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Program

2022 Agenda

We will update the 2023 agenda as soon as it is finalized. Until then – take a look at the 2022 agenda to get a feel for what the On-Farm Intensive is like.

Monday, August 22

8:00 AM

Check-in

8:30 AM

Introductions

8:45 AM

Presentation: Introduction to Biological Farming

Speaker : Gary Zimmer

This session will cover all there is to know about what is biological farming. Attendees will learn the six principles of biological farming practices that will help you on a path toward rebuilding your soils, including:

building soil biology
managing carbon in your soils
balancing soil minerals
the role of key minerals in building soil health
finding the best tillage practices to build loose, crumbly soils
the role of plant diversity for soil health, and
how to add diversity to your farm.

BREAK | 10:00 A.M. – 10:15 A.M.

10:15 AM

Field Learning: Integrating the Right Cover Crops

Speaker : Gary Zimmer and Karl Dallefeld

In the first field learning session attendees will take a field walk and look at some of the cover crops growing on the farm this year. Attendees will learn:

the role of different types of cover crops
the practical aspects of managing cover crops in your crop rotation, and dig in the soil to look at some of the improvements on this farm’s soils from adding a diversity of cover crops

LUNCH | 12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M.

1:00 PM

Presentation: Carbon-Smart Farming

Speaker : Leilani Zimmer Durand

This session will address soil carbon and the role it plays on the farm. Attendees will learn:

the different types of carbon on a farm and their different roles in soil health, nutrient cycling and organic matter production
an overview of the carbon-trading marketplace
what’s coming with the Climate-Smart Commodities grant and how that will impact farmers’ abilities to make some of the sustainable practices they’ve already been following more profitable
how the current crop rotation system at Otter Creek builds more soil carbon than a traditional organic farming rotation, and why that makes a difference for yields and quality

1:45 PM

Presentation: Presentation: Economics of Running their Farming System

Speaker : Gary Zimmer & Leilani Zimmer Durand

For this final learning session Gary and Leilani will bring all of the past two days of learning together and look at the economics of how to make these systems run productivity and profitability while maximizing land use, building healthy soil, and creating resilient operations.

BREAK | 2:45-3:00 P.M.

3:00 PM

Field Learning: Perennial Crops – Getting the Most Out of Your Land

Speaker : Gary Zimmer & Keefe Keeley

For this field learning session, attendees will take a walk out to the fields to look at some of the perennial crops Gary has added to his farm over the last couple of years, and learn more about when, where and why he planted them, and how they fit into his overall farm management and soil health plan. The Savannah Institute will also lead this session to share about the perennial cropping movement and teach attendees why more farmers are adding perennial crops to their farms and what benefits they bring.

4:00 PM

Presentation: Soil Biology & Fertility

Speaker : Leilani Zimmer-Durand and Gary Zimmer

Soil biology and fertility are foundational principles of biological farming, and this session dig a little deeper into what they mean. Leilani and Gary will address:

What are the roles of key microbes on your farm, and what can you do to promote beneficial soil life?
Why is soil fertility using balanced minerals so important?
What management practices Gary follows each year to keep his soils healthy and resilient
What changes have occurred on Gary’s farming by building soil biology and fertility

5:00 PM

Open Discussion Over Drinks or Field Learning: Silvopasture (your choice)

While dinner is being prepared, enjoy open conversation with fellow attendees over drinks or take a short walking trip across the road to experience a silvopasture operation.

DINNER | 6:00 P.M. – 7:30 P.M

Tuesday, August 23

8:00 AM

Morning Coffee

8:15 AM

Opening Day 2

8:30 AM

Depart for Farm 2

8:45 AM

Field Learning: Transitioning Your Farm

Speaker : Gary Zimmer

Visit a farm that Gary and company are starting to transition. Learn all about the transition strategy, from testing to agroforestry plantings and everything in between.

9:45 AM

Return to Farm 1

10:00 AM

Field Learning: Machinery & Equipment

The right tillage program is an important piece of the soil health picture, but there is no one single right way to do tillage that fits all farms. In this field session attendees will take a look at some of Gary’s latest tillage equipment as he explains why he chose the equipment he has and what benefits it brings to his farm. Attendees will also learn about different tillage systems for different soil types and cropping systems and about Gary’s ideas on how to make improvements to any tillage system.

BREAK | 11:00 A.M. – 11:10 A.M.

11:10 AM

Presentation: Testing Your Soil – Conventional Tests

Speaker : Gary Zimmer & David Knaus

The Haney soil test is a way to measure your soil health, but what does it really tell you? Gary will share a series of Haney tests taken at the farm this spring and summer and explain what those results show us. Attendees will learn about how to translate what they see in test result into the field and vice-versa, including:

Can we tell which fields did better on the Haney test just from looking at the soil?
How much does temperature and moisture influence test results?
When is the best time for you to use Haney tests on your farm, and what should your goal be when using this tool?

LUNCH | 12:15 P.M. – 1:15 P.M.

1:00 PM

Presentation: Testing Your Soil – Evolving Practices

Speaker : David Knaus & Gary Zimmer

Take a look at other types of tests that can inform the decisions you make in your operation, including SAP analysis and some exciting new ecosystem level tests.

BREAK | 2:35 P.M. – 2:45 P.M.

2:45 PM

Presentation: Organic Research Update

Speaker : Erin Silva

Get an update on what the latest academic research into organic can teach you.

3:15 PM

Presentation: Using Testing Effectively on Your Farm

Speakers: Gary Zimmer & David Knaus

For this final learning session Gary and David will review the testing done on Gary’s farm, and discuss how the results can be interpreted and used in key decision-making in your operation. There will be plenty of time for questions!

4:15 PM

Final Thoughts and Q&A

The event will wrap up with a look at the key take-aways each attendee can bring back to their own operation to maximize their own success.

4:30 PM

Closing Comments & Adjourn

Morning coffee, lunch will be served on-site both days and dinner will also be served on the first day. Parking will be available. Water and restrooms will be available, but we encourage you to bring extra water and snacks. Please dress appropriately for the weather, wear closed-toed shoes, and bring a hat and sun block.

Speakers

Karl Dallefeld

President, Prairie Creek Seed

Karl has been involved with agronomy for the past 30 years and utilizes forages and cover crops in his own cattle operation. He has made a name for himself throughout the seed industry by speaking about forages and practical management in the U.S. and Canada at numerous educational presentations and conferences. In 2009, Karl co-founded Prairie Creek Seed to provide the best genetics and management advice to farmers. Karl is driven to support agriculture and farmers as they work to improve their profitability and land stewardship. Karl oversees the company’s operations, is the leader in developing forage products, assists with general sales, provides tech support, and continues to teach producers the benefits of utilizing high quality forages and focusing on soil health.

Keefe Keeley

Co-Executive Director , Savanna Institute

Keefe helps lead the Savanna Institute’s work to advance agroforestry as a solution for land, climate, and farming communities. He is passionate about connecting agroforestry and food system work with allied efforts in economic development, social justice, and restoration ecology. Keefe’s experience includes farm business, research, public agency, and civil society initiatives. His academic background includes completing degrees in biology from Swarthmore College, in agroecology from University of Wisconsin, a year on farms in four continents as a Watson fellow, and a bioregional anthology called The Driftless Reader. He loves absconding with wife and kiddo from his home in Madison to go pick apples in his neglected orchard.

David Knaus

Apical Crop Science

David Knaus is the founder of Apical Crop Science LLC, a Portland Oregon area Ag-tech company that leverages modern laboratory analytics, online data science and complex organic crop inputs to provide growers with the tools they need. His goal is to help customers find the best products and systems to grow extremely healthy, optimal yielding crops organically with minimal pest problems. David is a certified International Crop Advisor with more than 15 years of experience in plant and soil science, organic crop management and college-level instruction in sustainable agriculture.

Organization: Apical Crop Science
Website: apical-ag.com

Erin Silva

University of wisconsin

Bio: Dr. Silva is a professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Her research includes projects involving organic no-till production, organic cover crop systems, participatory breeding and trialing in organic systems, and cost-of-production tools for diversified organic vegetable producers. Erin currently serves as co-facilitator of the Wisconsin Organic Advisory Council and an Associate Director of the University of Wisconsin Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems.

The Savanna Institute

The Savanna Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works with farmers and scientists to lay the groundwork for widespread agroforestry adoption in the Midwest US. Inspired by the native savanna ecosystems that once covered much of this region, the Savanna Institute conducts research, education, and outreach to support the growth of diverse, perennial agroecosystems.

FAQ

Where is the farm located?
What is Acres U.S.A.?
I’m an owner of a small acreage. Is this worth my time?
I own a large commercial farm. Is this for me?
Where can I stay?
Can I camp?
What type of clothes should I wear?
Do I need transportation once the event begins?
What if I have to cancel?
Can I transfer my registration if I can’t make it?

Where is the farm located?

The event will actually be on two farms located close to each other near Lone Rock, Wisconsin. Registrants will get the address of both locations as part of the registration welcome packet.

What is Acres U.S.A.?

Acres U.S.A. is the Voice of Eco-Agriculture, founded in 1971. We are a media and education company that produces events, books, magazines, podcasts and all type of media to help farmers learn soil health management tactics around the world.

I’m an owner of a small acreage. Is this worth my time?

Yes! Learning how to manage small properties with these tactics will allow you to increase the ROI on your investment, no matter the exact strategies and tactics you decide to implement when you return home.

I own a large commercial farm. Is this for me?

Yes! Often times it is the large commercial farmers who can benefit the most from looking at their land differently. Maximize your corner pivot space, side lots and use the biological soil health practices on every inch of your property.

Where can I stay?

There are a number of beautiful rural hotels and motels in the region. Madison, the state capital, is also just an hour away from the venue.

Can I camp?

Camping on site may or may not be allowed. Stay tuned for more details. There are state parks nearby. Visit the Nearby Attractions pages for links to learn more.

What type of clothes should I wear?

Bring layers. The weather could be hot, cold, rainy or dry, so be prepared for a little of all four. Please also bring sunscreen, head cover, rain gear and shoes appropriate for walking around fields and handling equipment.

Do I need transportation once the event begins?

Yes. We will be moving between farms for some of the workshops, which will give you breaks during the day. Arranging a way to get between the fields holding the workshop will be required.

What if I have to cancel?

Sorry, no refunds. Your registration can be transferred to someone else’s name if you cannot attend; please contact our office.

Cancellations received through June 16, 2021 are entitled to an 80% credit to be applied to Acres U.S.A. subscriptions, books, DVDs, audio CDs, or future conference fees.

For cancellations/no-shows received after June 16, 2021, we will do our best to fill your spot. If it is filled you are entitled to an 80% credit to be applied to Acres U.S.A. subscriptions, books, DVDs, audio CDs, or future conference fees. If we cannot fill your spot last minute no refund will be issued.

Can I transfer my registration if I can’t make it?

Yes. You can transfer your registration up to the day before event by calling Hannah Fields at the Acres U.S.A. office at 1-800-355-5313 or by emailing events@acresusa.com.

More Information

If you have questions or changes please email events@acresusa.com or call 1-800-355-5313.