Skip to content
UW Madison Crest

Natural Resources Institute

Division of Extension

  • Focus Areas
    • Community Engaged Science and Education
    • Earth Sciences
    • Land and Forest Stewardship
    • Water Resource Management
    • Wildlife Ecology and Management
  • Programs
  • Resources
  • Professional Services
    • Evaluation
    • Instructional Design
    • Marketing and Communications
  • About Us
    • Our People
    • Our Blog
    • Stay in Touch
  • Donate
Search
University of Wisconsin-Extension

Episode 5: Tom Cotter on Coaching Conservation

Written by Jenny Seifert Posted on October 22, 2024September 4, 2026
Share
  • Share:
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on X (Twitter)
  • Share via Email
  • Copy Link

Copied!

Farmer-to-Farmer Communication about Conservation Podcast Mini-Series

Tom Cotter is a fourth generation farmer in southeast Minnesota. He farms right along I-90. So he gets a lot of traffic up against his fields, which he sees as a good thing, because people can see they’re doing things differently.

He started cover crops in 1998, strip till in 2013, and no-till in 2015. He also does grass-fed and grass-finished cattle, and his land along the creeks are in the NRCS Conservation Reserve Program.

As a father of four and, now, a grandparent, Tom does these practices for their sake.

In this last episode of our Farmer-to-Farmer Communication about Conservation podcast mini-series, Tom shares how he leans on what he has learned from 18 years as a wrestling coach when talking with other farmers about conservation practices.

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 4: Matt Burkholder on Being a Friend
Back To The Human Capital Blog

The Confluence for Watershed Leaders

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.

Stay in the Know

Subscribe to our email list to get the latest blog posts, opportunities, and more.

Subscribe

ABOUT

WHO WE ARE

ONLINE COMMUNITY

CONTACT US

BLOG

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

Division of Extension

Connecting people with the University of Wisconsin

  • Agriculture
  • Community Development
  • Health & Well-Being
  • Families & Finances
  • Natural Resources
  • Positive Youth Development

More Information

  • Home
  • About
  • Programs
  • Services
  • Blog
  • Donate

Follow NRI on Social

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Stay Connected

  • Contact
  • Natural Resources Blog
  • Social Media Directory

For Staff

NRI Resource SharePoint
Internal Communications Blog

University of Wisconsin-Madison      |        Explore Extension: Agriculture Community Development Families & Finances Health Natural Resources Youth
Connect With Us
Support Extension
Extension Home

We teach, learn, lead and serve, connecting people with the University of Wisconsin, and engaging with them in transforming lives and communities.

Explore Extension »

County Offices

Connect with your County Extension Office »

Map of Wisconsin counties
Staff Directory

Find an Extension employee in our staff directory »

staff directory
Social Media

Get the latest news and updates on Extension's work around the state

facebook iconFacebook

twitter icon Follow on X


Facebook
Follow on X

Feedback, questions or accessibility issues: info@extension.wisc.edu | © 2026 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System
Privacy Policy | Non-Discrimination Statement & How to File a Complaint | Disability Accommodation Requests

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.