Supporting those who support farmers provided by AgCentric & CLC Ag & Energy Center
“Sitting in the technology, understanding a bit of what a farmer does—literally in terms of how they operate—allows Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) and Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) employees to better grasp the economics and decision-making processes of farmers,” explains Keith Olander, AgCentric Executive Director. This insight forms the foundation of the groundbreaking On-Farm Communications training initiative led by the Central Lakes College (CLC) Ag & Energy Research Center and AgCentric in partnership with Minnesota NRCS. Through this strong partnership, Minnesota is the only state offering training of this kind. Conducted over three sessions throughout the farming season—spring, summer, and fall—this training is designed to bridge communication gaps between agricultural professionals and farmers. Each seasonal session accommodates over 40 participants, divided between two available training days, ensuring that everyone receives hands-on experience and personalized instruction.
Initially offered exclusively to NRCS employees in 2021, the training expanded in 2024 to include SWCD employees, thanks to a new partnership between AgCentric, CLC Ag & Energy Center, and the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR). The training addresses a critical need: the decreasing number of employees with farming backgrounds entering NRCS and SWCD roles. This gap has led to a disconnect between these professionals and the farmers they serve. “Gaining more insight helps with relatability with farmers,” says Roz Davis, a Conservation Specialist with Hennepin County SWCD.
The spring session featured four distinct training stations, covering topics like Plant Nutrition, Precision Planting, and a highlight for most the Ride and Drive. Participants got hands-on experience in the 16-row Planter and tractor and the 4-Wheel Drive tractor with tracks pulling the High-Speed Disc. Participants get to operate equipment and learn about the latest farming technologies.
“This is a great opportunity for someone without an agronomy or farming background. And that’s okay- that’s the purpose of this training. I feel safe here asking questions”
Breanna Wagner, cottonwood swcd
In the summer session, participants rotated through stations on manure management, soil testing, sprayer operation, and irrigation technology, including Variable Rate Irrigation (VRI). The session also featured a farm economics presentation by Keith Olander. “This training is essentially all hands-on learning,” notes NRCS Intern Collin Schlomann. “You’re out in the field, working with the crops, and talking directly to experts who know their craft.”
The fall session included a Combine Ride N’ Drive, where participants operated a combine and watch in real time the moisture content and yield as they harvest the same corn they planted in the spring. In addition, stations will cover; cover crops, land rotation, and crop harvest considerations. Reflecting on the program’s impact, former Central Lakes College student, Kim Scheffler, who interned with the NRCS and now works as an NRCS soil conservation technician in Le Sueur County remarked, “It was nice to have the internship to be introduced to new things, to get out in the field, and to meet and talk to producers about different projects. Now I am getting more comfortable working on projects myself and talking to people and gaining new independence in my work.”
“The breadth of topics and the depth of knowledge from the instructors ensure that every participant leaves with skills that enhance their ability to perform their job.”
Kim Scheffler, nrcs – le sueur county
The uniqueness of the CLC Ag & Energy Center, with its 2,000 acres of diverse terrain and advanced irrigation systems, makes it an ideal location for this one-of-a-kind training. “Everyone can learn something here,” Scheffler concludes. “The breadth of topics and the depth of knowledge from the instructors ensure that every participant leaves with skills that enhance their ability to perform their job.”
Breanna Wagner from Cottonwood SWCD shared her perspective on the value of these training sessions: “This is a great opportunity for someone without an agronomy or farming background. And that’s okay—that’s the purpose of this training. I feel safe here asking questions.”
The On-Farm Communications Training will be back in 2025—stay tuned for more details!
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