ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The American Soybean Association (ASA) is inviting U.S. soybean farmers to attend a new, one-day event designed to help them evaluate conservation incentive programs available to them, as well as connect with the organizations and the association’s industry partners offering these programs,

The association’s Farmer Forum: Building Your Conservation Program and Profit Potential event will be Aug. 26 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, Iowa,

“The ASA Farmer Forum will offer a deep dive into conservation programs, consumer perspectives on conservation and sustainability, and farm-level decision making,” Jordan Bright, ASA communications manager, told Farm World.

“With so many different conservation and carbon programs available to farmers today, and each one has its own requirements and benefits for participation, it can be a challenge for farmers to take the time to evaluate the many opportunities available and find the right fit,” Bright said.

Through the ASA Farmer Forum, the association said it is providing one place where farmers can learn more about many of these programs, and discuss these opportunities with technical experts.

“Conservation technicians and crop advisers from several organizations and companies will be available to answer questions in small group discussions, and help farmers identify the best conservation program for their unique farm situations,” Bright said.

These informational sessions will be 1-5:45 p.m., followed by a reception from 5:45-7:30 p.m. All farmers who register by Aug. 20 will receive a free one-day admission to the Farm Progress Show in nearby Boone, Iowa.

Bright said lead sponsors of the ASA Farmer Forum event include the United Soybean Board and Our Soy Checkoff, PepsiCo and Nutrien. She added these sponsors will have small exhibits at the event that attendees may visit during an afternoon break and the evening reception.

Some of the many sessions available are: How Consumer Perspectives are Shaping the Industry at 1:15 p.m. Panelists from PepsiCo, Soil & Water Outcomes Fund, and others, will discuss consumer perspectives on conservation and sustainability, and how companies like PepsiCo are working with farmers to meet consumer demands.

A session on federal conservation programs is available to U.S. farmers at 2:10 p.m., featuring representatives from national conservation groups and technical assistance providers.

Near the end of the program agenda, several companies and organizations will have designated tables for smaller group discussions with farmers.

“Farmers are always looking for ways to improve their operations, while remaining good stewards of the environment, and protecting our natural resources,” said Josh Gackle, ASA president, and a Kulm, N.D., soybean farmer.

“It’s exciting to see so many companies and organizations coming forward with financial incentives to adopt conservation practices, but it can also be a challenge to figure out what program makes sense for your individual farm,” he added. “I’m thrilled to see the American Soybean Association offer this event as a new resource to help farmers navigate these opportunities.”

The full event agenda and registration link are available by visiting: https://soy.swoogo.com/asafarmerforum2024/5561943.