CPTP turns research into best practices on the farm
The Conservation Professional Training Program (CPTP) embodies the Wisconsin Idea and the
mission of UW-Extension by bringing the vast body of research and resources from University of
Wisconsin campuses to the farm through trained conservation advisors. CPTP partners with other
universities, stakeholders, agencies and NGOs to bring the best research and strategies to audiences
through hands-on, science-based training while maximizing use of existing curricula and resources.
This approach has leveraged significant public/private resources, including a $3 million USDA project
in 2011. Examples of research-based training and partnerships include:
*Whole Farm Conservation Planning with UW-Madison CALS, UW-Stevens Point, UWPlatteville, UW-Green Bay, Iowa State, U of Nebraska, Iowa State U and UDSA-NRCS in 7 states;
*Technical Service Provider/Conservation Activity Planning/Organic Transition Planning
with USDA NRCS, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and the Midwest Organic Sustainable
Education Service;
*Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning (CNMP) with UW-Platteville, DATCP,
WDNR, U of Minnesota, US EPA, MN Dept of Ag.;
*Native Pollinators with the Xerces Society and the UW Center for Integrated Agricultural
Systems;
*Forestry, wetlands and invasive species courses with DNR and private consultants.
These trained advisors work directly with landowners to adapt and implement practices that protect our
most fragile rural lands. They also help farmers navigate the maze of local, state and federal
conservation grants, cost-sharing and easement programs.
CPTP’s impact is felt beyond the borders of Wisconsin, including:
*More trained private sector, whole-farm conservation planners than all other programs in the
US combined;
*Ample CNMP planners in the Upper Midwest to handle workload; and
*More than 30 small businesses in WI have used the training to add new services, increase
income and hire new staff to serve landowners.
With well-trained public/private sector professionals, armed with the latest in research-based
information, landowners have the technical support to choose the right practices to improve water
quality, and enhance wildlife habitat and ecosystems.
Innovation in partnerships, teaching and technology
The CPTP Team is a recognized national leader in conservation training, coordinating innovative
training programs with partners in multiple states using a blend of face-to-face courses, one-on-one
mentoring, and distance learning technologies. By partnering strategically with agency staff and
research institutions, CPTP is able to build on each state’s strengths and increase training opportunities
in times of tight budgets, giving the project flexibility to continually evaluate course effectiveness and
adapt to changing needs.
Recent technology implementation include:
*Expanding access to online training opportunities using eXtension, Moodle and D2L.
*Enriching online training using webinars and video.
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*Integrating new customer service, career planning, and information-sharing capabilities into
the web portal for partners, trainers and students.
*Building Communities of Practice forums to foster collaboration and feedback between
instructors and students.
CPTP also customizes workshops to local conditions and balance students’ need for affordability,
access and convenience.
CPTP’s philosophy of innovation and collaboration culminated in a $3.14 million USDA Natural
Resources Conservation Service contract to create the national Conservation Reserve Program
Readiness Initiative in September 2011. Within four months, CPTP geared up to provide planning,
implementation and management training adapted to requirements of the Conservation Reserve
Program. In addition to designing a new curriculum and leading 20 face-to-face workshops with
partners at four land-grant universities, staff are developing eight supplemental courses and providing
in-person and online mentoring.
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