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The Soil Revolution

Wednesday, December 12, 2018
7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Boulder, Colorado

Inviting Farmers and Ranchers of all scales and production systems

Join us for the third annual Soil Revolution Conference. This full-day event will shed light on the past, present, and future issues surrounding soil health, including the history of global agricultural production, agronomic and financial benefits for today's producers, and the importance of creating resilient landscapes.

Schedule

 7:00am -  8:00am

Registration & Breakfast

 8:00am -  8:15am

Opening Remarks

Emcee: Lauren Kolb

 8:15am -  9:10am

Keynote Address

David R. Montgomery

David R. Montgomery

The problem of agriculture is as old as civilization. Throughout history, great societies who abused their land withered into poverty or disappeared entirely. Now we risk repeating this ancient story on a global scale due to ongoing soil degradation, a changing climate, and a rising population.

 9:10am -  9:20am

Exhibitor Exhibition

 9:20am - 10:15am

Changing Your Farm With Biology

John Kempf

John Kempf

John started Advancing Eco Agriculture in 2006 with a vision of having regenerative agricultural systems become mainstream and adopted globally. John is passionate about developing regenerative agriculture systems that improve soil health, produce crops that are resistant to diseases and insects and produce exceptional quality fruit. This session will cover the intersection of healthy soils and crop quality and the financial bottom line. John will address the impact of soil health on the crop environment, water, light and nutrient use efficiency and how to build soils back up, especially in the arid west.

10:15am - 10:25am

Rainfall Simulator Demonstration

10:25am - 10:45am

Break

10:45am - 11:45am

Integrating Livestock For Better Soil Health

Darrin Unruh

Darrin Unruh

Darrin has completely redesigned his farming system to improve soil health and protect water quality in Pretty Prairie, Kansas. Finding that no-till alone was not enough to improve soil health, Darrin has turned to plant diversity, keeping the soil covered, keeping a living root in the soil and minimizing disturbance to improve soil structure and build organic matter. Darrin will cover how to integrate these principles into livestock grazing systems. He will also discuss how to get started with soil health practices, planning crop rotations and the resiliency of a biologically-focused system to drought and other stressors.

11:45am -  1:00pm

Lunch

NRCS Program Updates: Christine Newton & Sylvia Hickenlooper
Boulder County Carbon Farming Projects Update: Mark Easter
City of Boulder Carbon Farming Projects Update: Brett KenCairn

 1:00pm -  2:00pm

Ground Level: Exploring Local Challenges & Solutions

Moderator: Vanessa McCracken
Panelists: David R. Montgomery, John Kempf, Darrin Unruh, Sondra Pierce, & Michael Moss

How can ag producers implement soil health practices locally? Hear local producers discuss challenges, explore solutions, and field questions from the audience.

 2:00pm -  2:30pm

Break

 2:30pm -  3:30pm

Is Your Soil Weather-Ready?

Dannele Peck

Dannele Peck

2018 brought all types of extreme weather to the Front Range. Wind, hail, downpours and drought—you name it, we saw it! As “weird weather” becomes the new norm, learn how soil health and other management strategies can help you be more resilient.

 3:30pm -  4:00pm

Looking Forward: How Do We Get There From Here?

David R. Montgomery

David R. Montgomery

There is reason for hope. Dr. Montgomery introduces us to farmers around the world at the heart of a brewing soil health revolution that could bring humanity’s ailing soil back to life remarkably fast. Growing a Revolution draws on visits to farms in the industrialized and developing world to show a new combination of farming practices that can deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions to problems farmers face today.

 4:00pm -  5:00pm

Social Hour

Looking for other Soil Health Conferences?

Pricing

Tickets and payments are handled through Eventbrite

Location

Boulder JCC
6007 Oreg Ave
Boulder, CO 80303

Hotel

The Boulder Marriott has arranged special room rates starting at $169/night.

Boulder Marriott
2660 Canyon Boulevard
Boulder, CO 80302
303-440-8877
Reserve a Room
Boulder Marriot

Sponsors & Exhibitors

Platinum Sponsors

Boulder County Parks & Open Space

Gold Sponsors

Colorado State University Extension Services
City of Boulder

Silver Sponsors

Ward Laboratories, Inc.
John Deere 4Rivers Equipment

The Soil Revolution Conference is brought to you by

Boulder County Parks & Open Space
City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Colorado State University Extension Services
Longmont & Boulder Valley Conservation Districts

General conference questions?
Email Adrian Card or call 303-678-6383

Speakers & Presenters