Brainerd, Minnesota – In a groundbreaking partnership, Central Lakes College’s Ag & Energy Center is teaming up with the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) to enhance hands-on training opportunities for Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) staff. The program, “Cultivating Career Success: On Farm Communications Training,” is set to broaden its scope, offering immersive experiences throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons on a working research farm.
On February 2, 2024, Justin Hanson, Assistant Director for Regional Operations, and Jenny Gieseke, Organizational Effectiveness Manager, represented BWSR in discussions with the AgCentric team and Central Lakes College leadership. The collaboration aims to provide SWCD staff with technical training and knowledge crucial for effective communication with Minnesota farmers.
These immersive training days are carefully crafted to equip participants with hands-on technical knowledge and educational insights covering various aspects of modern agriculture. The diverse curriculum includes sessions on Equipment Ride and Drives, Irrigation, Farm Economics, Livestock Management, Cover Crops, Conservation Practices, Crop Rotation & Planning, Fertility & Integrated Pest Management, as well as Technology and Precision Agriculture.
Keith Olander, Executive Director of the Northern Agricultural Center of Excellence, which oversees the program, emphasized the shared objective of serving Minnesota farmers and producers. “Our common goal is serving Minnesota farmers and producers. We can help other professionals do their jobs better by having on-farm education,” said Olander.
Registration for the program opens this March, offering sessions on May 8, 9; July 18, 19; and October 16, 17. Participants are expected to attend one session in each of these months. These trainings will also be offered to National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) employees as well as part of their partnership with Central Lakes College.
This partnership signifies a significant step forward in providing valuable training opportunities, fostering collaboration between educational institutions and regulatory bodies, ultimately benefiting Minnesota’s agricultural community. Stay tuned for a transformative learning experience at the intersection of academia and practical, on-farm expertise! 🌾🚜 #OnFarmTraining #AgriculturalEducation #SWCD #CentralLakesCollege #BWSR
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