Feb. 2 presentation by Iowa State University graduate research assistant Chris Morris to showcase recent research that brings the voice of front-line conservation professionals into policy and program decision making discussions 

Ames, Iowa – The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place Feb. 2 at noon CST will feature Chris Morris, graduate research assistant, Iowa State University. Morris spent 15 years as a conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) before enrolling in his graduate studies at ISU where his research focuses on factors that influence farmer adoption of conservation practices and how policy, programs, and education to encourage and support farmers to adopt sustainable practices 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 Midwestern states, the poll reinforced the critical front-line 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. Respondents offered perspectives on the most effective ways to provide technical assistance to farmers, recommendations for improving agency policies and programs, and training needs that can advance the conversation about service delivery which can make an immediate difference in the effectiveness of multiple programs.”

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:

Dial: +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 (CEU) has been applied for. Those who participate in the live webinar are eligible. Information about how to apply to receive the credit will be provided at the end of the live webinar.

About Iowa Learning Farms:

Established in 2004, Iowa Learning Farms is building a Culture of Conservation by encouraging adoption of conservation practices. Farmers, researchers and ILF team members are working together to identify and implement the best management practices that improve water quality and soil health while remaining profitable. Partners of Iowa Learning Farms include the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, USDA