liz Stahl, Extension Educator – Crops, Phyllis Bongard, Educational Content Development & Communications Specialist, and Anna Cates, Extension Specialist in Soil Health

Register now to reserve your spot with the University of Minnesota Cover Crop Academy!  This new, innovative program is a hybrid, year-long, statewide course designed for those who work with farmers including crop advisors, consultants, educators, agency personnel, agronomists, ag lenders, and personnel at non-profits, soil and water conservation districts (SWCD) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offices.  

This unique opportunity will take a deep dive into cover crops and will be tailored to Minnesota cropping systems and conditions.  We will address the challenges and opportunities associated with using cover crops in Minnesota and attendees will be able to participate in research trials members develop to help address some of the unknowns around cover crops.   

All Academy attendees should leave with an expanded knowledge base and toolkit to help in cover crop implementation along with a peer network of cover crop advisors.  There is only a nominal fee to participate in the UMN Extension Cover Crop Academy, thanks to our program sponsors. For more details and to register, go to https://z.umn.edu/CCAcademy.  Register by June 1, 2024, to reserve your spot for one of three locations: Waseca, Crookston, or Lamberton.  Registration is limited, and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Note, all attendees are expected to participate in the entire program, and certificates of completion will be awarded at the final session.   

This program is brought to you by University of Minnesota Extension, with support from the Minnesota Natural Resources Conservation Service and General Mills.