August 26, 2025, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (US Central)
At its core, conservation is about people—built on relationships, trust, and boots-on-the-ground expertise. Research by Arbuckle and Morris published in the Journal of Soil and Water Conservation supports this, finding that interaction with a conservation professional over time is a consistent predictor of farmer adoption of conservation practices.
We also know we must modernize and expand Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA)—integrating new technology and innovative models—to better support the people who support our farmers.
In this webinar, we’ll explore real-world examples of AI in CTA and examine how innovation is being used to enhance the vital role of conservation professionals.
This webinar will occur during Conservation Professionals Week! Founded by SWCS, this annual celebration takes place the week leading up to Labor Day— August 25–29 this year. The week shines a spotlight on conservation professionals, elevates their impact, and brings awareness to the essential work of protecting soil and water.
Webinar attendees will have a chance to win prizes!
What You’ll Leave With
- Real-world examples of how AI is being integrated into CTA
- Up-and-coming tools to boost efficiency in conservation planning, implementation, and measurement
- Inspiration for modernizing conservation support while elevating the vital role of conservation professionals
Speakers
- Debabrata Sahoo, PhD, PE, PH, associate professor in the Department of Agricultural Sciences, College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences, Clemson University, will share information about the HAB (Harmful Algal Bloom or Harmful Cyanobacterial Bloom) detection system they’re building. Among several technologies, Sahoo and his team have built a web app to detect aquatic weed and possible HAB genera in South Carolina ponds. By combining deep learning and data assimilation, they have also developed AI technology that enables real-time, cost-effective HAB detection and prediction—saving resources while supporting faster response.
- Derek Heeren, professor and associate head for academic programs in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, will share insights on the Irrigation Educator GPT—an AI tool he helped develop to assist farmers and educators in quickly accessing irrigation information and recommendations.
- R. John Dawes, lead for project strategy with a focus on system design and product development for The Commons—a stand-alone nonprofit delivering leveraged products and digital services to organizations working to improve water quality—will present on a new conservation tool in development, the “Conservation Concierge.” This tool is designed to help conservation professionals assess agricultural lands for enrollment in conservation programs and streamline the funding application process. By cutting administrative time and boosting adoption rates, it enables professionals to focus on what matters most: delivering results for farmers and the environment. In addition to his work at The Commons, John manages his family’s grass-fed Angus beef operation in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.
Cost
- Free for SWCS members
- $15 for nonmembers
Bonus: Need CEU credits? A certificate of attendance will be provided upon request. Just email events@swcs.org after the webinar.