By Blake Jackson
Pennsylvania farmers face numerous water-related challenges, including varying water quality, unpredictable rainfall, and the potential for flooding and drought.
To address these issues, Penn State Extension is hosting a free webinar series focused on improving water management practices on Pennsylvania farms.
The series will run from February 3rd to March 24th, with webinars held each Monday at noon.
- February 3rd: Livestock Drinking Water Quality: This session will explore the importance of high-quality water for livestock health and performance, covering common contaminants, testing methods, and interpreting test results.
- February 10th: Nitrogen – Crop Nutrient and Water Pollutant: This webinar will delve into the critical role of nitrogen in agriculture while also addressing the environmental challenges associated with nitrogen pollution, such as groundwater contamination and greenhouse gas emissions.
- February 24th: PFAS 101 for Farmers: Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are emerging contaminants of concern. This session will provide an overview of PFAS, their presence in agricultural environments, and strategies for managing potential contamination risks.
- March 3rd: Practices to Mitigate Flooding and Drought: This webinar will explore conservation practices that can help farmers mitigate the impacts of both flooding and drought, such as improving water infiltration and recharging groundwater.
- March 10th: Tile Drainage in Pennsylvania: This session will cover the basics of tile drainage systems and explore modern advancements in tile drainage technology, including water recycling and treatment options.
- March 17th: Where Does Water Go? Watersheds and Mapping: This webinar will introduce key watershed concepts and provide an overview of online mapping tools that can help farmers understand how water moves across their land and impacts the surrounding environment.
- March 24th: Countywide Action Plans - Beyond 2025: This session will discuss the outcomes of Countywide Action Plans (CAPs) and explore future directions for improving water quality and environmental sustainability in Pennsylvania.
Registration is required for each webinar. Visit [https://extension.psu.edu/registration-open-for-2025-ag-water-webinar-series] to register for the sessions that interest you.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zms
Categories: Pennsylvania, Education, General