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University of Wisconsin-Extension

Episode 4: Matt Burkholder on Being a Friend

Written by Jenny Seifert Posted on October 15, 2024September 4, 2026
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Farmer-to-Farmer Communication about Conservation Podcast Mini-Series

Matt Burkholder is a fourth generation farmer in Allen County, Ohio, where he farms corn, soybeans, and wheat. The motto for his farms is “Turning dirt into healthy soil one acre at a time.” 

Matt started doing cover crops and no-till 12 years ago, and some of his farms have now been in continuous no-till and cover crops for 11 years. As his soil health improved, he’s been able to reduce inputs to help keep his local waterways clean.

In this episode of our podcast mini-series, Matt shares how he has talked about these practices with other local farmers. His approach could be summed up as simply being a friend. 

This podcast was produced as part of a curriculum for farmers called Skills for Building Farmer Networks for Conservation.

Check out the other episodes in the Farmer-to-Farmer Communication about Conservation podcast mini-series:

  • Episode 1: Conservation Motivations and Barriers among Farmers
  • Episode 2: Understanding Your Audience
  • Episode 3: Rick Clark on Showing the Proof
  • Episode 5: Tom Cotter on Coaching Conservation
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We are a multi-state community and collaborative of people working for healthy watersheds in the Great Lakes, Greater Mississippi River, and Red River Basins of the U.S. Midwest and Mid-South. The Confluence is where watershed professionals, watershed educators, and engaged farmers and landowners can connect, learn, and increase their success in achieving clean water goals.

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Categorized: farmer engagement, farmer leadership, Human Capital Blog, outreach, peer learning

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