The Iowa Learning Farms conservation webinar taking place Feb. 2 at noon CST will feature Chris Morris, graduate research assistant at Iowa State University. Morris spent 15 years as a conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service before enrolling in his graduate studies at Iowa State, where his research focuses on factors that influence farmer adoption of conservation practices and how policy, programs and education can be best utilized.
In the webinar, “The Conservation Practitioner Poll: Giving Conservation Professionals a Voice,” Morris will highlight the results of the 2021 Conservation Practitioner Poll developed in partnership between Iowa State University and the Soil and Water Conservation Society. Drawing insights from conservation professionals working with the NRCS, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and various state agencies across six Midwest states, the poll reinforced the critical frontline role professional conservationists play in influencing the adoption and maintenance of conservation practices by farmers and landowners. Their frequent and recurring interactions with farmers over time has shown to be a consistent predictor of practice adoption.
“Despite the critical role conservation practitioners play in helping farmers protect the nation’s natural resources, their voices are largely absent from policy discussions,” said Morris. “This project is one element in gathering input on best practices from the people who are at the forefront of outreach with farmers and giving them a voice in local, regional and national conservation policy and program discussions and decisions.”
Participants in Iowa Learning Farms conservation webinars are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.
Webinar access instructions
To participate in the live webinar, shortly before noon CST Feb. 2:
- Click this URL, or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172.
- Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID 364 284 172.
- Or, join from a dial-in phone line by dialing:+1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923; meeting ID 364 284 172.
The webinar will also be recorded and archived on the ILF website, so that it can be watched at any time. Archived webinars are available at https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars.
A Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit has been applied for. Those who participate in the live webinar are eligible. Information about how to apply to receive the CEU will be provided at the end of the live webinar.