COLUMBIA, Mo. – Two free workshops from University of Missouri Extension will help producers build long-term resilience against weather risk through conservation practices.

“Building Drought Resilience on the Farm: Conservation Tools and Planning” will be held in Union on Aug. 18 and Columbia on Aug. 19. The workshops are hosted in partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the MU Center for Regenerative Agriculture’s Missouri Conservation Crop and Livestock Project.

“These events are meant to equip producers with practical tools to increase their farm’s resilience and improve profitability over time,” said Adauto Rocha Jr., MU Extension assistant professor and workshop organizer. “We’re bringing together conservation professionals, technical experts and farmers to discuss what works in real-world conditions.”

Workshops will include discussions on conservation planning, soil health practices and strategies for drought-adapted livestock and cropping systems, as well as available incentives and cost-share opportunities.

“Participants will also have the chance to learn from peers who have already adopted conservation strategies and have seen results on their own operations,” Rocha said. “This is a unique opportunity to build community and facilitate shared learnings.”

Workshop details

• Union: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18, at the MU Extension Center in Franklin County.
• Columbia: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19, at Memorial Union on the MU campus.

Lunch will be provided. Although the program is free, registration is required to ensure enough materials and food. Details and registration.

Funding for this project was provided by the North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture under Award Number 2023-70027-40444.