Panelists will discuss soil, water quality during March 23 meeting in Syracuse

Policy
Contact(s)

Teresa Hoffman, policy communications associate, [email protected], 402.687.2100 ext. 1012; Rhea Landholm, brand marketing and communications manager, [email protected], 402.687.2100 ext 1025

SYRACUSE, NEBRASKA—Community members and producers are invited to Interconnectedness and Agriculture, a panel discussion about soil and water quality in agriculture and urban areas on Monday, March 23, in Syracuse.

The Center for Rural Affairs is collaborating with the Nebraska Healthy Soils Task Force and the Natural Resource Conservation Service to sponsor this free event from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Syracuse Public Library, 480 5th St. Doors will open at 6 p.m.

“The Healthy Soils Task Force is currently reviewing the state’s efforts to assist productivity and conservation,” said Mike McDonald, a Palmyra farmer and member of the healthy soils task force. “We are developing a healthy soils initiative and action plan that will be submitted to the governor and unicameral by Dec. 31, 2020.  This is the first step to gather input from across the state.”

The event will feature Ray Ward, founder of Ward Laboratories, Inc. in Kearney. An expert since the 1980s, he will talk about the interconnection of nutrients with the quality of soil and water. Joining Ward in discussing their perspectives will be Craig Derickson of NRCS, Randy Pryor of Nebraska Extension, and Andy Licht, representing Nebraska ag-retail. Area state senators have also been invited to the discussion.

“We hope farmers and citizens will come and share both their goals and concerns,” said Trenton Buhr, policy assistant at the Center for Rural Affairs. “This is an opportunity to hear from people in the industry and work together to create effective soil health policy.”

A light meal and refreshments will be provided.

For more information, visit cfra.org, or for questions.