Welcome to Continuous Living Cover 101! – REGAIN

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CLC Introduction 14 Topics

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Course Navigation

Learning Outcomes

Course Overview: Course Content

Course Overview: Course Navigation

Course Developers

Natural Systems have Continuous Living Cover

What is Continuous Living Cover?

Why Do We Need CLC?

Continuous Living Cover Can Be Achieved In Many Ways

Field Edge Practices Can Enhance the Benefits on In-Field CLC

Continuous Living Cover Offers Many Benefits

Example of CLC Benefits

Principles of Soil Health

CLC Module 1: Soil Health Overview 17 Topics | 1 Quiz

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What Is Soil Health?

What is Soil Made Of?

Aggregates and Pores

Roots and Organic Matter

Soil Structure is Affected by Management

Healthy Soil is More Resilient

Midwest Soils Formed Under Natural Continuous Living Cover

Annual Systems Add Less Organic Matter

CLC Systems Add More Biomass

Soil Degradation in Action

No-Till Supports Soil Health

Example of Protecting the Soil

Poorly Managed Grazing

Well-Managed Grazing Maintains Plants, Soils and Water

Module 1: Soil Health Summary

Module 1 Knowledge Check

CLC Module 2: – Five Basic Types of CLC 35 Topics | 1 Quiz

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Module 2: Overview

CLC with Annuals

Different Cover Crops Offer Different Benefits

Overwintering vs. Winterkill Cover Crops

Continuous Living Cover with Annuals: Small Grains

Small Grain Seed and Resources are Widely Available

Continuous Living Cover with Annuals: Winter Oilseeds

Facilitating Annual CLC with Relay Cropping

Annual Crop Highlight: Cereal Rye

Annual Crop Highlight: Cereal Rye, Continued

Perennial Grains

Perennial Grain Crop Highlight: Kernza®

Agroforestry – More Information

Agroforestry Crop Highlight: Hybrid American Hazelnuts

Agroforestry Crop Highlight: Hybrid American Hazelnuts, Continued

Perennial Forage and Grazing

Management is Key

Grazing Can be Incorporated into Almost Any Operation

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CLC Module 3: – Benefits of CLC 31 Topics | 1 Quiz

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NRCS Resource Concerns

Example Resource Concerns

CLC Strategies Can Help Address NRCS Resource Concerns

CLC & EQIP Practice Examples

Improved Soil Health

Improved Soil Structure and Associated Function

Possible NRCS Resource Concerns Addressed by Improved Soil Health

Improved Surface Water Quality

How CLC Improves Surface Water Quality

Improved Surface Water Quality Addresses Possible NRCS Resource Concerns

Improved Groundwater Quality Addresses Possible NRCS Resource Concern

Climate Change Resilience Adaptation

Climate Change Mitigation

Agricultural Soil Carbon Research is Ongoing

Long-Term Perennial Systems Offer Best Potential for Carbon Sequestration

Climate Change Mitigation Addresses Possible NRCS Resource Concerns

Improved Habitat and Ecosystem Health

Possible NRCS Resource Concerns Addressed by Improved Habitat and Ecosystem Health

On-Farm Economic and Labor Benefits: Flexibility and Resilience

Example of On-Farm Economic and Labor Benefits

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CLC Module 4: – How to Talk to Farmers About CLC 33 Topics | 1 Quiz

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Three Basic Steps to Support CLC Implementation

Step 1: Get to Know the Farmer and the Farm

Structural and Economic Barriers

Facing Discrimination

Farmer Mental Health

Questions for Farmers

Step 2: Assess Location and Markets

Example Resources for Finding Appropriate Crops and Varieties

Some Questions for the Farmer to Ask for Assessing Market Potential Include:

Find Resources for Marketing and Supply Chains

Work with the Farmer to Consider Which Strategies Make Sense

Step 3: Help Connect the Farmer to Technical Assistance and Funding

Funding Support

Consider Including Landowners and Lenders in Financial Conversations

Technical Assistance

Technical and Funding Resources Help Remove Barriers to CLC Strategies

Additional Considerations for Grazing

There are Many Ways to Graze

Management Intensity Varies Across Grazing Types

Make Sure There is Clear Communication Around Grazing Expectations and Responsibilities

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CLC Decision Making Example 1 5 Topics

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Kernza Perennial Grain

First, Get to Know the Farmer and the Operation

Assess if the Crop is a Good Fit for the Farmer, Region, and Market

Think About How and on What Scale to Implement a Practice

Support the Farmer with Technical and Cost Share Assistance

CLC Decision Making Example 2 3 Topics

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First, Get to Know the Existing Operation

Consider Different Ways to Integrate Grazers

Funding and Technical Assistance

CLC Decision Making Example 3 7 Topics

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First, Get to Know the Farm and the Farmer

Talk with the Farmer About their Experience and Needs

What Fits for the Farmer, Climate and Market?

Possible Cropping Systems

Think About How and On What Scale to Implement

Support the Farmer with Technical and Cost Share Assistance

Follow Up With the Farmer to Assess Practice Success

Summary 15 Topics

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Continuous Living Cover Key Concept

Module 1 Key Concept: Soil Health

Module 2 Key Concepts: Five CLC Strategies

Module 3 Key Concept: Benefits of CLC

Module 4 Key Concept: Basic Steps to Support CLC Implementation

Sources of CLC Related Technical Assistance

Some Examples of Midwest Public Sector Resources for CLC

Some Examples of Midwest Farmer-Serving Nonprofits

Example Funding Resources

CLC Resource List

Acknowledgements

Many Thanks to our Farmer Partners and Curriculum Reviewers!

Funding Acknowledgement

In Memory of Steve John – 1947-2024

Course Completion

About Instructor

Evelyn Reilly

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Course Includes

9 Lessons
160 Topics
5 Quizzes
Course Certificate