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Soil Management Summit moves online this December 15 & 16

This article was written by University of Minnesota Extension educator Jodi DeJong-Hughes.

Like many annual events, this year’s Soil Management Summit (SMS), formerly known as the 
Conservation Tillage Conference or CTC, has had to make the transition from in-person to online. 
The SMS planning committee wants to ensure the health and wellbeing of participants, vendors, 
and everyone else involved in the summit's production while maintaining the high standard of 
programmatic content the event has provided over the years. As the COVID-19 situation has evolved, 
the committee made the decision that this event will be offered online only. The Soil Management Summit 
(SMS) emphasizes proven farmer experience and applied science. Straight from the fields, learn how 
heavier, colder soils aren’t necessarily the challenge they’re made out to be. Hear from long-time no-till,
reduced tillage and cover crop farmers as they share their experiences, so you can be spared the same 
hard-learned lessons. Some of this year’s topics include tillage erosion, soil organic matter and water 
dynamics, and the conference staple - a panel of farmers sharing their own personal experiences with soil
management. Kicking off the event is J. Gordon Arbuckle, a professor of sociology from Iowa State 
University whose research helps stakeholders maintain or enhance long-term agricultural productivity
while also improving social and environmental outcomes of agriculture. His keynote talk on December 15 
will explore the sociology of soil management.  While this year's format may be a little different, organizers
hope people embrace the change and join online December 15 and 16. “We’ll still deliver a high-value 
learning and networking experience for our attendees while emphasizing proven farmer experience and 
applied science,” said committee chair Jodi DeJong Hughes. Mark your calendars to join your fellow soil 
enthusiasts for two days of interactive online presentations, panels, and discussions. 
 
Advanced Crop Advisors can earn up to 5 continuing education units (CEUs). 
Additionally, 20 registration scholarships will be available for interested attendees. 
 
For more information and to register, visit z.umn.edu/SMS2020

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