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Search result for keyword "Community Organizing". 62 results found.

Helpful Links

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 Leadership Mississippi River Basin Initiative (MRBI) No-Till N ... more.

Anaerobic Digesters: A Community Approach

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. Photo 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 ... more.

Small Community Wastewater Education Workshop (October 22, 2009)

Providing community leaders with the tools to research and adopt a viable solution for the treatment of wastewater within their community. October 22 - Mankato, Minnesota CTIC hosted a one day workshop on October 22, 2009 to help small communities learn how to solve their wastewater problems that they are facing. The workshop which was co sponsored by the University of M ... more.

Promoting Conservation

... 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. NARS Water Quality Spotlights With EPA and other partners, CTIC identifies leaders in conservation farming practices and shares their successes with farmers and other stakeholders around the c ... more.

Indian Creek Watershed Project

... Stewardship. Heightened awareness of water quality issues, augmented by watershed project field tours and a series of speaking engagements throughout the country by project leaders. A CropLife webinar brought project details and conservation messages to a nationwide audience of 125 participants. CTIC disseminated information from the project throughout its six-year funding period, organizing summer field tours, winter producer meetings, and other speaking opportunities. CTIC also worked with agricultural media through direct contact and press releases, and created materials to share with conservation leaders in other watersheds, including a booklet and video on leadership lessons and partnership development based on experiences from the project. A series of fact sheets—distr ... more.

CTIC Launches New Conservation Information Website

... 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 efforts, including tips, analysis of knowledge transfer, and ideas for creating effective demonstration plots; Real-world perspective on conservation farming practices and systems that help farmers build profitability and protect the quality of their soil, water and the air we breathe. CTIC's interim executive director, Dave ... more.

2018 Membership Drive

... on conservation farming systems. In short, we Connect, Inform and Champion to encourage the adoption of practices that protect soil, water and air quality as well as farmers’ economic sustainability. There has never been a better time to join CTIC. We’ve got great programs in the field and a clearinghouse full of information on everything from selecting the right cover crops to organizing watershed-wide conservation projects. In addition to the information below, a membership application is now available online at https://www.ctic.org/Membership/Join Here you will be able to pay your membership dues online with a credit card (available for memberships up to $2,000) request an invoice, or provide us with special billing instructions. You can find out even more about what C ... more.

…and looking forward to 2018!

... have a sleek, fresh new look and retrieving information about conservation agriculture will be easier than ever. Our 2018 Conservation in Action Tour will be held in the Maryland/Washington D.C. area this summer. Plans are already underway, and we’re thrilled to share more information with you in the coming months. Working with USDA on a project to highlight successful strategies for organizing local watershed protection efforts that engage local stakeholders and effectively communicate how agriculture is actively addressing water quality concerns. Helping farmers and members of the supply chain document how they are sustainably providing commodities to downstream partners and how farming more sustainably can have a positive impact on the farmer’s bottom line. Working with par ... more.

...and looking forward to 2018!

... have a sleek, fresh new look and retrieving information about conservation agriculture will be easier than ever. Our 2018 Conservation in Action Tour will be held in the Maryland/Washington D.C. area this summer. Plans are already underway, and we’re thrilled to share more information with you in the coming months. Working with USDA on a project to highlight successful strategies for organizing local watershed protection efforts that engage local stakeholders and effectively communicate how agriculture is actively addressing water quality concerns. Helping farmers and members of the supply chain document how they are sustainably providing commodities to downstream partners and how farming more sustainably can have a positive impact on the farmer’s bottom line. Working with par ... more.

Ecocommerce: The Next Generation Ecoservice Market

... proponents designed most existing ecoservice markets from the perspectives of policymakers and ecoservice buyers, the markets’ frameworks tend to serve their self-interests. They describe an ecoservice demand “package” that meets their accounting and oversight needs, and trades ensue. However, the discussion of ecoservice supply and demand interaction is absent. Organizing an ecocommerce structure The next-generation ecoservice market must allow producers to take advantage of the multiple benefits of a singular conservation practice, recognizing the many benefits to society. And, the ecoservices must be placed within the context of the landscape. Both market attributes can be created by using agro-ecological indices that measure the immeasurable. The U ... more.

Session 5

Building Partnerships in Rec. Water Monitoring and Remedation Citizen Science at the EPA: Streamlining 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. ... more.

Water Quality Credit Trading Workshop

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 for agricultural operators, ag advisor ... more.

CTIC To Lead Development of the CSA Connector for a New USDA Climate Smart Partnership Program

... about CTIC at www.ctic.org. About Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture and the Environment Wolfe's Neck Center is a nonprofit, farm-based education, research, and visitor center on a mission to transform our relationship with food and farming for a healthier planet. By facilitating knowledge and best practice sharing, educating a wide variety of learners, and convening a community of people who care about the future of food and the planet, Wolfe's Neck Center aims to help make agriculture a solution to climate change. To learn more about Wolfe’s Neck Center, click here. Led by Wolfe’s Neck Center, Open Technology Ecosystem for Agricultural Management (OpenTEAM), is a farmer-driven, collaborative community committed to improving soil health and ... more.

CTIC To Lead Development of the CSA Connector for a New USDA Climate Smart Partnership Program

... about CTIC at www.ctic.org. About Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture and the Environment Wolfe's Neck Center is a nonprofit, farm-based education, research, and visitor center on a mission to transform our relationship with food and farming for a healthier planet. By facilitating knowledge and best practice sharing, educating a wide variety of learners, and convening a community of people who care about the future of food and the planet, Wolfe's Neck Center aims to help make agriculture a solution to climate change. To learn more about Wolfe’s Neck Center, click here. Led by Wolfe’s Neck Center, Open Technology Ecosystem for Agricultural Management (OpenTEAM), is a farmer-driven, collaborative community committed to improving soil health and ... more.

Getting Paid for Stewardship: An Agricultural Community Water Quality Trading Guide

Getting Paid for Stewardship: An Agricultural Community Water Quality Trading Guide This guide introduces the elements that are key to the trading process, noting critical questions to keep in mind as you go. References for additional information are also included.

Trading Up for Water Quality

... 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 implementation, according to the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) publication, “Getting Paid for Stewardship: An Agricultural Community Water Quality Trading Guide.” Nutrient or sediment reductions resulting from agricultural conservation practices are the “currency” in water quality trading. Producers sell the reductions realized from conservation practices on their land. Municipalities, industries and wastewater treatment plants buy the reductions, in the form of “credits,” to help meet regula ... more.

Trading Up for Water Quality

... 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 implementation, according to the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) publication, “Getting Paid for Stewardship: An Agricultural Community Water Quality Trading Guide.” Nutrient or sediment reductions resulting from agricultural conservation practices are the “currency” in water quality trading. Producers sell the reductions realized from conservation practices on their land. Municipalities, industries and wastewater treatment plants buy the reductions, in the form of “credits,” to help meet regula ... more.

CASA Conference Call February 2010

Conservation Agriculture Systems Alliance Conference Call Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 11 a.m. (eastern) Participants: Russ Evans Brian Lindley Bill Kuenstler Tim Healey Karen Scanlon Peter Gamache Agenda: Message Committee report - Finalize message Operations Committee report - Pledge - Mission/vision - Proposals - Purdue Community of Practice in support of Conservation Agriculture Member updates Message Committee Go with Blair’s wording on message and declare it final. FAO message hits all the right points. Operations Committee Karen will finalize and distribute to full group with brochure. Mission/vision will be pulled from message and brochure. Think about how to tie into FAO message. ... more.

Using Cover Crops to Facilitate the Transition to Continuous No-Till

... 100 producers to hear Dr. Jill Clapperton, Earth Spirit Land Resource Consulting, share her knowledge about soil biology. In addition, experienced no-till producers provided a panel discussion on using cover crops in their rotations. Topics included nutrient use, successes and challenges with various cover crop varieties and benefits from this system. CTIC is creating an online community of continuous no-till producers in Indiana and Ohio to provide opportunity for information exchange, encouragement and social support. CTIC encourages all producers participating in the program, in addition to others who practice continuous no-till, to participate. E-mail list serves, a Web site and in-person meetings will connect producers and establish regular communication. CTIC will ho ... more.

Southern Plains Agricultural Resources Coalition (SPARC)

... around animal feeding operations. Salt cedar, an invasive species, depletes water quantity and degrades native habitat. Although population levels are low, competition can develop among agriculture, public supply, recreation, and aesthetics uses, particularly during drought. Improved drought preparedness and pro-active, rather than reactive, response to drought is needed at farm and community levels. In some parts of the region, groundwater depletion poses a risk to natural springs, putting critical habitat at risk. The State of Oklahoma does not have a well defined system of water markets. Proposals for sale and inter-basin transfer of large quantities of water are highly controversial. Oklahoma City has substantial water rights from local rivers or groundwater, leaving limited optio ... more.

Past Tours

... and more on our tour wrap-up page. Conservation In Action Tour 2013 The 2013 tour had record attendance! On July 10, more than 270 producers, agribusiness partners, government officials and media professionals from 20 states visited the Indian Creek Watershed in Livingston County, Ill. CTIC partnered with the Livingston County Soil and Water Conservation District to showcase a "Community 4 Conservation." Highlights of the tour included: An Aerial Seeding Demonstration A Soil Pit Demonstration Slake test Equipment on display The Tiling Demonstration Click here to read more about CTIC's 2013 Tour. Conservation In Action Tour 2012 On May 31, 2012, nearly 250 participants gathered in the Mississippi Delta region to meet and learn from farmers who f ... more.

CTIC Director

Ryan Heiniger Executive Director Ryan Heiniger joined CTIC as the Executive Director in November 2022 and brings nearly 25 years of experience working in the non-profit conservation sector along with a ‘tractor seat’ perspective as a 4th generation Iowa farmer. As Executive Director, Ryan oversees and leads the team as they carry out project deliverables He also builds and maintains ... more.

Diverse Corn Belt

... systems, ranging from conventional corn/soybean rotations to more complex cropping and/or grazing systems. Host producers will not be asked to change their management; researchers will share and help interpret data produced on participating farms. Joining Reimagining Agricultural Diversification (RAD) Teams, engaged conversations among producers, agricultural advisors, community leaders, and others. RAD Team members will work closely with the research team—and each other—over the next five years to share their insight on research findings, explore policy implications, and envision what the agricultural landscape of the Midwest should look like in the future. The Diverse Corn Belt project is funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agri ... more.

Current Member Listing

... private partners to advance innovation. For example, NC State's Agroecology Education Farm is the university's main “learning lab” where students gain hands-on experiences in sustainable and organic horticulture production, as well as various agricultural and post-harvest practices.Furthering NC State's land-grant mission, the farm also serves the surrounding community and offers workshops, farm to table events, and donates food to area nonprofits. In addition, the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) — a partnership between NC State, NC A&T University and the NCDepartment of Agriculture — is one of the nation’s most impactful centers for research, extension and education in sustainable agriculture and community-based food syste ... more.

Connecting People

Developing effective climate smart technologies and conservation agriculture systems starts with people, each bringing perspective on what's needed and how to address the economic and environmental challenges in the field. For 4 decades, CTIC has provided the forum for people to connect across boundaries, bringing together people from government, academia, agribusiness, the non-profit community and the farm to find ways to put conservation into action. Connector CTIC,in partnership with The Nature Conservancy and Houston Engineering, will lead development of a new online tool, the Connector, as a key element of a new project selected in September 2022 for funding by theU.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities program.&nbs ... more.

NEW COVER CROP SURVEY DATA CHALLENGES ASSUMPTIONS

... them. Available Online The 2022-2023 National Cover Crop Survey report is available free online. "We are glad to make the new survey report—and all the reports since 2012—available to farmers and crop advisors, the research community, planning and policy officials and the general public," says Myers. "These data are helpful for both communicating with farmers about cover crop opportunities and also instructive for policymakers evaluating the role of cover crops in farm policy." For the full survey report and additional resources on cover crop ... more.

Early reg ending soon

... block at the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth at a special tour rate for July 10 & 11. The registration web page includes a link for online booking of rooms at the discount rate. The tour and celebration also offer sponsorship opportunities—high-visibility events with engaged participants, great speakers representing the agriculture industry, the research community and government sector, as well as national publicity. Sponsoring the program is also a great way to support CTIC’s future. For details on sponsorship, contact Ryan Heiniger atheiniger@ctic.org.

USE

... at North Carolina State University. ​"CTIC'srole—to bring people and information together tochampionand promoteconservation agriculture—is just as relevant and engaging as it was in 1982," says Schmidt. "Conservation farming remains a dynamic, exciting, hot-button topicwith a significant societal impact within the farm community and well beyond it. Like CTIC,conservationhas grown to encompass the latest science around carbon capture, soil health, remote sensing,andmore." ​The Conservation Technology Information Center brings together farmers, crop advisers, policymakers, agribusiness leaders, conservation personnel, researchers and othersinterested in systems that help make farmers ... more.

CONSERVATION TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION CENTER (CTIC) SEEKS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

... at North Carolina State University. ​"CTIC'srole—to bring people and information together tochampionand promoteconservation agriculture—is just as relevant and engaging as it was in 1982," says Schmidt. "Conservation farming remains a dynamic, exciting, hot-button topicwith a significant societal impact within the farm community and well beyond it. Like CTIC,conservationhas grown to encompass the latest science around carbon capture, soil health, remote sensing,andmore." ​The Conservation Technology Information Center brings together farmers, crop advisers, policymakers, agribusiness leaders, conservation personnel, researchers and othersinterested in systems that help make farmers ... more.

Message from the Executive Director

... have shared this last month is beyond explanation. With this change, I felt it was time for me to pursue a new chapter as well, and with the support of the board submitted my resignation from CTIC effective the end of June. The last three years have been challenging and rewarding. I’m incredibly thankful for all that CTIC has provided to me and my family. The US conservation community is an outstanding group, filled with a diversity of people dedicated to making our soils and country a better place now and into the future. In my absence, Dr. Dave Gustafson will reprise his past role of interim Executive Director as our board conducts a search for a permanent ED. Dave has been a committed board member, staff member, and long-time friend of CTIC, as he often puts it ... more.

Diverse Corn Belt Project Seeks Farmers for Focus Groups and In-Field Testing

... systems, ranging from conventional corn/soybean rotations to more complex cropping and/or grazing systems. Host producers will not be asked to change their management; researchers will share and help interpret data produced on participating farms. Joining Reimagining Agricultural Diversification (RAD) Teams, engaged conversations among producers, agricultural advisors, community leaders, and others. RAD Team members will work closely with the research team—and each other—over the next five years to share their insight on research findings, explore policy implications, and envision what the agricultural landscape of the Midwest should look like in the future. The Diverse Corn Belt project is funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agri ... more.

Tour2022announcement

... Syngenta and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Diamond-level sponsor John Deere, Platinum sponsor National Corn Growers Association and Silver sponsors Case IH and Nutrien. The tour and celebration offer further sponsorship opportunities—high-visibility events with engaged participants, great speakers representing the agriculture industry, the research community and government sector, and a big media splash in support of our 40th Anniversary. Sponsoring the program is also a great way to support CTIC’s future. For details on sponsorship, contact Mike Komp at Komp@ctic.org. The Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit that connects people from across agriculture and the conservation communi ... more.

Session 2

... to detect and track pathogenic bacteria and viruses, determine their viability and infectivity, and link them to beachgoer risk using statistical models; application of next-generation sequencing and metagenomics to connect the environmental microbiome and antibiotic resistome to water quality, ecosystem health, and health risk; and using bioinformatics tools to measure natural populations and community-wide changes in genes or gene expression in response to environmental changes. He received his B.S. in molecular biology in 2000 from the University of California, San Diego and his Ph.D. in biological oceanography in 2010 from the University of Southern California. He joined SCCWRP in January 2014. Video Length - 10:11 Derivation of the Equivalent qPCR Value for Escherich ... more.

Conservation in Action News February 2021

February 2021 Welcome 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 2020. They have engaged with new technologies, trained in critical areas, and maintained and developed new relationships through it all. Currently, we are working with many of our members to lay the foundation for new partnerships ... more.

2019 Members

... science-based organization dedicated to the responsible management of plant nutrition. IPNI is dedicated to responsible management of plant nutrients - N, P, K, secondary nutrients, and micronutrients - for the benefit of the human family. Iowa Farm Bureau Federation www.iowafarmbureau.com The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) was formed in 1918 by a group of farmers and other community leaders that wanted to better themselves, their families, their industry and their state. IFBF promotes the values and quality and the wholesomeness, availability and variety of America’s food supply. Land Pro LLC www.landprollc.us Land Pro manages approximately 10,000 acres in Illinois and Wisconsin for clientele, who are absentee land owners with over 40 years of professi ... more.

2015 Tour Wrap-Up

... and what doesn't. Wide range of practices and respect for variety of approaches. Seeing great practices put into action and hearing inspiring stories from farmer stewards. The diverse strategies to conserve resources 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 t ... more.

What's happening at CTIC?

... meeting will be held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Westin, Annapolis.Click herefor a preliminary agenda. If you plan on joining us, please let us know by contacting our executive director, Chad Watts, at watts@ctic.org. Want to get involved? Join a CTIC committee If you’re looking for ways to get connected and share your ideas and goals within the conservation community, CTIC has several committees working to continue championing conservation agriculture. To get connected, contact our executive director Chad Watts atwatts@ctic.org. You can find out more information about the committees here:http://www.ctic.org/CTIC HOME/MEMBERS/Committees/(must be logged in as a member to view).

CTIC Conservation in Action Tour Draws 130+ to Chesapeake Bay

... Bobby and Kyle Hutchison demonstrated how they live up to the sign in their office that reads, “Maryland Farmers Protect the Bay Every Day” on their diversified grain and vegetable operation. Even the relatively new site of the tour dinner, the 2015-vintage Triple Creek Winery, is rooted in five generations of local farming by the Spies family. With deep roots in the community and the eyes of Washington—and the world—focused on the Bay’s recovery, the farmers and fishermen of Maryland’s Eastern Shore are pushing conservation into a new era. Next year’s Conservation in Action Tour—CTIC’s 12th annual—will be held in the Des Moines area. Watch www.ctic.org/CIATours for details so you can mark your calendar and join us! &n ... more.

Join the conservation community!

CTIC members play a critical role when it comes to spreading and championing the message of conservation agriculture. Keep growing and learning with us by renewing your CTIC membership!To renew, please email Crystal Hatfield at hatfield@ctic.org or call 765-494-9555.

What’s happening at CTIC?

... looking forward to launching our brand new website in the next month. With the launch of the new website, we will also be launching a new e-magazine calledConservation Conversations, which will be produced quarterly. Want to get involved? Join a CTIC committee If you’re looking for ways to get connected and share your ideas and goals within the conservation community, CTIC has several committees working to continue championing conservation agriculture. To get connected, contact our executive director Chad Watts atwatts@ctic.org. You can find out more information about the committees here:http://www.ctic.org/CTIC HOME/MEMBERS/Committees/(must be logged in as a member to view).

What’s happening at 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 If you’re looking for ways to get connected and share your ideas and goals within the conservation community, CTIC has several committees working to continue championing conservation agriculture. To get connected, contact our executive director Chad Watts atwatts@ctic.org. You can find out more information about the committees here:http://www.ctic.org/CTIC HOME/MEMBERS/Committees/(must be logged in as a member to view). Remember to renew! Don’t forget to renew you ... more.

What’s happening at CTIC?

... looking forward to launching our brand new website in the next month. With the launch of the new website, we will also be launching a new e-magazine calledConservation Conversations, which will be produced quarterly. Want to get involved? Join a CTIC committee If you’re looking for ways to get connected and share your ideas and goals within the conservation community, CTIC has several committees working to continue championing conservation agriculture. To get connected, contact our executive director Chad Watts atwatts@ctic.org. You can find out more information about the committees here:http://www.ctic.org/CTIC HOME/MEMBERS/Committees/(must be logged in as a member to view).

Don't forget to renew your membership

... research and information Gain national recognition for your support of agricultural conservation. Have recognition on CTIC's web page Receive a one-year subscription to Conservation in Action Partners and Member Mail To renew your membership, please email Crystal Hatfield at hatfield@ctic.org or call 765-494-9555. And while you're thinking about it, help our conservation community grow by telling your friends and colleagues in conservation agriculture about all of the benefits that come with becoming a CTIC member!

Who we are

Who We Are CTIC connects people from across agriculture and the conservation community to encourage greater adoption of farming systems that are economically and environmentally sustainable. We link farms, universities, government and business in projects that explore and champion conservation agriculture. LEARN MORE

BUILDING INNOVATIVE INDUSTRY-PRODUCER PARTNERSHIPS TO REDUCE HYPOXIA IN THE GULF OF MEXICO

... information on all three initiatives, as well as CTIC's Upstream Heroes campaign, sponsored by The Nature Conservancy and Terra Industries. For More Information Contact Christa Martin-Jones, CTIC project director, at Tel: 317-508-2450 or Email: jones@ctic.org. Get Involved Each local effort is seeking stakeholders from the agricultural community to participate and contribute to the project's success. If you can participate in any of the three local-level projects, contact CTIC for more information.

FROM THE FIELD

The Indian Creek Watershed Project demonstrated the power of voluntary conservation practices to impact local water quality. Hear local farmers explain how their community banded together to put conservation systems into action.

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 2013 TOUR

Registration has opened for the 2013 Conservation In Action Tour! Join us on July 9 and 10 in Livingston, Ill., as we explore innovative conservation practices in and around the Indian Creek watershed. Celebrating the theme of Community 4 Conservation, this year's tour will bring together agriculture leaders from all over the country – including farmers, crop advisors, regulators and lawmakers – to learn and share conservation practices.

Growmark

Growmark is a cooperative organization based in Bloomington, Ill., one of the top ten co-ops in the nation. Among our core values is to "promote the welfare of the community and environmental stewardship," a commitment that we carry out daily throughout our organization.

CUSTOMIZED TRAINING ON WATER QUALITY TRADING FOR AGRICULTURE AND WASTEWATER FACILITIES

... thetrading process. CTIC worked with partners to develop and deliver fourdetailed, intensive and interactive workshops,in Ohio, Indiana, and Maryland, to educate agricultural operators, agricultural advisers and municipal wastewater facilities. The training, built on CTIC's publication, "Getting Paid for Stewardship: An Agricultural Community Water Quality Trading Guide," produced through a cooperative agreement with EPA. The workshops relayed information from the Guide and brought together participantsfor balanced discussion and interaction. Post surveys showed thatmost workshop participants shared information they learnedwith their colleagues and potential partners in trading. &n ... more.

The Mosaic Company

The Mosaic Company's mission is to help the world grow the food it needs. As the world's largest 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.

Conservation In Action Tour 2010

What is agriculture doing to protect water quality and improve soil health? Find out on CTIC's Conservation in Action Tour 2010. Participants will visit farms and farmers in east central Virginia who have built successful, profitable farming operations through conservation and are providing their community with valuable ecosystem services. Recognizing, supporting and paying for agriculture’s ecosystem services – through government programs and new market-based approaches – will be explored and discussed with farmers, agricultural advisors, conservation professionals, private industry, policy makers and other stakeholders.

NEW FACEBOOK PAGE

... to reach more people and provide additional information, support, and help for our current members and friends. In the past few years, social networking has become much more than just reconnecting with old acquaintances. Websites like Facebook and Twitter offer many opportunities for member organizations as well, by utilizing these social networking mediums to share information about project, community, and industry news. The CTIC Twitter and Facebook pages have been up for several months now and visitors can look forward updates as we build more of a social media presence. CTIC hopes to get more members and friends to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter giving an opportunity to get involved in sharing some useful practices or asking questions that will get others thinki ... more.

Michigan State University

CTIC Institutional Member, Michigan State University, is one of the top research universities in the world - on one of the biggest, greenest campuses in the nation. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artist, scientists and leaders. In ways both practical and profound, they work to create a stronger, more sustainable, and more hopeful future for all. To learn more about Michigan State University, visit www.msu.edu/

Small Community Wastewater Tracking Solutions Workshop

Providing communities with the tools to research and adopt a viable solution for their waste water treatment. This workshop is designed to introduce participants to two free database management tools that can help improve wastewater management efforts in your communities. When: October 7 and 8, 2010 Photo courtesy of NRCS Where: Pike Bay Town Hall ... more.

Partners Contribution June 2010

... 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 country implements more conservation practices on the ground. The beauty of conservation districts is that they exist in virtually every county and community in the nation, where they work on meaningful, landscape-scale projects that produce verifiable improvements in environmental quality. Conservation districts’ work results in clean air, clean water, healthy habitat and productive soil. As you well know, it’s an exciting time for conservation in this country. Projects abound, and there is significant commitment from individual lan ... more.

Livestock Waste Management June 2010

... of Estrogen and Other Emerging Contaminants through the Environment Dr. Jack Watson, Professor of Soil Science, Penn State Crop and Soil Sciences, focuses this session on contaminants of interest, their fate and transport and specifically estrogen. He is joined by veteran educator, Jim Clark, Water Resource Penn State Cooperative Extension, who has developed local programming to increase community understanding of reducing the potential for pharmaceutical contamination of groundwater. Dr. Sarah Dinh Precision Feeding – The Science and Application of Pollution Prevention at its Best Dr. Sarah Dinh, Dairy and Environment Educator, Penn State Cooperative Extension, Lancaster County and Virginia Ishler, Nutrient Management Specialist, Penn State Dairy and Animal S ... more.

CTIC News

... plans to attend the CTIC Conservation In Action Tour 2010 Mark your calendar for the CTIC Conservation In Action Tour 2010, set for Aug. 3 in Williamsburg-Richmond, Va. This fourth-annual conservation tour will highlight farms and farmers of east central Virginia. The producers have built successful, profitable farming operations with conservation measures, and they provide their community with valuable ecosystem services. With producers, ag advisors, conservation professionals, private industry and policy makers, we’ll explore and discuss how to recognize, support and pay for agriculture’s ecosystem services. Don't miss: Mainland Farm, an example of a typical farmstead from the early 1600s, struggling to win the battle of preservation against grow ... more.

Research and Technology Briefs Dec 2008

... practices to protect sources of drinking water. The target audience is high school ag science students, their advisors and instructors, as well as a broader agriculture audience. The brochure is accompanied by a Web site, www.fieldtofaucet.org . The brochure also has an insert that can be used as an activity to identify the best agricultural practices currently in use in the reader's community and to encourage consideration of practices not currently used. To view a copy of the brochure, click here About the Writer: Rachel Doctor is the Communications Director of CTIC and Editor of Partners

Turning Manure into Energy

... waste, storm-felled trees – whatever the source, the furnace can be adjusted to burn it, Langmo says. “We've got experience burning 75 or 80 different kinds of fuel,” he says. Though the Wieses' permit only allows them to burn manure produced by their 2,150 milking cows and 2,000 heifers, Mark Wiese says the concept could easily be scaled up for a community-sized operation. “You could certainly put some kind of co-op together with adjoining farmers to put a facility like this in,” he says. Wiese has also looked at different fuel sources for the Elimanure system. He sees opportunities to build Elimanure plants beside cellulosic ethanol plants, which – like livestock operations – will be saddled with huge volumes ... more.

Water Quality Trading Workshop Presentations (July 8-9, 2009)

Water Quality Credit Trading Workshop July 8-9, 2009 Sherrodsville, Ohio Speaker Presentations: Ohio's Water Quality Trading Rules - Gary Stuhlfauth, Ohio EPA Ohio's Great Miami River Watershed - Dusty Hall, The Miami Conservancy District Great Miami River Watershed Water Quality Credit Trading Program - Sarah Hippensteel Community-Based Water Quality Trading: The Alpine Water Quality Trading Plan - Dr. Richard Moore, The Ohio State University Water Quality Credit Trading Workshop - Jim Klang, Kieser & Associates WQT Workshop Role-playing Exercise - Jim Klang, Kieser & Associates Point Source to Non-Point Source Trading to Meet NPDES Permit Requirements in Greene County, Ohio - Kristen Risch, Malcolm ... more.

Don't miss the CTIC Conservation In Action Tour 2008

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 conservation works on Indiana farms. We invite you to be a part of this informative and noteworthy event. The tour, sponsored by Specialty Fertilizer Products (SFP), showcases successful farm ... more.

Upstream Heroes: Nutrient Management Succss Stories from American's Farms

... and in the right place. CTIC, a trusted source of information for agriculture for more than 27 years, is uniquely qualified to launch an information campaign about nutrient management targeted to agricultural producers. A secondary audience is the general public, including members of environmental groups involved in water quality issues. CTIC's networks reach into the non-farm conservation community, allowing us to show members of the public the steps farmers are taking to protect water quality upstream The campaign will explain the hypoxia issue and need for nutrient management in terms and messages that appeal to agricultural audiences and deliver those messages at the right time and place to capture the attention and interest of producers and their advisers. CTIC's campaign will reach ... more.