By Scout Nelson
Agricultural professionals, conservation specialists, and farmers will gather in Goshen, Indiana, this November for the Soil Health Nexus In-Service. Organized by Purdue Extension and Michigan State University Extension, the event will focus on helping producers manage water-related challenges and strengthen long-term farm resilience.
Scheduled for November 4-5, 2026, the two-day program will explore the connections between soil health, drainage, irrigation, and sustainable agricultural production. Attendees will participate in expert presentations, hands-on demonstrations, and educational farm tours.
Key topics include cover crops, soil health, irrigation systems, drainage management, water quality, conservation practices, and farm resilience. Organizers aim to provide practical, research-based strategies that producers can apply directly to their operations.
The event will begin with a presentation by Austin Pearson, assistant state climatologist with the Midwestern Regional Climate Center and the Indiana State Climate Office. He will discuss climate trends and how changing weather patterns are influencing agricultural decision-making.
Several experts will contribute to the program. Ben Reinhart will discuss drainage water quality and agricultural resilience, while Kathryn Jennings will present on farm biosecurity and Coy St. Clair will cover insect management in no-till and cover-crop systems.
Water management will remain a central focus throughout the conference. Eshan Ghane will address conservation drainage and water management planning, while Brenden Kelly will share insights on irrigation management and water-use efficiency.
Participants will also hear from Leslie Johnson, who will introduce educational resources designed to support soil health-related farm decisions. In addition, Michael Langemeier will discuss the economics of cover crops and no-till farming, helping producers evaluate conservation investments.
A major highlight of the event is the opportunity to visit working farms and observe conservation practices in action. Attendees will tour Keith Miller Farm, where they will learn about nearly 50 years of continuous no-till farming, cover-crop management, irrigation practices, and water-use efficiency.
The program will also feature a farmer panel focused on soil health, livestock, and water management. Participants will then visit Martin Organic Dairy near Goshen to see how these practices are incorporated into a dairy operation.
The workshop is expected to provide nine soil and water conservation continuing education credits for certified crop advisers, pending approval. By bringing together researchers, Extension educators, conservation professionals, and producers, the Soil Health Nexus aims to promote practical solutions for managing water extremes and improving agricultural sustainability.
For More Information and Registration Visit Here.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sasiistock
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Education, Livestock, Sustainable Agriculture