Producers Learn Soil and Cover Crop Skills at Carver Farm

By Blake Jackson

Producers recently gathered at Lincoln University’s George Washington Carver Farm to take part in a Land Essentials workshop led by the Noble Research Institute.

The event focused on practical approaches to soil health, cover crop, and land productivity, combining classroom instruction with hands-on fieldwork.

Noble’s team, including Will Moseley, Steven Smith, and Doug Jobes, guided participants through lessons and field assessments, such as evaluating soil conditions in one of the university’s pastures.

The workshop is part of an ongoing partnership between Lincoln University and Noble, which began in November 2023 when Farm Superintendent Chris Boeckmann reached out after hearing a Noble staff member speak at a separate event. That initial conversation paved the way for Noble to begin offering workshops at Carver Farm in October 2024.

Boeckmann noted that many participants had previously attended Lincoln’s public field days or had collaborated with university staff. “Noble comes in with a lot of expertise. They've done research on the grazing and the regenerative agriculture that they're presenting these workshops on," Boeckmann said.

"Interested producers sometimes are hesitant to try something new without knowing exactly how to go about it and where to start. This gives them the opportunity to gain that knowledge base and also the ability to follow up with Noble research experts after the workshop.”

Moseley, who has been with Noble since 2008, highlighted the importance of building relationships among producers. “Having this network of people that can be mentors, peers to learn from each other I think is one of the most valuable things that they can get out of these workshops.”

Attendees came with different motivations. Local farmer Joe Wetherell, who raises grasses and crops with his wife, said he joined after seeing an advertisement. Reflecting on the experience, he remarked, “It's amazing how everything is linked together more than I realized.”

Photo Credit: gettyimages-mvburling