What Is the Reimbursement Program?
This professional development reimbursement program is funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative through a new program called Technical Resources and Assistance for Implementing Nutrient Management (TRAIN). This program supports agricultural professionals who serve Michigan’s portion of the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB). This funding provides up to $1,500 per individual per year to attend training and workshops and obtain or maintain certifications to expand technical knowledge and skills for managing nutrients in the WLEB. Content must align with TRAIN’s mission to improve water quality and promote soil health across the basin by getting more nutrient management practices on the ground
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligibility is open to individuals and organizations providing agricultural technical support or services within the Michigan portion of the WLEB. You may apply if you are:
- A technical service or assistance provider, agronomist, or certified crop advisor (CCA) who serves producers in Michigan’s Western Lake Erie Basin;
- A staff member of a Conservation District within the basin (Monroe, Lenawee, Hillsdale, or Washtenaw Counties); or
- A private-sector partner who works directly with producers to implement nutrient management practices.
Eligible Expenses
Reimbursements are capped at $1,500 per individual per year for expenses directly associated with attending an eligible event, including:
- Registration or certification fees
- Travel: mileage for personal vehicles at $0.72/mile, commercial flights, rental cars, public transportation, parking
- Lodging
How to Apply
- If your training, conference, workshop, or certification is listed below, we will reimburse you.
- If it is not listed on the "certifications and trainings" or "conferences and workshops" tabs, email [email protected] to inquire if it qualifies.
- Attend/participate in your chosen event/certification.
- Keep all receipts and documentation of attendance.
- Complete the reimbursement form on the TRAIN website within 45 days of your event. You may submit reimbursement for registration fees paid for before the event.
Once submitted, the TRAIN team will review your submission and may contact you for additional information. Expect a reimbursement check within 3–4 weeks.
Certifications & Trainings
The Michigan Manure Hauler Certification Program aims to prevent manure application problems, promote responsible application, increase nutrient management implementation, and raise professionalism and knowledge among applicators. The voluntary program offers three certification levels and provides a clear path from training to certification and third-party audit, with potential insurance premium reductions as incentives. To achieve Level 1 certification, applicants must pass an online course with a score of 80% or higher.
Variable Rate Technology (VRT) training through Ag Leader Academy equips participants with the knowledge and skills to optimize precision agriculture tools for efficient nutrient management. Learners gain hands-on experience using Ag Leader’s SMS software to analyze field data, generate management zones, and apply variable rate prescriptions for seed, fertilizer, and crop protection products. The self-paced online modules and virtual support resources help both beginners and advanced users make data-driven decisions to improve productivity and sustainability.
The Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) and Certified Professional Agronomist (CPAg) programs recognize agronomy professionals who demonstrate excellence and ethical commitment to sustainable agriculture. Earning these respected credentials requires rigorous exams and ongoing professional development, ensuring up-to-date, science-based expertise. Certification signals to employers and growers that holders are trusted advisors dedicated to quality and continuous learning. We can reimburse CCA dues, testing costs, and specialty program upgrades for precision agriculture and 4R nutrient management.
The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program is built on the foundation of the 4R of Nutrient Stewardship: Right Source at the Right Rate, at the Right Time and in the Right Place. This program is not currently available in Michigan but you may be able to participate through Ohio’s program by contacting Aaron Heilers at [email protected] or (614) 326-7520.
Conferences & Workshops
2027 application is closed. Application for the 2028 cohort will open in July.
Participants will attend interactive learning modules to receive training and resources from SWCS staff and partners. They will fine-tune and expand their skills and networks to further advance conservation and their career. Through the year, participants will gain professional skills like time management, event planning, public speaking, and creating community. They will network with and receive guidance from peers, program alumni, and other leaders across disciplines to develop their leadership style and build confidence in their roles. The 2027 cohort registration is closed at this time, however this is an annual program that will reopen applications for the 2028 cohort in July 2027. The program page still contains valuable information on what you can expect the event to look like next year!
November 1-4, 2026 | Portland, OR
CANVAS 2026, formerly the ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting brings together the crop, agronomic, environmental, and soil science communities to inspire change and advance scientific discovery. This premier event features keynote presentations on innovation and emerging leaders, technical sessions, hands-on workshops, field tours, award ceremonies, and dynamic networking opportunities. With over 3,000 abstracts covering cutting-edge research, participants can dive into the latest advancements and ideas in the field. Students are encouraged to join specialized programming, including career workshops and networking events. Visit the exposition to explore the newest products and technologies in agronomy, crop, and soil sciences.
November 4-5, 2026 | Goshen, Indiana
Register by October 23rd.
Join Purdue Extension and MSU Extension for this year’s in-service workshop. The theme is Weathering Water Extremes: Connecting Soil Health, Drainage, Irrigation, and Farm Resilience. You will have the opportunity to hear from experts on soil health and management, see real world examples through farm tours and farmer conversations, and take home practical tools and strategies to improve farm resilience. There are 9 Soil and Water CCA credits pending for this workshop.
January 8-9, 2027 | Des Moines, IA
Since our founding, the annual conference has been a keystone event for farmer-to-farmer learning. Join us and over 1,000 attendees to hear creative solutions and ideas from fellow farmers; share in good conversation; make new connections; and enjoy hearty meals. Highlights for this year's conference include:
- 70-plus sessions featuring over 100 speakers
- Over 90 sponsors and exhibitors
- Pre-conference short courses
- Storytelling
- PFI supper and cocktails
- NEW Legacy Lounge
January 13-15, 2027 | Indianapolis, IN
For more than 3 decades, the National No-Tillage Conference has been providing the practical tips and information farmers need to run a more successful and profitable no-till operation. Don't miss an energetic 3 days of nonstop learning from leading no-tillers, agronomists, researchers and other no-till experts sharing innovative ideas that can help you get the most out of your no-till farming system. This 35th annual conference offers a mix of thought-provoking General Sessions, expert-led No-Till Classrooms, collaborative No-Till Roundtables. Plus, valuable pesticide recertification and Certified Crop Advisor credits will be available to qualifying attendees.
January 21-22, 2027 | The Lucky Wolf, Paw Paw, Michigan
From the backyard garden to the large-acreage farm, this intensive is about understanding the fundamentals of soil, plants and biology—and putting those concepts to work in the real world. Enjoy two days of practical learning for farmers, growers, market gardeners, fruit and vegetable producers, agronomists, consultants, and anyone looking to improve soil and crop performance.
February 3, 2027 | Okemos, MI
Registration opening soon.
The Michigan Manure Management Summit, hosted by Michigan State University Extension and Michigan Farm Bureau, is an annual educational event that provides updates on the science and best practices of manure management. The program is specifically designed for anyone who hauls and applies manure. The Summit also provides required CECs for individuals who have been certified in any level by the Michigan Manure Hauler Certification Program.
February 3-4, 2027 | Bavarian Inn Lodge, Frankenmuth, Michigan
Registration opens early December.
This is a great opportunity for networking and hearing talks from innovative farmers. Speakers will share their experiences with diversified farming systems, cover crops, no-till, grazing, food-grade grains, and new crop markets. Both RUP and CCA credits may be available. Registration is only $50 per person, and scholarships are available through GreenStone (registration cost only) and Michigan SARE (travel cost only). Save the date and stay tuned for registration information!
February 2, 2027 | Grand Rapids, MI
February 4, 2027 | Fort Wayne, IN
February 10, 2027 | Frankenmuth, MI
February 11, 2027 | Waldo, OH
February 16, 2027 | Champaign, IL
These workshops reinforce key concepts in soil fertility, chemistry, and crop nutrition through interactive discussions and real-world agronomic problem-solving. Seminars are led by certified crop advisors and professional agronomists, covering topics such as soil properties, CEC, base saturation, pH, and nutrient management. Attendees can earn CCA credits: 3.5 in Nutrient Management, 1.5 in Soil and Water Management, and 1.0 in Crop Management. While the 2026 workshop dates have passed, these workshops occur annually and will be open for 2027 registration in late fall. Register at least 2 weeks prior to the event on the event page and explore valuable information on what you can expect the workshops to look like!
March 3-4, 2027 | Willmar Conference Center, Willmar, MN
For 11 years, the Sustainable Farming Association has proudly hosted the Midwest Soil Health Summit, an educational event developed during a time when soil health was still a budding concept. As the importance of soil health has become more widely recognized and soil health education more readily available, we are shifting the educational focus of the Summit and rebranding the event as the Midwest Grazing & Soil Health Summit. More than just a name change, this evolution acknowledges and celebrates the deep connection between soil and livestock in building thriving ecosystems and communities. This new emphasis allows us to explore the dynamic harmony between grazing and soil health—together, they create a regenerative path forward for farmers and ranchers.
March 5, 2027 | Michigan Farm Bureau State Headquarters, Lansing, MI
Registration not yet open.
CONSERVATION CAN'T WAIT! Supporting conservationists is at the heart of all SWCS programs. At a time when government programs are being delayed or cut and budgets for ongoing conservation programs are tight, it is more important than ever to support conservation at all levels. The Michigan Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society strives to meet that challenge through Professional Development.
March 9-10, 2027 | Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH
Join us March 9-10, 2027, at Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio, for the Conservation Tillage & Technology Conference. Connect with farmers, agronomists, and ag industry leaders from across Ohio to explore new ideas in soil health, crop management, and conservation farming. Learn practical strategies, discover the latest technology, and be part of the conversation shaping the future of Ohio agriculture!
March 16-17, 2027 | St. Charles, MO
Producers, students, researchers, and industry partners will come together to explore current cover crop topics and their importance to agriculture and conservation. Presentations from university specialists, farmers, government agencies, and industry experts from across the region will highlight practical applications, emerging research, and management strategies for cover crops. Approximately 150 researchers, educators, conservation professionals, and farmers are expected to attend, making this an excellent opportunity to learn about the latest developments in cover crop adoption and integration. Experience presentations focused on
- Successfully integrating cover crops into farming operations
- Demonstrating the soil health and agronomic benefits of cover crops
- National Cover Crop Variety Project Updates
- Cover Crop Plot tours at the Danforth Plant Science Center