CTIC is a clearinghouse for a wide range of information on conservation agriculture. Click on one of the themes below to browse our site, or look for a particular practice or place in the search bar.
Ag Consultant Resources
Bees and Pollinators
Buffer Strips
Community Organizing
Conservation Tillage
Conservation Practices—Adoption
Crop Residue Management (CRM) Survey
Drainage Water Management
Cover Crops
Cover Crop Survey
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)
Demonstration Projects
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
Grazing and Rangeland
Hypoxia
Know Your Watershed
Leader ... more. |
CTIC, with support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, hosted a half-day training for Iowa ag consultants at the Iowa Agribusiness Showcase and Conference in Des Moines on February 13, 2019.
The training drew more than 60 attendees, and covered a wide range of conservation systems geared toward Iowa farms.
"This ag consultant training and others like it that we are running around the country are designed to help ag consu ... more. |
Conservation Technology Information Center
ctic@conservationinformation.org
Address:
3495 Kent Avenue, Suite L100, West Lafayette, IN 47906 USA
Phone:
Tel: 765-494-9555
Fax: 765-463-4106
Staff:
Executive Director: Karen A. Scanlon
Operations Director: Tammy Taylor
Project Director: Chad Watts, Mike Smith
Accounting Specialist: Crystal Hatfield
Consultants:
Computer Systems Consultant: Scott J. Brunton
Technical Consultant: Dan Towery
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GLCCI Consultant Resource page:
This will be seen only by the GLCCI group. I think the easiest way to go from this page to the data base is a link. I will include other links on this page for the consultants also.
Example links
Farm Plan
Project Brochure
Project Logo
Scheduled meetings
Notes and Agendas
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Stuttgart, AR August 2017
CTIC brought together farmers; researchers from USDA-Agricultural Research Service, University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University; and conservationists from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission for a deep dive into how crop consultants can help their clients benefit from conservation practices.
Discussions ranged from the agronomic and water-management benefits of conservation systems&mdas ... more. |
Two Hundred Visited Northwest Ohio Farms
Mark Scarpitti, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, left, demonstrates how no-till soil (in container on right) absorbs water while heavily tilled soil erodes quickly under water. This absorption capability protects no-till ground from erosion. CTIC photo.
More than 200 farmers, government officials, agribusiness, university and non-profit organization representatives toured Northwest Ohio on Aug. 9, 2011, to see agricultural conservation in action.
Tour host Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) showcased profitable, innovative Northwest Ohio farms while participants learned how the producers make conservation an integral part of their operations.
CTIC welc ... more. |
Chicken litter being loaded into spreader truck in Northern Louisiana.
Photo courtesy of USDA.
Nurturing Crops, Protecting the Environment
Emphasis on Sound Nutrient Management
By Christa Martin Jones
The emphasis on more and better nutrient management promises advances in farm profitability, conservation technology, and water quality improvements. Agriculture'sability to marry economy and environment, planning and implementation, and research and technology transfer will define our success.
The United States Department of Ag ... more. |
Southern Plains Agricultural Resources Coalition (SPARC)
Established 2006
The Southern Plains Agricultural Resources Coalition will spark rural sustainability and profitability through greater use of no-till practices and conservation systems for producers, consumers, and communities by promotion of market based incentives, education, demonstration, participation, and research.
Mission, Goals and Con ... more. |
Conservation Buffers
Conservation buffers are small areas or strips of land in permanent vegetation, designed to slow water runoff, provide shelter and stabilize riparian areas. Strategically placed buffer strips in the agricultural landscape can effectively mitigate the movement of sediment, nutrients, and pesticides within farm fields and from farm fields.
Buffers include: contour buffer strips, field borders, filter strips, grassed waterways, living snow fences, riparian buffers, shelterbelts/windbreaks, (grass, shrubs and trees), and wetlands.
The small amount of land taken out of production helps produce ... more. |
Ag Consultant Training in Systems that Protect Water Quality National Aquatic Resources Workshop National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI)Operational Tillage Information System (OpTIS) Cover Crop Surveys
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Ag Consultant Training in Systems that Protect Water Quality National Aquatic Resources Workshop National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) Operational Tillage Information System (OpTIS) Cover Crop Surveys
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Ag Consultant Training in Systems that Protect Water Quality National Aquatic Resources Workshop National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) Operational Tillage Information System (OpTIS) Cover Crop Surveys
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Ag Consultant Training in Systems that Protect Water Quality National Aquatic Resources Workshop National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI)Operational Tillage Information System (OpTIS) Cover Crop Surveys
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Ag Consultant Training in Systems that Protect Water Quality National Aquatic Resources Workshop National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) Operational Tillage Information System (OpTIS) Cover Crop Surveys
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A highly qualified crop consultant (watershed coordinator) has been identified in each watershed to provide one on one technical support to the producers who participate in this program. These people will meet with producers and help them make important decisions to ensure a successful transition to using a cover crop and conservation tillage system.
Lake Michigan Coordinator
Christina Curell
Central Region Water Quality Educator, Mecosta
14485 Northland Drive
Big Rapids, MI, 49307
Phone: (231) 592-0792
Cell: (231) 287-8617
Email: curellc@msu.edu
Christina graduated from Michigan State University with a ... more. |
This project, funded by a 2008 Conservation Innovation Grant, promotes the use of cover crops to ease farmers’ transition to use of continuous no-till. Continuous no-till (CNT) has been around long enough that there is little doubt among experts of its many advantages. Despite the proven economic and environmental benefits of CNT, some farmers remain hesitant to fully adopt the system. In 2004, the National Crop Residue Management survey indicated that only 22.6 percent of farmers were no-tilling. Attempting CNT without proper technical knowledge may cause a disastrous first year and taint opinions toward the practice. Potential economic risks and yield loss ... more. |
... the soils. Increased organic matter serves as a food source to various soil organisms and increases the biological activity. Higher biological activity increases nutrient cycling and availability and also reduces nutrient loss from runoff. Soil structure and tilth are improved, increasing infiltration rates and reducing compaction.
Despite these benefits, many farmers still believe tillage leads to higher corn yields. In a single year, this may be true. With tillage, the breakdown of organic matter is accelerated, and nutrients are quickly released to the crop. However, continuous tillage decreases soil organic matter, decreasing the overall level of released nutrients. With less organic matter, soil productivity and soil structure decline. Over time, our soils have lost 50 to 70 ... more. |
... courtesy of Steve Werblow
Anaerobic Digesters: A Community Approach
by Steve Werblow
Three thousand cows in Tillamook, Ore., power 150 homes with their manure, collected and processed through the Port of Tillamook Bay’s community digester. Leftover liquid is returned to participating farms for land application.
Manure management is an issue that doesn’t stop at the edge of the lagoon or the ditch at the fencerow—in many areas, it’s a community issue, and some of those communities are finding collective solutions. Community digesters offer some areas with high concentrations of livestock an efficient way to turn manure into natural gas, and then into profit—or at least energy.
On the plu ... more. |
... executive director with all other day to day operations. Crystal joined CTIC in the fall of 2014.
Sue Tull
Project Director
Sue joined CTIC in 2013. She works with multiple projects and partners and also assists CTIC staff with events, communications and administration. Sue spent most of her career in plant breeding research as a soybean technician and plant pathology lab manager. She has also worked with two Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Indiana, as a district technician and urban conservationist.
David Frabotta
Director of Communications
David is responsible for public relations, marketing, events, outreach and impact reporting for CTIC. He has worked as a business journalist for most of his career, predominantly for agriculture media bra ... more. |
Drawing on deep technical expertise as well as organizational experience, CTIC has planned and facilitated meetings, workshops and trainings around the world. CTIC works closely with federal and state agencies, conservation districts, and non-profits to ensure effective two-way communication. Current training programs include technical workshops for EPA staff and partners as well as sessions for crop consultants and other farm advisors.
NARS Technical Training Workshops
Working with US EPA on its National Aquatic Resource Survey (NARS) program, CTIC provides leadership and technical support ... more. |
CTIC/EPA Ag Consultant Trainings
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CTIC's far-reaching Economic, Agronomic and Environmental Benefits of Cover Crops project - commonly called "Let's Do The Math on Cover Crops" - is in the final stage of pulling together data on the impact of cover crops on honey bee habitat. With data from The Ohio State University, CTIC will soon provide insight into cost-effective opportunities to provide pollinator forage on agricultural landscapes.
&n ... more. |
Target Audience
In addition to the memberships of project partners, CTIC will design the workshops with the following groups in mind:
- Agricultural retailers
- Certified Crop Advisors (CCAs)
- Land Improvement Contractors of America (LICA)
- Members of Agricultural Drainage Management Coalition (ADMC)
- National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants (NAICC)
- NRCS Technical Service Providers (TSPs)
- Soil and Water Conservation District staff and engineers
Through a collabora ... more. |
Conservation Agriculture Carbon Offset Consultation participants gather outside the Purdue University Beck Agricultural Center.
International Meeting Spotlights Conservation Agriculture's Role in Mitigating Climate Change
Supported by science and spurred by emerging markets, more than 80 participants in an international workshop on carbon sequestration called on w ... more. |
... Treatment Plants Dewater Dairy Manure
by Steve Werblow
Nearly half the weight of dairy manure is water. It's bulky, it's heavy and it's inconvenient to handle. Rising fuel costs make hauling that water component prohibitively expensive, and environmental protection measures push the cost of lagoons toward the half-million-dollar mark or higher.
And for dairy producers like John Vrieze of Baldwin, Wis., the problem grows with every rain. “Colleagues of mine in drier areas of the country can use the dry air to largely evaporate some of these problems,” he notes. “But when you live in a humid climate, the amount of water in your manure actually increases ... more. |
... D'Amato
Khalid Alvi
Juli Beth Hinds
will focus on information in regards to wastewater treatment for upcoming and existing development.
Presentations will be given by the members of Tetra Tech staff.
To view the agenda and topics to be discussed, click here.
Sponsored by
Conservation Technology Information Center, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Tetra Tech
November 9th: Overview of Centralized and Decentralized Treatment Issues
Summary of Centralized/Decentralized Treatment Approaches Water and Wastewater Resource Management ConsiderationsTMDLs, Watershed Plannin ... more. |
New PED Talks Video Series Digs into Soil Health
West Lafayette, Ind., Oct. 29, 2019 -- A series of 10-to-15-minute, science-centered “PED Talks” on soil health has been posted on YouTube. Soil peds are aggregated particles of sand, silt, clay and organic matter. Like their namesake, PED Talks combine soil-related topics including explanations of soil health, how we can improve it, and the progress that’s being made to ensure we have the healthy soils necessary to feed, clothe and fuel the world in the future.
The PED Talks series was created by the Conservation Technology Information Cent ... more. |
New PED Talks Video Series Digs into Soil Health
West Lafayette, Ind., Oct. 29, 2019 -- A series of 10-to-15-minute, science-centered “PED Talks” on soil health has been posted on YouTube. Soil peds are aggregated particles of sand, silt, clay and organic matter. Like their namesake, PED Talks combine soil-related topics including explanations of soil health, how we can improve it, and the progress that’s being made to ensure we have the healthy soils necessary to feed, clothe and fuel the world in the future.
The PED Talks series was created by the Conservation Technology Inform ... more. |
Know Your Watershed is a coordinated national effort to encourage the formation of local, voluntary watershed partnerships and help assure that these partnerships successfully attain their goals. The initiative is sponsored by more than 70 diverse National Partners representing private and public corporations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Each National Partner agrees to provide financial and/or in-kind support. The national effort is coor ... more. |
... Board of Directors. So is the role Komp has been selected to fill.
"Mike brings skills that reflect not only the legacy of CTIC but also the technical knowledge that will help guide our organization into the future," Tindall said.
"For nearly 40 years, CTIC has kept up with the latest technology to collect and disseminate information about conservation agriculture. Today, with projects like our new Operational Tillage Information System (OpTIS), remote sensing and big-data analysis are becoming central to our mission," Tindall added. "Mike brings his experience in those fields—and his program development skills—which will help farmers, consultants, researchers, conservation professionals, policy makers and so many more stakeh ... more. |
... health using standardized field and laboratory methods and a national quality control program.
The NARS reports provide unbiased estimates of the condition of the broader population of a water resource type based on a representative sample of individual waters selected using a randomized approach. The first cycle of the surveys will establish a baseline and subsequent surveys will allow the Agency to track changes over time and assess the effectiveness of Agency water quality programs.
Read the first article in our series which features a dairy farmer from EPA Region 10.
View Article
Links to the National Surveys
The National Aquatic Resource Surveys
The National Wetland Condition Assessment
The National Coastal Condition Assessment
The National Lakes Ass ... more. |
Conservation Technology Information Center Announces Creation of Cover Crop Coaches Program and Hires Dan Coffman as Minnesota Soil Health Specialist
WEST LAFAYETTE, NOVEMBER 16, 2023- Thanks to a generous grant from General Mills, a global food company deeply committed to regenerative agriculture, the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) is excited to announce the creation of their farmer-led Cover Crop Coaches program.
This new program aims to further support farmers across Minnesota, Wisconsin and South Dakota with the knowledge and resources needed to successfully adopt cover crops. Cover crops enhance soil health, sequester carbon and reduce soil ero ... more. |
... 488-8610; steve@stevewerblow.com
CTIC to Lead Development of the CSA Connector for a New USDA Climate Smart Partnership Program
WEST LAFAYETTE, Indiana (September 22, 2022) — The Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC), in partnership with The Nature Conservancy and Houston Engineering, will lead development of a new online tool, the Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) Connector, as a key element of a new project selected last week for funding by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities program.
The overall project is being led by the Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture and the Environment, which was awarded up to $35 million by USDA to conduct this new partnership pilot. Thro ... more. |
WEST LAFAYETTE, Indiana (September 22, 2022) — The Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC), in partnership with The Nature Conservancy and Houston Engineering, will lead development of a new online tool, the Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) Connector, as a key element of a new project selected last week for funding by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities program.
The overall project is being led by the Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture and the Environment, which was awarded up to $35 million by USDA to conduct this new partnership pilot. Thro ... more. |
Our members renew again and again; they realize the many important benefits, directly and indirectly, of CTIC's work.
They earn national recognition, and show the public their commitment to agricultural conservation. Many members partner on our projects, supporting CTIC with technical information and assistance.
View our current CTIC members by selecting from the tabs below.
Corporate Members ... more. |
... Board of Directors. So is the role Komp has been selected to fill.
"Mike brings skills that reflect not only the legacy of CTIC but also the technical knowledge that will help guide our organization into the future," Tindall said.
"For nearly 40 years, CTIC has kept up with the latest technology to collect and disseminate information about conservation agriculture. Today, with projects like our new Operational Tillage Information System (OpTIS), remote sensing and big-data analysis are becoming central to our mission," Tindall added. "Mike brings his experience in those fields—and his program development skills—which will help farmers, consultants, researchers, conservation professionals, policy makers and so many more stakeh ... more. |
Links to the National Surveys
The National Aquatic Resource Surveys
The National Wetland Condition Assessment
The National Coastal Condition Assessment
The National Lakes Assessment
The National Rivers and Streams Assessment
Aquatic Resource Monitoring, EPA ORD
Aquatic Resource Monitoring, EPA ORD
This Web site provides information on monitoring of aquatic resources in the US, primarily focused on design and analysis of probability based surveys. Links are provided to other aquatic resources monitoring information available on the internet.
EPA's Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program
The Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) was a research program run by EPA’s Office of Research and Development to develop the tools ... more. |
Focusing on environmental stewardship and education
Dow AgroSciences joined CTIC as a Gold Corporate Member during the summer of 2013. The company uses technology to conserve natural resources and provide educational tools. Dow AgroSciences nitrogen stabilizers, Instinct and N-Serve, are used as a best management practice for improving groundwater quality, optimizing plant nutrients and supporting environmental stewardship. Both products contain the same ... more. |
CTIC Institutional Gold Member, Environmental Resources Coalition (ERC), believes that it's possible for government, private industry, and citizen stakeholder groups to work together. They understand that when it comes to water protection efforts, one size does not fit all. Successful groups will use sound science, common sense and have an appreciation for the cause and effect relationships between economics, the environment and politi ... more. |
To better manage nutrients, Lancaster County, Penn. dairy producers install manure storage tanks as part of their conservation plans.
Photo courtesy of USDA-NRCS
Manure Du Jour
Serving Pennsylvania's Best Practices on Animal Ag. Air, and Water Quality
By Kristen Saacke-Blunk
Pennsylvania dairy cow.
Photo courtesy of USDA-NRCS.
... more. |
EPA's New CAFO Rule Changes "Duty to Apply" for NPEDS Permit
Nutrient management plans and voluntary NPDES permits may be helpful to confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) – even if they do not discharge or don’t propose to discharge water from their operations.
EPA's New CAFO Rule Changes "Duty to Apply"
for NPDES Permit
By Steve Werblow
A new rule for confined animal feeding operations (CA ... more. |
Welcome to CTIC's Farmers for Soil Health Program
At the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC), we are proud partners in the Farmers for Soil Health program, a collaborative effort initiated by the National Corn Growers Association, United Soybean Board, and the National Pork Board. Our mission is to drive positive change in agriculture, one field at a time.
About Farmers for Soil Health
Farmers for Soil Health (FSH) is a farmer-driven sustainability program designed to enhance soil health and promote the adoption of cover crops. With a bold vision of expanding cover crops to 30 million acres by 2030, FSH is at the forefront of sustainable agriculture practices.
Our Role
CTIC plays a vital role in this progr ... more. |
Helpful Links
CTIC and its partners lead projects at the local, regional and national level to address agriculture's pressing conservation needs. Each projectincludes public and private sector partners, shares information about new technology and tools, and promotes agricultural systems that are both economically viable and environmentally beneficial.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Callie North, CTIC (north@ctic.org; (317) 450-9137) or
Steve Werblow (steve@stevewerblow.com; (541) 951-4212)
NEW OpTIS DATA FROM SATELLITE IMAGERY SHOW 2.5x RISE IN CORN BELT COVER CROPS
Corn Belt cover crop acres climbed from 2.8 million to 7.5 million between 2015 and 2021
WEST LAFAYETTE, Indiana (February 2, 2023)—A new tranche of data from the Operational Tillage Information System (OpTIS) tracked a 250% climb in cover crop acreage—from 2.8 million acres in 2015 to 7.5 million acres in 2021—led by ro ... more. |
... on his own family farm some of the very conservation programs CTIC helps farmers and their advisors understand. Finally, he has led projects and secured grants that have provided him deep knowledge of what it takes to put conservation on the ground so it has a positive impact for all the stakeholders involved."
Heiniger is firmly focused on new opportunities emerging in conservation agriculture.
"I am humbled to have the opportunity to join and help lead CTIC as we celebrate 40 years of accomplishments and adapt to new challenges," he said. "I'm proud to bring a tractor-seat perspective to this role to help ensure new technologies and conservation programs will ultimately provide practical and profitable solutions for farmers. I am grateful to have such ... more. |
The Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC)was formed in 1982 to support the widespread use of economically and environmentally beneficial agricultural systems.
Members of CTIC, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, include farmers, policy makers, regulators, academic researchers, agribusiness leaders, conservation group personnel, farm media, and others. The organization is supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and other public entities.
It is our mission to cham ... more. |
CTIC champions, promotes and provides information on technologies and sustainable agricultural systems that conserve and enhance soil, water, air and wildlife resources, and are productive and profitable.
Lead Projects
CTIC is a leader and collaborator in projects that address conservation agriculture's most important topics. Funded by public investments, foundation grants, agribusiness and private donations, our projects provide insight into agricultural systems that a ... more. |
In April, CTIC hosted the 2022 National Aquatic Resources Survey (NARS) National Workshop, a three-day event featuring speakers from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state environmental agencies, and partners from tribes and other entities. Dozens of presentations and breakout sessions are available free on CTIC's website.
NARS is acollaborative program between EPA, states and tribes designed to assess the quality of the nation's coastal waters, lakes and reservoirs, rivers and streams, and wetlands using a statistical survey d ... more. |
CTIC WRAPS UP ISDA BLUE CREEK PROJECT WITH INTERACTIVE TRAINING
Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) staff learned how to enroll farmers into Field to Market's FieldPrint Calculator and help growers in the Blue Creek Watershed Project put the tool to use in measuring the environmental impacts of commodity crop production and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
CTIC staff—including Sue Tull, Hans Kok and Callie Cleveland—organized and hosted a vir ... more. |
... Water Quality Testing and Future Visions
Jay Benforado
Speaker Bio
Jay Benforado is the Chief Innovation Officer in EPA’s Office of Research and Development. Jay is a founding co-chair of the Federal Community of Practice for Crowdsourcing and Citizen Science, helping to guide it from a small informal group to an influential network of over 400 members representing 60 agencies. Jay’s efforts to establish citizen science, innovation project competitions, and voluntary partnerships help EPA, State, Tribal and local environmental agencies prepare for the challenges of a rapidly-changing world. Previous positions at EPA include Director of the National Center for Environmental Innovation and Deputy Associate Administrator for Policy, Economics and I ... more. |
Hello everyone,
The takeaway from 2020 for me has been that we are stronger together than apart. Agriculture, by its necessity, impacts everyone, every day. That means we need everyone around the table to set a course to a future where everyone benefits from conservation. CTIC has been and will continue to be a community where all are welcome, but 2020 demonstrated that it takes work to ensure that everyone is invited.
I’m proud of how our team has persevered through 20 ... more. |
... within two watersheds on another Great Lake, Lake Erie. As we’ve started to work with farmers and ranchers in the Maumee and Sandusky Watersheds, it’s clear that these programs are viewed with a mix of optimism and skepticism. Optimism centers around the prospect of free markets to support conservation adoption. However, concern over unfulfilled promises of past markets, like the Chicago Climate Exchange, still linger.
Novel strategies to support conservation adoption are needed now more than ever. As we’ve transitioned through many buzzword phases (organic, green, sustainable, and so on). I think Teddy Roosevelt said it best: “There can be no greater issue than that of conservation in this country.” Farmers and Ranchers are the first line of offense in adap ... more. |
CTIC has completed their workwith USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on a project in support of NWQI. This project identifiedsuccessful watershed management activities that engaged landowners, farmers, and the broader public to protect water quality. Insights developed through this project will inform future NRCS efforts to support local watershed initiatives with technical and financial resources.
As a first step, CTIC convenedwatershed leaders from across the country at five forums to learn from their experience—successful or ot ... more. |
... Over the past six months, I’ve had the opportunity to learn about the history of our organization through the eyes of many of you. It’s been a pleasure to hear the fond stories around the Conservation in Action Tour and the past projects that CTIC has lead and participated in. I’m honored and humbled to lead an organization with such a rich history of working in conservation agriculture.
Looking to the future, CTIC is primed to play a critical role in the delivery of conservation data and information. Beginning with OpTIS and DNDC data, CTIC is working to create new ways to visualize and interpret these critical data. These efforts are being coordinated with the help of The Nature Conservancy and DAGAN Incorporated. It is our intention to enable these d ... more. |
Remote Sensing Technology Drives Conservation Solutions
New Data Show Soil Health Practices on IA, IL and IN Farmland Is Moving in the Right Direction
Today marks the first release of regional-scale data from the Operational Tillage Information System (OpTIS), a new tool that has the potential to unlock conservation solutions for a variety of food and agricultural supply chain stakeholders. These data document the level of adoption of soil health practices for Illinois, Indiana and Iowa from 2005 to 2018. By the end of July, the same data will be available for the entire Corn Belt—an area extending from eastern ... more. |
A massive new data set chronicling residue management and winter cover crop use in Iowa, Illinois and Indiana from 2005 through 2018 is now in the final stages of preparation for release on CTIC's website. The resource—the Operational Tillage Information System, or OpTIS—uses publicly available remote sensing data to monitor the adoption of no-till, conservation tillage, and winter cover crops. Data covering the rest of the Corn ... more. |
The Conservation In Action Tour keeps growing! On May 31, 2012, nearly 250 participants gathered in the Mississippi Delta to meet and learn from farmers who face unique challenges in water quality, herbicide resistance and wildlife management. The Tour, organized by CTIC and partner Delta F.A.R.M., highlighted innovative conservation practices that producers and partners implement to protect and preserve one of the largest contiguous ecosystems in North America. Producers, agribusiness partners, government officials and media professionals from 26 states across the nation came to Tunica, Miss., for the informative event.
... more. |
Over the course of six years, the Indian Creek Watershed Project proved to be a significant model for voluntary water quality improvement efforts—not just in Livingston County, Illinois, but across the country.
Project organizers talked to every single producer in the watershed about conservation practices and water quality, and by the end of the project, conservation systems and best management practices (BMPs) were in place on at least 57% of the agricultural acreage in the Indian Creek drainage.
Goals and Recipes
Key concepts at the heart of the Indian Creek Watershed Project included:
The importance of locally led conservation efforts
The power of including stakeholders in the watershed from off and on the farm
Cooperation among conservation entities within the w ... more. |
Here is where you come to download resources for your training
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... Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC), a clearinghouse of information on conservation farming practices, has launched its brand-new website at www.ctic.org. The easy-to-search, simple-to-navigate site contains thousands of documents and links to information on conservation farming systems. Among the highlights are:
A searchable database from the Operational Tillage Information System (OpTIS), which uses satellite imagery to provide detailed data on tillage practices and cover crops at the county or watershed (HUC-8) scale;
Cover crop insight, including details of the economic and environmental benefits of cover crops and the results of five annual farmer surveys on cover crop use;
Tips on organizing watershed groups and multi-stakeholder conservation e ... more. |
The National Crop Residue Management Survey is a valuable tool that can be used to measure adoption of important soil-saving practices, demonstrate energy cost savings and monitor efforts to improve the environment. The Survey has been compiled and tracked by CTIC since 1982 and is the only survey in the U.S. to measure and track the type of tillage used by crop at the county level. Tillage methods tracked include no-till, ridg ... more. |
... NRCS funding to enhance that project with farmer-led field demonstrations similar to those that were critical to the success of our Indian Creek Watershed project in Illinois. If your organization would like to be part of the planning or implementation of these demos, contact Chad Watts at watts@ctic.org as soon as possible for more information.
Bee Integrated
CTIC manages the Bee Integrated project on behalf of the Honey Bee Health Coalition to demonstrate how farmers and beekeepers can collaborate on a practical system of best practices to improve pollinator health outcomes. After completing a successful pilot year in 2017, Bee Integrated is on track to enroll additional farmer-beekeeper pairs this spring. The project’s first year yielded valuable insight ... more. |
... Illinois farmers John and Dean Werries.
Several more of those feature stories are scheduled to run inCorn & Soybean Digestin the coming months, which includes their website. CTIC will also publish those stories on our website in the near future.
Supply Chain Sustainability in Iowa
Last fall, CTIC finished the first phase of a project funded by the Iowa Department of Ag and Land Stewardship. For the last three years, this project enhanced an ongoing supply chain sustainability initiative with technical and financial support that helped participating farmers plant nearly 40,000 acres of cover crops.
For our next step, CTIC is joining partners including The Nature Conservancy, Practical Farmers of Iowa, and Unilever to encourage greater adoption of ... more. |
... later this spring and are expected to provide the greatest indicator of our success providing cost-effective on-farm pollinator habitat.
National Water Quality Initiative:
CTIC is currently working with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on a project in support of the National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI). This project is identifying successful watershed management activities that engage landowners, farmers, and the broader public to protect water quality. Insights developed through this project will inform future NRCS efforts to support local watershed initiatives with technical and financial resources.
As a first step, CTIC is convening watershed leaders from across the country at five forums to learn from their experience—successful o ... more. |
Supply Chain Sustainability in Iowa
Last fall, CTIC finished the first phase of a project funded by the Iowa Department of Ag and Land Stewardship. For the last three years, this project enhanced an ongoing supply chain sustainability initiative with technical and financial support that helped participating farmers plant nearly 40,000 acres of cover crops.
For our next step, CTIC is joining partners including The Nature Conservancy, Practical Farmers of Iowa, and Unilever to encourage greater adoption of ... more. |
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
“Professional ag consultants will learn what they need to provide one more service to the farmers they advise. Recognizing where a conservation practice would be a good fit, and charting a course for putting it into use, is a real value to their clients. Not every CCA or retail agronomist is interested in writing elaborate conservation plans, but these are the people farmers turn to first for advice. They’r ... more. |
CTIC is working with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to improve the effective engagement by NRCS in delivering watershed projects and to enhance the agency's ability to communicate the issues and success of watershed projects. This project is identifying successful watershed management activities that engage landowners, farmers, and the broader public to protect water quality. Insights developed through this project will inform future NRCS efforts to support local watershed ... more. |
About
Resources
Travel
Workshops
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About
Resources
Travel
Workshops
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No resources are available at this time.
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Workshops planned for 2017 and 2018
National Aquatic Resources Workshop
December 5-7, 2017
Silver Springs, MD
Click here for more information.
National Aquatic Resources Workshop
will be held in conjunction with NWQMC
Spring, 2018.
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Practical Conservation Planning in the Field
August 22-23, 2017
Stuttgart Public Library
Stuttgard, Arkansas
Ph: 870-673-1966
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Professional ag consultants will learn what they need to provide one more service to the farmers they advise. Recognizing where a conservation practice would be a good fit, and charting a course for putting it into use, is a real value to their clients. Not every CCA or retail agronomist is interested in writing elaborate conservation plans, but these are the people farmers turn to first for advice. They’r ... more. |
Organization
The Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3), membership organization that provides technical, educational and practical support to America’s agricultural and conservation communities. We were formed in 1982 by a group of representatives from agribusiness, government and associations. We thrive today with guidance and support from partners and members from the public, private and academic sectors.
America’s producers today face complex decisions about how to integrate and maintain conservation systems within their farming operati ... more. |
USDA Natural Resources Credit Trading Reference
Credit trading guide for conservation specialists. Learn the basics of credit trading; the features of an efficient environmental market; how to form efficent and effective markets; how credit trading integrates with federal, state and privately supported conservation programs; and how to make environmental credit markets work effectively in agriculture.
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CTIC and Purdue University aim to understand why farmers adopt practices eligible for carbon offset credits.The core research question is: To what degree do non-financial factors, such as how information is presented, shape farmers’ willingness to adopt offset-eligible agricultural practices? Based on recent work in economic, political and agricultural decision-making,the primary hypothesis is that the way in which information is presented will significantly affect farmers’ interest in and eventual adoption of offset-eligible practices. In many cases,it isbelieved thatthis framing effect will be as strong as or stronger than the effec ... more. |
Nutrient Management Plan Resources
Minnesota’s Nonpoint Source Management Program Plan 2008, Chapter 9
MPCA Phosphorus Strategy
MDA Field Scale Water Quality Demonstrations (Hwy 90 & Red Top Demo site
Nutrient Management Initiative
Southern MN Nutrient Management Resources
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Find the following CTIC resources in the Free Download section of CTIC’s Online Store.
Better Soil, Better Yields is a guidebook to improving soil organic matter and infiltration with continuous no-till.
Facilitating Conservation Farming Practices and Enhancing Environmental Sustainability with Agricultural Biotechnology explores environmental benefits of conservation tillage, facilitated significantly by biotechnology crops.
A Review of BMPs for Managing Crop Nutrients and Conservation Tillage to Improve Water Quality reviews research on nutrient best management practices (BMPs) for nitrogen and phosphorus, with emphasis on integrating BMPs with conservation tillage.
... more. |
Water quality trading is a valuable concept
for the electric and agricultural industries.
The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
recently secured $1.3 million in grants from
the EPA and the USDA to launch a regional
water quality trading program in the Ohio
River Basin.
Photo courtesy of EPRI
Trading Up for Water Quality
Producers and industry pursue growing interest in the market-based approach of ... more. |
... In Action Tour 2010
Register Today for August 3 Event
Sponsor CTIC's Marquee Event, the Conservation In Action Tour
Tour sponsors receive:
National recognition
Exposure to local, regional and national media
Interaction with Tour participants, including policy makers, government agency representatives, producers, ag and conservation associations, media and more
Opportunity to showcase products, technology and equipment to target audience
Our annual Conservation In Action Tour:
gathers our national, diverse membership
attracts new members
showcases what we do best - provide acce ... more. |
... such as wastewater treatment plants and electric companies.
Nonpoint-source contributors: Pollution that results from many difficult-to-pinpoint and control sources, rather than one specific source. For example, runoff from farm operations, forestry, urban environments, mining, construction and others.
Water quality trading continues to gain interest among industry and agricultural producers as a viable market-based alternative to achieving water quality improvements. New projects in the Midwest explore how to structure a large-scale trading program, the feasibility of trading in the Wabash River watershed and the support role that agricultural industry can play.
Water quality trading assigns economic value to the benefits generated by conservation practice i ... more. |
Who: Wye Mills, MD
What: March 4-5, 2009
Where: Chesapeake College
Together with its partners, Environmental Trading Network, the International Certified Crop Advisers, the Water Environment Federation, and the Maryland Departments of Agriculture and the Environment, the Conservation Technology Information Center hosted this interactive event as part of Maryland’s public outreach on its newly developed nonpoint-source trading program.
Water quality trading is a market-based approach to improve water quality. It is an innovative, voluntary tool that connects industrial and municipal facilities (point sources) with agr ... more. |
Research & Technology Briefs
Unprecedented Cropland Study Confirms Conservation Practices Work On Farms in Upper Mississippi River Basin
Conservation practices installed and applied by agricultural producers on cropland are reducing sediment, nutrient and pesticide losses from farm fields, according to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. More...
Cool Farm Tool
A public release version of the Cool Farm Tool Greenhouse Gas Calculator, a new greenhouse gas calculator for farming,is now available.According to Unilever, it's easy to use and gives ... more. |
... on behalf of the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) and our member conservation districts! NACD is the nonprofit organization that represents America’s 3,000 conservation districts and the 17,000 men and women who serve on their governing boards. Conservation districts are local units of government established under state law to carry out natural resource management programs at the local level. Districts work with millions of landowners and operators to help them manage and protect land and water resources on all private lands and many public lands in the United States.
Conservation districts have been involved in delivering locally-driven conservation across America for more than 70 years. No other conservation or environmental group in the count ... more. |
Moved by environmental stewardship and new government requirements, producers seek to limit nutrients in the environment through improved fertilizer efficiency.
Photo courtesy of Agrium
Smarter Fertilizer Use Yields Environmental Benefits
By Matthew W. Clover
All plants need nitrogen, an essential nutrient for growth. Through the years, growers have found ways to replace nitrogen removed from soil, improve nutrient uptake and increase yields through ever-improving fertilizer management. The new challenge? Meeting ... more. |
Ecocommerce assigns value to agricultural conservation practices as well as land management.
Photo courtesy of USDA-NRCS.
Ecocommerce: The Next-Generation Ecoservice Market
Today’s ecoservice markets
By Tim Gieseke
Seventy-five years ago, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) placed value on soil resources with the creat ... more. |
A group of agriculture and conservation stakeholders in the Pacific Northwest is working to devise strategies that will ease the transition of land protected under the Conservation Reserve Program to no-till production system.
Photo courtesy of CTIC
Conservation Reserve Program – Exit Strategies
By Russ Evans
In the rain-fed region ... more. |
The Mosaic 2009 Sustainability Report focuses on six core principles, one of which is ensuring environmental stewardship for responsible land and natural resource use.
Photo courtesy of CTIC
Leading the way
Mosaic Company is a pioneer of progression in agricultural sustainability
By Christy Couch Lee
Just five years ago, the Mosaic Company launched as the second-largest crop nutrition firm, when Cargill Crop Nutrition and IMC Global Inc, joined forces. Today, this company is a leader in providing phosphate and potash for worldwide agriculture.
Mosaic takes pride in its efforts to increase sustainability, and these efforts have ... more. |
The Agricultural Drainage Management Coalition conducted demonstration field days in five states last year to give farmers, advisors and regulators an up-close look at field-scale drainage management plots side-by-side with free-flowing tile drainage.
Agricultural Drainage Management:
Benefits Could Range from the Bin to the Gulf
By Steve Werblow
Managing agricultural draina ... more. |
This site is intended to bring together those having manure with those needing manure and includes a manure management planner. There are many other links to resources as well, including a listing of many Midwest testing labs, manure spreader calibration information, compost tipsheets and much more.
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Established 1998
The purpose of the Conservation Tillage Workgroup is to 1) develop knowledge and exchange information on conservation tillage production systems, 2) coordinate related research and extension programs, 3) respond to needs for information on reduced tillage production alternatives, and 4) plan and conduct statewide and regional conferences, workshops and training demonstrations as well as produce UC Division of Agriculture and Natural R ... more. |
... Cover Crops Council Web Site Introduced
Midwestern farmers wanting to learn more about cover crops now have a central information source where they can easily find practical ways to use them.
The Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC) recently introduced a Web site as an educational tool to help expand the knowledge compiled since the group's formation two years ago to farmers and others in agricultural-related fields.
The MCCC is comprised of a diverse group of academia, production agriculture, non-governmental organizations, commodity interests, private sector and representatives from federal and state agencies collaborating to address soil, water, air and agricultural quality concerns in the Great Lakes and Mississippi river basins (including Ind ... more. |
... nothing else like it. TheConservation Connector directory allows users to search programs by crop, conservation practice, and geography, allowing producers to find local programs that fit their operation, and more importantly, connectwith local contacts for technical support and guidance to help them be successful.
We're bringing awareness to a fragmented ecosystem and helping farmers access the historic funding and diversity of programs in the marketplace by making theConservation Connector as complete and robust as possible.
Raise the visibility of your programs by creating a free listing in the portal. Simply register or log in, then select Manage Programs or Manage Providers to enter or update your information.
... more. |
At CTIC it is our mission to champion, promote and provide information on sustainable agricultural systems that conserve and enhance soil, water, air and wildlife resources and are productive and profitable.
CTIC is proud to be a clearinghouse of information on conservation agriculture. CTIC continues to advance practical systems that improve soil health and water quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance resilience to intensifying climate change, and deliver other environ ... more. |
CTIC Presents: Farmers for Soil Health webinars
Termination and Management of Cover Crops
in the North Central States
February 6, 2024
Description: Featured speakers:
Colin Geppert, a farmer in South Dakota
Dr. Erin Silva of University of Wisconsin
Myron Sylling, a farmer in Minnesota
Join the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) and Farmers for Soil Health on Tuesday, February 6 at 10:00 am CST for a free webinar on cover cro ... more. |
Diamond Member
The Mosaic Company
www.mosaicco.com
Mosaic is the world's leading producer and marketer of concentrated phosphate and potash, two of the primary nutrients required to grow the food the world needs. The business engages in every phase of crop nutrition development, from the mining of resources to the production of crop nutrients, feed and industrial products for customers around the globe.
Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC.
www.syngenta.com
Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology. As a global provider of innovative ... more. |
Celebrating Agriculture, Wildlife and Rural Traditions
Hosted in Conjunction with the 17th Annual CTIC Conservation In Action Tour
12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, June 10th 2024
This free, interactive, in-person event will take place at theDucks Unlimited National Headquarters, where you'll be surrounded by like-minded individuals who share your passion for conservation. Limited to 50 attendees, do ... more. |
CTIC Data Licensing Agreement
The Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) provides Data to the public as part of its mission to champion, promote, and provide information about comprehensive conservation and sustainable agricultural systems that are beneficial for soil, water, air and wildlife resources and are productive and profitable for agriculture. By using Data from the CTIC web-site, the User agrees ... more. |
CTIC Hires Catie Geib as New Soil Health Specialist in Wisconsin and Announces Cover Crop Webinar Series
WEST LAFAYETTE, Indiana, September 6, 2023 –Soil health specialist Catie Geib has joined the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC), a 41-year-old conservation agriculture non-profit, to provide technical support to Wisconsin farmers under the Farmers for Soil Health (FSH) program.
The Farmers for Soil Health program provides payments for new and existing cover crop users. CTIC will provide technical assistance to farmers participating in FSH in Wisconsin, Minnesota and South Dakota, and is partnering with the state soybean associations in all three st ... more. |
... at the end of the incentive program.
In all, just 15.6% of cover crop users said receiving incentive payments was one of their goals for cover cropping.
These findings were among many conclusions drawn in a report, issued jointly by the USDA-NIFA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) and the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), based on insights from nearly 800 farmers in 49 states.
"Some people mistakenly assume that farmers only stick with cover crops because of payments, but this year's National ... more. |
CONSERVATION IN ACTION TOUR BACK ON THE BUS!
In 2020 and 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed our plans back for an in-person Conservation in Action Tour. But we rallied with virtual tours that blended pre-recorded and live content in conjunction with the American Society of Agronomy's Sustainable Agriculture Conference.
Check out our digital library for interviews, panel discussions and videos that bring you across the country, from multi-generational commitment to conservation farming in Ohio, to in-depth explorations of carbon farming, phosphorus management, pollinator habitat and—CTIC's specialty—connecting for conservation.
... more. |
SHARE YOUR INSIGHT IN SARE/CTIC/ASTA COVER CROP SURVEY
Farmer insights are now being sought for the sixth nationwide cover crop survey by USDA's SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education) program, the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) and the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA).
The online questionnaire is now open at https://bit.ly/CCSurvey2020.
The survey takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Participants who complete the survey can enter a drawing for Visa gift cards worth up to $200.
"Since 2012, the SARE/CT ... more. |
CTIC would like your feedback on this page. Take Survey
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... CTIC CONSERVATION IN ACTION TOUR!
Time is running out and seats are filling up quickly for the Conservation in Action Tour hosted by the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC), which will be held in central Iowa August 20 and 21. Registration for the event closes in just one week, at midnight on July 26.
The tour includes farm visits, a tour of a cutting-edge ag retail operation, a close-up look at the Iowa Land Improvement Contractors Association (LICA) demonstration farm, and talks by leading policy makers, researchers, conservation agriculture specialists and ag retailers from the state and national levels.
Other highlights include:
An address by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig at the tour's opening social at the World F ... more. |
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig will kick off the 2019 Conservation in Action Tour at the event's opening social, hosted by John Deere at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates in Des Moines. Naig is just one of many great speakers who will provide insight into Iowa agriculture's conservation efforts. Others include:
Kurt Simon, Iowa State Conservationist, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Ser ... more. |
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... and remain profitable.
How well organized it was and the variety of topics.
Seeing BMPs in action.
Open flow of information.
I really loved the HAFA Farm. The community of people working together was absolutely wonderful.
What We Learned:
Stop #1 - Hmong American Farmer Association (HAFA) Farm, Hastings, Minn.
History of the Hmong people and their deep relationship with agriculture
Click here to watch the YouTube video developed by HAFA.
HAFA’s conservation philosophy and importance of whole farm plans that include pollinator habitat and conservation practices, such as nutrient management, cover crops and other soil health practices.
Download the handout "The Effect of Cover Crops on Water and ... more. |
The Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) is seeking applicants interested in serving as its new Executive Director in order to carry out its mission, which is to “connect, champion, and provide information on sustainable agricultural systems and technologies that are productive, profitable and preserve natural resources.”
The Executive Director is responsible for oversight and direction of programs, including quality control, financial and budget management, fund raising, fostering member involvement and commitment, facilitating public/private partnerships, and maintaining productive internal and ... more. |
... implementation of practices, and sharing perspective on the needs and real-world challenges facing farmers trying to protect soil, water and air quality as well as their economic sustainability.
Watershed Success Forums
Working with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through the National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI), CTIC is identifying successful watershed management activities that engage landowners, farmers, and the broader public to protect water quality. Five forums in five states are yielding a guide for NRCS, partners and stakeholders on organizing local watershed groups and creating successful watershed products. The guide, being prepared by Dr. Linda Prokopy of Purdue University in collaboration with CTIC, will be released in the fall of 2019.
... more. |
... application resulted in the highest yields.
Spring timing delivered the most efficient in nitrogen use.
Fall timing afforded lower maximum economic rate of nitrogen (MERN) due to N losses reducing efficiency
Fall application returned lowest yield
Split application timing (1/2 in fall and 1/2 in spring) yielded better than fall application, but not as well as spring application.
Resources:
Harms Corn After Soybeans NUE Timing.
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The National Aquatic Resource Surveys (NARS) are collaborative programs between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), states and tribes that assess the quality of the nation's inland and coastal waters, providing vital data that can help guide conservation efforts on the landscape.
CTIC works with EPA and its partners on technical training to carry out NARS assessments, and to promote conservation systems that help protect and improve water quality.
Through articles, videos and other media, ... more. |
... We are thrilled to announce that our 11thannual Conservation in Action Tour will take place on July 11 and 12 near the beautiful Chesapeake Bay in the Maryland and Washington D.C. area. More information will be announced as it is finalized in the coming months. We’re excited to continue bringing together people from across the country with different perspectives on conservation agriculture – and of course, a front row view of the latest and best management practices.
CTIC audit results
We’re proud to report another successful audit in 2017. The 990 will be posted in the Members Only section of the website within a week. We look forward to continuing to improve and learn as an organization in 2018!
Want to get involved? Join a CTIC committee
... more. |
... spring and are expexted to provide the greatest indicator of our success providing cost-effective on-farm pollinator habitat.
National Water Quality Initiative:
CTIC is currently working with USDA's Natural Recources Conservation Service (NRCS) on a project in support of the National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI). This project is identifying successful watershed management activities that engage landowners, farmers, and the broader public to protect water quality. Insights developed through this project will inform future NRCS efforts to support local watershed initiatives with technical and financial resources.
As a first step, CTIC is convening wareshed leaders from across the country at five forums to learn from their experience-successfu ... more. |
In 2010, EPA granted funds to CTIC for five years to plan and facilitate aquatic resource monitoring training workshops for states, tribes and other stakeholders. Since then, CTIC has been awarded a grant to conduct these workshops until 2020. CTIC will continue to enhance collaboration, communication, coordination and technology transfer among the more than 800 professionals attending the workshops.
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About Resources Travel Workshops
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About Resources Travel Workshops
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About Resources Travel Workshops
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About
Resources
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About Resources Travel Workshops
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About Resources Travel Workshops
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Click on the resource images or title below to download the file.
OpTIS ExampleData (PDF)
OpTIS Info Card (PDF)
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Practical Conservation Planning in the Field
August 22-23, 2017
Stuttgart Public Library
Stuttgard, Arkansas
Ph: 870-673-1966
This workshop will provide CCAs and other ag consultants with the foundation to recognize opportunities for reducing their clients’ impact on water quality. The majority of the day will be spent with three speakers—representing industry, agency, and academia—who will lend their expertise to give a complete perspective on a set of edge of field practices. Attendees will also learn about in-field nutrient management for impr ... more. |
CTIC champions, promotes and provides information on technologies and sustainable agricultural systems that conserve and enhance soil, water, air and wildlife resources and are productive and profitable.
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In 2006, CTIC received a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protections Agency Gulf of Mexico Program to fund"Building Innovative Industry-Producer Partnerships to Reduce Hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico." CTIC led the organization of three collaborative groups, all including public and private members, to develop and oversee projects and programs in their geographic areas.
CTIC and partners strive to develop innovative, transferable ap ... more. |
CTIC, with funding provided by the United Soybean Board, updated its 2003 publication on conservation tillage and biotechnology. CTIC's new publication, "Facilitating Conservation Farming Practices and Enhancing Environmental Sustainability with Agricultural Biotechnology", explores the environmental benefits of conservation tillage practices, which are facilitated significantly by biotechnology crops. The publication, reviewed by a panel of experts, shows the dramatic improvements in envi ... more. |
... EPA, State, Tribal and other partners working on water monitoring issues across waterbody types to discuss and share information on the national aquatic resource surveys and their relationship to other state/tribal programs, provide technical training and tools so that States, Tribes and other partners can build their capacity to implement aquatic resource surveys at multiple scales (data management, analysis, interpretation) and to rovide examples of how to use the aquatic resource survey methodology to inform state and tribal needs at multiple scales.
Visit the National Aquatic Resource Surveys web site for more information.
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... EPA, State, Tribal and other partners working on water monitoring issues across waterbody types to discuss and share information on the national aquatic resource surveys and their relationship to other state/tribal programs, provide technical training and tools so that States, Tribes and other partners can build their capacity to implement aquatic resource surveys at multiple scales (data management, analysis, interpretation) and to rovide examples of how to use the aquatic resource survey methodology to inform state and tribal needs at multiple scales.
Visit the National Aquatic Resource Surveys web site for more information.
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... with best-in-class organizations to promote many aspects of conservation, including nutrient stewardship, habitat conservation and watershed restoration.
For example, The Mosaic Company Foundation supports The Nature Conservancy’sGreat Rivers Partnershipthrough science-based work with farmers and partners to improve water quality in three key agricultural watersheds in the Upper Mississippi River Basin – Minnesota’s Root River, Iowa’s Boone River and Illinois’ Mackinaw River.Additionally, The Mosaic Company supports theFlorida Farm Bureau’s CARES program, which recognizes superior natural resource conservation by agricultural producers.Since its inception in 2001, more than 550 agriculturis ... more. |
Penn State University, University of Maryland, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service have all been testing various soil parameters on the Cedar Meadow Farm.
Groff, Steve. 2008. Mixtures and cocktails: Soil is meant to be covered. J. Soil Water Conserv. 63(4):110A-111A.
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Maintaining environmental quality implies sustainable agricultural production systems that preserve and prated soil resources.
<span style="font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;Calibri" ,"sans-serif";times="" new="" roman";times="" roman";"="">Cover crop and soil quality interactions in agroecosystems.
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Monsanto works with farmers from around the world to make agriculture more productive and sustainable. We've strengthened our goal of doubling crop yields by committing to doing it with one-third fewer resources such as land, water and energy per unit produced. We're working with our partners to develop conservation systems that are better for the plant. |
Water quality credit trading may be, in many areas,a successful market-based approach to improve water quality. It is an innovative, voluntary tool that connects industrial and municipal facilities, subject to wastewater permit requirements, with agricultural producers to economically achieve water quality improvements. It has the potential to bea flexible and cost-effective approach for maintaining, restoring or enhancing water quality.
Funded By
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Conservation Innovation Grant
Project Partners
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Environmental Trading Network, International ... more. |
... supplier of phosphate and potash, we consider this mission to be a compelling one that carries vast responsibilities.
From water conservation and energy efficiency to stringent safety programs and community investment, sustainability is embedded in virtually everything we do. We believe that lasting success comes from making smart choices about our stewardship of the environment, how we engage our people, and how we manage our resources.
The Mosaic Company is a long and active sponsor of CTIC activities. |
The Livingston County field office provides technical assistance as well as financial assistance through EQIP and CSP programs. |
Agricultural conservation systems produce good yields and strong profits while responsibly managing environmental resources. These systems efficiently manage nutrients and pests, control irrigation and drainage water flows, use cover crops, rotate crops to maximize conservation benefits and
minimize equipment wear. See CTIC's conservation systems information sheet HERE ... more. |
Planting forage and using grazing rotations to maximize production and
reduce sediment and nutrient runoff. Consider food, water and herd size.
How it works
Pasture is divided into two or ... more. |
The Confined Animal Manure Manager (CAMM) program team consists of agents and specialists with Clemson University, the Clemson Extension Service, the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. The team was assembled in 1998 to comply with State Regulation R.61-43, which states:
100.190.A An operator of a new or existing swine facility, lagoon, manure storage pond ... more. |
Today there are thousands of Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) nationally that require an National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)permit. Producers and their technical service providers need specialized informationand assistance with new technologies to resolve livestock waste management issues and address water quality concerns.
Collaborative watershed effortsfocused on managing livestock waste need resourcesto help inform the public and the producers.
Project Partner
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5
Activities
This project employs information technology transfer through published articles in CTIC's Partners onlin ... more. |
The Conservation Technology Information Center, through its partnership with The Fertilizer Institute (TFI), the national trade association representing the U.S. fertilizer industry, has joined a national effort to promote 4R nutrient stewardship.
In March, TFI launched a new website, www.nutrientstewardship.com, to showcase supportive resources and educational tools for the 4R nut
rient stewardship concept which promotes the use of the right fertilizer source, at the right rate, right time and in the right place. CTIC has joined the Institute’s effort by becoming what is known as a 4R supporter.Learn more about the 4Rs and CTIC’s involvement with the initiative by visiting www.nutrientstewardship.com.
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Spying on Residue
Remote Sensing of Crop Residue Cover and Soil Tillage Intensity
Remote Sensing the Spacial Distribution of Crop Residues
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CTIC Institutional Member, the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), is the nonprofit organization that represents America’s 3,000 conservation districts and the 17,000 men and women who serve on their governing boards. Conservation districts are local units of government established under state law to carry out natural resource management programs at the local level. Districts work with millions of cooperating landowners and operators to help them manage and protect land and water resources on all private lands and many public lands in the United States.NACD's mission is to serve conservation districts by providing national leadership and a unified voice for natural resource conservation. To learn more about NACD, v ... more. |
CTIC Institutional Member, the American Society of Agronomy (ASA), is a prominent international scientific society headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin. Because of their common interests, ASA, the Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), and the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) share a close working relationship as well as the same headquarters office. Each of the three Societies is autonomous, has its own bylaws, and is governed by ... more. |
CTIC Institutional Gold Member, Soil and Water Conservation Society, has a mission to foster the science and art of natural resource conservation. Their work targets conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources on working land - the land used to produce food, fiber, and other services that improve the quailty of life people experience in rural and urban communities. They work to discover, develop, implement, and constantly improve ways to use land that sustains its productive capacity and enhances the environment at the same time. To learn more about the Soil and Water Conservation Society, ... more. |
... specializes in restoration design, water resources, planning, and environmental engineering. TFG was founded and organized on the principles of flexible client services coupled with creative solutions, and we strive to produce a successful product not just for their clients, but with their clients. The quality of TFG's professional services is excellent and their status under management ownership has brought an unequalled level of effort and commitment to their product, from proposal to project completion. To learn more about The Flatwater Group, visit www.flatwatergroup.com.
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... engineering, and technical services worldwide. They are a diverse company, including individuals with expertise in science, research, engineering, construction, and information technology. Their strength is in collectively providing integrated services - delivering the best solutions to meet clients' needs.
In a complex world with competing demands for limited resources, Tetra Tech offers clear solutions made possible by sound science, understanding, innovation, and industry-leading approaches. To learn more about Tetra Tech, visit www.tetratech.com.
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CTIC Gold Corporate Member, Mosaic, is the world's leading producer and marketer of comcentrated phosphate and potash, two of the primary nutrients required to grow the food the world needs. Their business engages in every phase of crop nutrition development, from the mining of resources to the production of crop nutrients, feed and industrial products for customers around the globe. Their customer base includes wholesalers, retail dealers, and individual growers in more than 40 countries.
Headquartered in Plymouth, Minnesota, Mosaic employs approximately 7,400 people in eight countr ... more. |
Ag producers mark your calendars for July 7, 2011. Attend one of two duplicate farm tours that day. The morning tour will leave First Baptist Church in Fairbury, Ill., at 9:30 AM central time. The evening tour will leave the church at 3:00 PM central time. The church is located at 701 North 7th Street, Fairbury, IL 61739-1595. Participants will meet at the church then board a bus t ... more. |
CASA is a North American alliance of producer organizations united with a common goal to advance conservation agriculture systems. CASA strengthens the individual efforts of each member organization and also helps the collective group move toward the shared purpose of increasing conservation in agriculture in North America. CTIC hosts monthly conference calls, a web site and a discussion forum for CASA. CASA primary purposes are to:
Facilitate communication among CASA members and partners
... more. |
In 2010, CTIC received a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to fund the "Aquatic Resource Monitoring Technical Training Workshops for States, Tribes and Other Stakeholders" project. Over the next three years, CTIC will provide the leadership and technical support to conduct seven aquatic resource-specific workshops and two national conferences covering all aquatics resource types. These workshops and conferences will enhance the collaboratio ... more. |
CTIC champions, promotes and provides information on technologies and sustainable agricultural systems that conserve and enhance soil, water, air and wildlife resources and are productive and profitable.
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The EPA's Watershed Academy provides training opportunities and other resources regarding watershed utilization. Users can participate in training tools, webcasts and others informational sessions. To view publications produced by the Watershed Academy, a list of seminars and other training courses or other information, click here.
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Cover Crops
Species Information
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Conference Presentations from Feb. 18, 2010
Phosphorus Management
- Dr. Albert Sims, University of Minnesota
Agriculture and the Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Issue
- Dr. C.S. Snyder, International Plant Nutrition Institute
On-Farm Evaluation of Nitrogen and Phosphorous Nutrient Management
- Brian Williams, Minnesota Department of Ag
Where the City Meets the Farm: a Case Study of Drainage and Water Quality
- Dr. John F. Moncrief ... more. |
... the better it performs. Whether producing organic matter, cycling nutrients, filtering water or other critical functions, soil quality is a key ingredient in the Core 4 Conservation recipe for enhancing soil and water resources, improving farm profitability and working toward a brighter future.
“Soil quality is the capacity of a specific soil to function,” said Mike Hubbs, agronomist with NRCS Soil Quality Institute. “Soil quality is not the end, but a means to an end. By improving soil quality, we improve soil function, like soil productivity, and generate higher yields.”
So, assessing, maintaining and improving soil quality are essential considerations when selecting crop types, inputs and management options.
SOIL QUALITY ASSESSMENT
&ld ... more. |
Farmers throughout the Mississippi River basin are making the right choices for nutrient efficiency and water quality protection, and CTIC is telling their story.
Photo courtesy of USEPA
Upstream Heroes: CTIC Spreads Nutrient
Management Success Stories from along the
Mississippi River
ByAmy Raley
With current recession-generated challenges on the minds and balance sheets of every business and industry, farmers are as vigilant today as ever in their quests for new, smart, cost-saving strategies to produce more with less. That's just one reason why CTIC is launching a new information campaign to share th ... more. |
Rye cover crop seeded into corn residue.
Photo courtesy of USDA
Cover Crops Work with Various Crop Production Systems
By Jason Johnson
According to a panel of Iowa farmers, agronomists and soil conservationists, cover crops such as rye, wheat and clover are environmentally beneficial and with proper management won’t inhibit yields on various crop production systems, including no-till and organic farming.
At a recent Cover Crops Workshop in Jefferson, Iowa, dozens gathered to discuss and learn more about the many benefits and varieties of cover crops, and wa ... more. |
Water Quality Credit Trading Workshop
August 19 - 20, 2008
Troy-Hayner Cultural Center
Troy, Ohio
Water Quality Credit Trading programs bring together agriculture and the wastewater community to solve difficult water quality issues.The Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC), in conjunction with the Environmental Trading Network (ETN), the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and Certified Crop Advisers, is hosting a two-day water quality credit trading workshop. This will be a detailed, intensive training program on water quality trading ... more. |
... for a no-till program cuts it back to 20 gallons of fuel and two hours of time.
Photo courtesy of Steve Werblow
Fast vs. Fuel - The New No-Till Debate
By Steve Werblow
Skyrocketing fuel and fertilizer bills have tempered some of the enthusiasm over unprecedented commodity prices. It seems like the perfect storm to push a no-till agenda – the chance to slash diesel consumption when fuel prices are at unheard-of levels. Then Paul Jasa, extension agricultural engineer at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Neb., and long-time proponent of no-till, points out that the push for conservation really needs to return to the very basics.
“Everybody's shocked about fuel and fertilizer prices on an indivi ... more. |
CTIC News
New CTIC Board of Directors Announced
CTIC elected its 2010-2011 Board of Directors at the 2010 CTIC Winter Board Meeting, held Feb. 3 in Orlando, Fla. Serving as 2010-2011 officers: Timothy J. Healey, Agrotain International, Chair; Harold Reetz, Foundation for Agronomic Research, First Vice Chair; Charlie Schafer, Agri Drain Corporation, Second Vice Chair; Rex Martin, Syngenta America, Treasurer; Karen Scanlon, CTIC, Secretary; Chris Foster, John Deere, Past Chair. Serving as 2010-2011 directors: Neil E. Caskey, Osborn & Barr Communications; Larry Clemens, The Nature Conservancy; Dave Gustafs ... more. |
... tool that will assess how some operational decisions affect natural resource conservation and sustainability.
The Fieldprint Calculator, available at www.fieldtomarket.org, provides an easy way to analyze and assess their current land use, energy use, water use, greenhouse gas emission, and soil loss. It also explores various scenarios that may help improve farm natural resource management and, ultimately, their operation efficiency and financial return. Click here for more information on the Fieldprint Calculator.
For more information on the Fieldprint Calculator, please visit the Field to Market website www.fieldtomarket.org or see Frequently Asked Questions.
Minnesota Project Releases Biofuels Study
The Minnesota Project, a nonprofit organizati ... more. |
... Rhine, University of Missouri Delta Center, reviewed proper application of nitrogen on rice.
Photo courtesy of Kathleen Logan-Smith
Photo courtesy of Kathleen Logan-Smith
Field Days Featured Tools for Farm Profitability
By Christa Martin-Jones
At a field day held July 24, approximately 50 Southeast Missouri agricultural producers and agricultural advisors learned about nitrogen management tools to help farmers’ bottom lines. Participants in the free event, Profitability through Nitrogen Efficiency, visited two research sites to hear from experts about ongoing studies and results. The morning session on rice was held at Missouri Rice Research Farm west of Malden, Mo. Afternoon participants visited ... more. |
... of Directors
By Timothy J. Healey
At the February 2009 meeting of the CTIC Board of Directors, a new Executive Board was voted into office. Our term began March 1 and will expire on February 28, 2010. While a few of us previously served on the Executive Board we all have new positions. John Deere's Chris Foster is now the Past Chair; Foundation for Agronomic Research's Dr. Harold Reetz is First Vice Chair; Agri Drain's Charles Schafer is Second Vice Chair; Osborn & Barr Communication's Neil Caskey is Secretary; and Monsanto's Jim Hudson is Treasurer. Both Neil and Jim are new to the Executive Board.
In addition to electing a new Executive Board, the CTIC membership renewed the term of National Corn Growers Association ... more. |
CTIC Welcomes New Members
By Rachel Doctor
CORPORATE
Terra Industries Inc.
CTIC is excited to introduce Terra Industries Inc., as a new Premier Corporate Member.
Headquartered in Sioux City, Iowa, Terra serves agriculture by providing farmers with nitrogen products that replenish the soil and are essential to plant growth. In fact, the company is the leading international producer of nitrogen products for agricultural, industrial and environmental markets. Terra owns and operates nitrogen manufacturing facilities in six North American locations and own 50 percent interest in joint ventures in the United K ... more. |
... Dispute Study That Relates No-Till to Algae Problem
Rachel Doctor
Last spring, a study conducted by Hiedelberg College's water lab in Tiffin, Ohio, reported that no-till farming was contributing to the dissolved phosphorus that enters the water supply and causes an accumulation of algae in Lake Erie.
According to Norm Widman, national agronomist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), no-till systems are not the reason for this dissolved phosphorus, but several things have caused a “perfect storm” for this phosphorus runoff.
”Most phosphorus runoff is caused by the timing and methods of application of phosphorus,” Widman says. “Too much application in the summer and fall with no ... more. |
... too, including the Conservation In Action Tour, a summer event that brought together nearly 100 members and partners to see first-hand how producers are making conservation profitable and sustainable. I hope you all will join us in 2009 for the Tour in western Illinois (see more details).
CTIC broke new ground this year, too, with new workshops and conferences on important topics for agriculture. In August, CTIC hosted a pilot workshop in Ohio that brought together agricultural producers and advisors and wastewater and energy utilities to learn about water quality credit trading. The positive feedback we received on the format and content of the workshop was inspiring and will help us to deliver three more workshops in 2009.
In September, CTIC was awarded a Conservation ... more. |
CNMPs are very important resources. They provide valuable natural resource management information and help farmers and ranchers comply with water quality regulations. The final EPA regulation for CAFOs and recent public pressure elevate the importance of this NRCS planning assistance. You are encouraged to emphasize this importance and continue to communicate and collaborate with livestock and poultry industry producers and representatives.
Contact. Additional copies may be ... more. |
This is an Extension system website featuring resources and answers to inquiries from livestock waste experts. Includes timely topics and newsletters, and a calendar of conferences and educational events.
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The Confined Animal Manure Manager (CAMM) program team consists of agents and specialists with Clemson University, the Clemson Extension Service, the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. The team was assembled in 1998 to comply with State Regulation R.61-43, which states:
100.190.A An operator of a new or existing swine facility, lagoon, manure storage pond ... more. |
Various planner resources and research, educational programs and materials focus on economically feasible and environmentally-sound manure handling systems that also meet Federal, state, and local air and water quality protection regulations.
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... livestock.
To attract a specific wildlife species, choose cover and habitat for that species.
Create a diverse habitat to attract a wider variety of wildlife.
Consult with a local wildlife biologist, Soil & Water Conservation District, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or wildlife group in your area for local recommendations.
Include a food plot if possible.
Encourage shrub growth between woodlands and grasslands.
Include bird houses and feeding stations in habitat areas.
Plant fruit and nut bearing trees or shrubs to the windward side of a woodland habitat area.
Maintenance
Prescribed burning may be necessary to regenerate growth and eliminate undesirable species.
Use weed management to maintain desirable plant and animal species.
Replant v ... more. |
In Illinois, there are three different manure management plans that a livestock facility might need to have. University of Illinois Extension has worked with Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to develop one website of step-by-step instructions that, if completed, will comply with the needs of all three agencies.
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Design of manure storage and treatment facilities requires an understanding of the operation involved in food animal production and engineering design principles. It also requires access to manure production data, as well as reporting and presentation software to put it all together. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service created the Animal Waste Management computer program to bring all of these features togeth ... more. |
... virtually any farming situation and can be tailored to meet a farmer’s specific needs.
Better soil
Sustainable soils that increase long-term productivity result from increased organic matter, improved soil moisture, reduced compaction, sequestered carbon and reduced erosion from water and wind.
Cleaner water
In addition to food, fiber, energy and other renewable resources, agriculture can also protect and improve water quality.
Greater on-farm profits
Sharpening management skills and utilizing the latest appropriate technologies result in higher levels of economic efficiency and cropland productivity
A brighter future for all of us.
Consumer expectations include more than abundant food, fiber and energy. They also expect agriculture to protect air, soi ... more. |
For over 28 years, CTIC has been collecting and disseminating information on agricultural conservation. From air quality to yield, we have information to share.
Click on the first letter of your topic to see the resources we have available. Don't see what you're looking for? E-mail us at ctic@ctic.org.
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The Upper Wabash Nutrient Management Coalition is working with the Grand Lake/Wabash Watershed Alliance (GLWWA) to collect data on swine manure nutrient content.
The GLWWA’s watershed action plan, endorsed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, includes objectives related to agriculture. Many focus on reducing nutrient loading to streams. Nutrient loads can be reduce ... more. |
Come witness Conservation in Action this summer during CTIC's annual conservation agriculture tour.
The Conservation In Action Tour 2008 is a day-long tour of profitable, innovative farms that demonstrate conservation that works – for the farm, for the community and for our future. This CTIC member event will be July 17, 2008, in Central Indiana.
Leaders in agriculture from Indiana, the Midwest and the nation will be on this tour to see first-hand how conse ... more. |
Economic and Environmental Benefits
Profit.
Managing to maximize return on your cropping investment (ROI) requires the perfect combination of science, technology, art, and luck. Some factors, like the weather, still require a bit of luck. Thankfully, science and technology continue to make strides, reducing the impact of uncontrollable factors like the weather and markets. This reduces the risk inherent in farming. By using a plan to analyze the ... more. |
Provide Information
Find conservation resources including websites, documents, research results, and our current projects. CTIC members can access our list of experts. Join Today (link to Become a Member)
* Topics A-Z
* CTIC Initiatives (link to Lead Initiatives)
* Guides and Research Documents (link to Online Store/Free Publications)
* Experts (Members Only)
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Agricultural biotechnology delivers more than just streamlined pest management options or the promise of healthier, higher quality crops. Biotech-derived crops allow growers to adopt sustainable farming practices ranging from conservation tillage to integrated pest management. Those practices protect soil, water and air quality and allow producers to sustain our natural resources as well as our live ... more. |
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
US Environmental Protection Agency
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
Livestock Waste Management Information for the Midwest - CTIC
International Plant Nutrition Institute—Plant Nutrition Today
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web site with link in rt hand column for partner page and resources used to develop the project |
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