Enhancing Soil Health and Cropping Systems Innovation with Conversations at the Soil Health Coffee Hour

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When different experiences and perspectives come together to solve a problem, often the synergy created is more than the sum of the parts. We can call this the ‘co-production of knowledge’ and it can happen in many ways and is an invaluable tool for accelerating cropping system innovation and adaptation to constantly changing conditions.

Dynamic conversations at conferences and on tailgates are impossible to replicate in digital spaces. However, the digital world provides unique tools and opportunities that can make these conversations easier to access and allow people from across distance to connect for an hour, without having to commit to long drive times. The PNW Farmers’ Network (opens in new tab) exists to create spaces for members of the agriculture community who are interested in soil health and cropping system innovation to explore and share leading-edge ideas to advance agricultural resiliency and drive relevant research–on the farm and in the lab for the dryland grain production region of the inland Pacific Northwest (iPNW). With this mission in mind, the PNW Farmers’ Network offers a variety of ways to engage in person and online, with the aim of connecting producers, researchers, and anyone else who is excited about soil health and cropping systems innovation.

Each month, the Soil Health Coffee Hour on Zoom features an hour-long agenda that combines learning more about the latest soil health research in the iPNW with engaging conversations for and among soil health enthusiasts. It is a great place to talk directly with researchers, producers, and others in the ag community, and support the development and transfer of useful and usable research.

The fall schedule features speakers on biological nitrogen fixation, updates from the Washington Soil Health Initiative (opens in new tab), and another look into the microbiome of oilseeds. The Soil Health Coffee Hour is designed for everyone who in interested in soil health in the iPNW and beyond. If you would like to see the research presentations from past events find them on the PNW Farmers’ Network YouTube.

Register for upcoming Soil Health Coffee Hours:

Carol McFarland professional headshot.

For questions or comments, contact Carol McFarland or the PNW Farmers’ Network via email at carol.mcfarland@wsu.edu.