REACH

01/13/2026

The 2026 Good Idea Shop Talks kick off next week! Getting ideas from experienced farmers from around the country can be a helpful way to shift perspectives and get ideas for adapting in challenging times while improving soil and water resource use. Registration details are linked below!

A meet-up series is for farmers who want to exchange ideas and advice for troubleshooting on-farm challenges related to improving soil and water resources.

06/25/2025

We were scouting out some sites in the delta yesterday for a potential water monitoring project. This particular tributary had enough vegetation to generally stabilize the banks, provide a buffer to filter overland runoff, and a riparian border upstream to provide shade. ✅
🌱Vegetated buffers that provide bank stability are a best management practice in drainages vulnerable to head cuts, incision, and erosion all contributing to sedimentation and increased turbidity in waterbodies.💦
🪲Another benefit of vegetated buffers are that they provide transitional zones on the landscape that can support nesting, foraging, or cover for birds, reptiles, amphibians, pollinators, and even small mammals.

06/13/2025

🚨 Mini-Grant Opportunity 🚨

Our friends at the Mississippi Water Stewards program are offering grants of up to $5,000 to support community-based organizations working to improve local water quality through monitoring and outreach. We’re especially looking for groups in Jackson and other metro areas—including nonprofits in natural resources, workforce development, urban planning, and neighborhood organizing. If your organization is interested in building local water knowledge and community stewardship, check your eligibility and apply now.

Full details and application: http://waterstewards.extension.msstate.edu/mini-grants

03/19/2025

Don’t miss tomorrow’s OGI Shop Talk! Coahoma County producer Andy Schmidt will be pitching his conservation question to producers across the Mid-south and Midwest!

How could I capture a premium for producing GMO corn and soybeans in a regenerative way?

Mississippi producer Andy Schmidt will kick off this conversation at Good Idea Shop Talks this Thursday, March 20th at 11:30am CT / 12:30 pm ET. Register now to join the conversation! https://goodideafarm.org/shop-talks/

03/10/2025

Join us for one more series of Good Idea Shop Talks! The virtual format makes it easy for growers across the Midwest and mid-south to jump on, discuss experiences, and share ideas! 🌱💧

A meet-up series is for farmers who want to exchange ideas and advice for troubleshooting on-farm challenges related to improving soil and water resources.