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THE DROP
A monthly e-newsletter from the North Central Region Water Network
June 2024
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Network News
June has included a lot of weather-related challenges - from extreme heat to large-scale flooding. We are thinking about our friends and colleagues who experienced some of the worst impacts - for those in need or those supporting hard-hit communities, be sure to check out your local extension resources or the Extension Diaster Education Network resource directory.
We hope you are able to take time to relax and recharge and get out to your favorite waterbody as you enjoy the summer season!
-The North Central Region Water Network team
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Join us for this month’s edition of The Current Webinar Series as we highlight innovative examples of ag and natural resource professionals using curriculum to communicate and educate landowners and volunteers on conservation. We will highlight the Interactive Nutrient Management Decision-Making Exercise Curriculum, the Grow More Program and the Great Lakes Trek – three inventive learning approaches focused on conservation. Join us! Register
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Over 43 million people nationwide depend on private wells for drinking water. Kansas follows that trend, with more than 151,000 people sourcing drinking water from domestic private wells, according to the Kansas Geological Survey. Most citizens tout their well water as fresher and cleaner than chemically treated water from municipal water systems. However, thinking your well water tastes better is very different than knowing your water is safe for consumption, according to Stacie Minson, an extension watershed specialist with the Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment (KCARE) at Kansas State University. Read on
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We’re excited to share that seven teams of farmers and advisors have received Good Idea Mini-Grants to implement edge-of-field conservation practices in the Mississippi River Basin. From 15 proposals, these teams were awarded up to $8,000 each to reduce soil erosion and nutrient runoff through innovative methods like prairie strips and bioreactors. Videos and podcasts from the teams will be featured on One Good Idea, highlighting their creative conservation efforts and guiding other farmers in adopting similar practices. Read on
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In The News
Upcoming Events
Join the Soil Health Nexus Digital Cafe!
Wednesday, June 17th at 2:00 pm CT
Register now for the Soil Health Nexus Digital Cafe on Zoom, Wednesday, July 17th at 2:00 pm CST. Learn from Alan Franzluebbers of the Agricultural Research Service about how soil-test biological activity can indicate improved soil health through conservation management. Don’t miss this insightful opportunity! Register
North Central Agriculture and Climate Conference
July 31 - August 1, 2024
Join the North Central Climate Collaborative, the USDA Midwest Climate Hub, Extension Foundation, and partners for the North Central Agriculture and Climate Conference at the Peoria Civic Center from July 31st to August 1st! Connect with Extension and agricultural professionals to explore climate adaptation and mitigation research, outreach, and programs. Early bird registration is $75 before July 1st; $99 thereafter. Register by July 19th to secure your spot! Don't miss this opportunity for valuable professional development and networking! Register
HABs 101
Thursday, July 25th
Join Michigan Sea Grant and partners for a free webinar on July 25, 2024, exploring algae's role in aquatic ecosystems, including types like didymo and Cladophora affecting Michigan waters. Whether impacted by Great Lakes or inland water algae or curious about the topic, this webinar offers valuable insights for all participants. Register
Funding and Opportunities
Soil Health Specialists Positions in Minnesota, South Dakota and Wisconsin
Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) is hiring three full-time, remote Soil Health Specialists for Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Ideal candidates will work directly with farmers, promoting soil health and enhancing economic and environmental stewardship. Join our dynamic team and make a meaningful impact while supporting farmers in improving their operations. Learn more
EPA seeking apps for a new grant to provide Tribal NPS Technical Assistance
The Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds has released a request for applications to establish grants and cooperative agreements advancing Clean Water Act priorities. Applications are due July 17 and are open to a wide range of eligible applicants, including states, local governments, and nonprofits. One of the key opportunities is a 5-year, $500K grant to provide technical support for Tribal Nonpoint Source (NPS) programs. This includes organizing technical exchanges, providing direct assistance, and coordinating with federal agencies. No cost-share is required. Learn more
Field Crops Viability Coordinator Position
Practical Farmers of Iowa is seeking a Field Crops Viability Coordinator to assist farmers with regenerative row-crop practices, plan community events, and help with cost-share program requirements. This full-time position offers a hybrid or remote schedule, with a preference for candidates able to work from the Ames office 1-2 days per week.
Interested? Apply today! Learn more
University of Minnesota Extension Educator Positions
The University of Minnesota Extension is hiring for two vital water-related positions. The Agricultural Water Management Extension Educator will focus on irrigation, drainage, and water management in agriculture, collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance water quality and quantity. The Private Wells and Groundwater Extension Educator will develop educational programs to aid private well users and professionals, creating a statewide private well steward program and training initiatives. Both positions require a master’s degree and applications are due by July 14, 2024. Search for job numbers 361815 and 361778 to apply! Learn more
News
Farm to Trouble
Runoff from fertilized farm fields across the nation’s largest watershed has created a polluted “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico – with little sign of slowing down. What can be done to stem the flow? This runoff threatens marine wildlife and fisheries and threatens water supplies upstream. Government agencies set targets to fix the problem. But, despite more than a quarter-century of federal effort and billions in investment, advocates, scientists and regulators say the basin is “not even close” to those targets. Read more
A Look at Farm Phosphorus in the Lake Erie Harmful Algal Bloom Forecast for 2024
Residents and stakeholders of the Western Lake Erie Basin are anticipating a moderate harmful algal bloom (HAB) this summer, according to the early season prediction by NOAA and Heidelberg University. The projected bloom severity ranges from 4.5 to 7.5, influenced by high precipitation and phosphorus loads from the Maumee River in April. Further data on rain and river discharge will refine the forecast over the coming weeks. Read more
Increase of Drainage Tile Fuels Nutrient Pollution
The widespread use of agricultural drainage tile, particularly in the Upper Midwest, is a major obstacle to meeting the 2025 deadline to reduce nitrate and phosphorus entering the Gulf of Mexico by 20%. These underground systems, crucial for modern farming but unregulated and largely unmonitored, swiftly transport pollutants like nitrates from fields to waterways, exacerbated by climate-driven wetter conditions and agricultural intensification. Read more
Cover Crop Insights from South Dakota State University
In South Dakota, cover crops like cereal rye show promise following soybean harvest but can impact subsequent corn yields. Research indicates that while cereal rye doesn't affect soybean performance when terminated before soybean planting, corn yields may vary. Studies continue to explore inter-seeding cover crops into soybeans to overcome biomass challenges in cold climates. Read more
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