Soil-Con March 17, 2026
Doors open at 8:00am - 4:00pm EST
Oakwood Event Center
849 E. Lake View Rd, Syracuse, IN 46567, USA
FREE, REGISTRATION REQUIRED
About the Event
Led by our district Soil Health Specialist, Soil-Con will bring together three perspectives on soil health. Paul Jasa will show how no-till systems must be managed correctly in the field. Dr. Ray Weil will explain the soil biology and nutrient cycling that make those systems work. And Dr. Thomas Dykstra will connect both to long-term plant health and economic outcomes. Together, they show that soil health isn’t one practice , it’s a system.
Speakers include:
Paul Jasa
Paul Jasa is a retired Extension Engineer at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, developed educational programs that improve crop production, profitability, soil health, and environmental stewardship. Since 1978, he has evaluated planting equipment and tillage systems, gaining extensive insight into the dos and don’ts of no-till across diverse rotations and soil types. He enjoys sharing practical guidance on the systems approach and the long-term benefits of continuous no-till
Professor Ray R. Weil
Professor of Soil Science at the University of Maryland, Ray R. Weil is an internationally recognized expert on soil science, nutrient cycling, soil organic matter and cover crop systems for soil health and water quality. His methods for soil microbial biomass and active carbon (POXC) are adopted by USDA/NRCS and researchers worldwide. His research on multi-purpose cover crops and ecological approaches to soil management is used by landscape managers and farms, large and small. He has advised on food security and soil management in Africa and other developing regions. He teaches undergraduate and graduate-level courses in soil science, soil fertility and sustainable agriculture. In 2022 he was awarded the FoodShot Global Groundbreaker Prize for his work on soil sulfur and food protein quality. His textbook, The Nature and Properties of Soils, is the most widely used soils textbook in the US and around the world.
Dr. Thomas Dykstra
Dr. Thomas Dykstra is an agricultural consultant specializing in entomology and the plant-insect interactions that occur when crops are stressed or nutritionally deficient. He helps farmers improve plant health, reduce dependence on pesticides, and transition toward more sustainable practices. Dr. Dykstra’s active research, he deciphered the insect olfactory code back in 2016 and characterizes chemoreceptors for various medical and agricultural insect pests. He teaches both farmers and agricultural consultants how to raise healthy crops for their families and for profit. His work focuses on restoring soil health, improving crop quality, and supporting long-term farm resilience.
Agenda (All times Eastern): March 16,2026
6:30 PM-Soil Health Social Hour. You are invited to an informal meet and greet with the 2026 speakers the night before the BIG event. This relaxed networking opportunity allows for attendees to connect one-on-one, ask questions, and enjoy the cash bar available at the Sleepy Owl Supper Club.
Agenda (All times Eastern): March 17,2026
8:00 AM - Registration and Refreshments
8:30 AM - Welcome & District Program Update
8:45 AM –Paul Jasa-How the System Works in the Field. Systems & equipment reality check. Jasa will ground the workshop in practical execution.
10:15 AM - 15 Min. Break
10:30 AM – Dr. Thomas Dykstra-How Pest Insects Indicate Unhealthy Plants. Plant health, insect digestion, and how to use the Leaf Brix chart. Dykstra will shift the focus from killing pests to correcting underlying plant conditions.
12:00 PM -1 Hr. Lunch (Provided by Partners)
1:00 PM – Dr. Ray Weil-What’s Happening Below the Surface. Cover crops, nutrient cycling, and our soil function, Weil explains the mechanisms behind the benefits.
2:30 PM - 15 Min. Break
2:45 PM – Panel for Questions
3:15 PM - Closing Remarks
Bonus Time*(3:45-4:45 PM)-For attendees who would like to stay a bit longer, Dr. Dykstra will be presenting again. Digging deeper into raising the brix reading and making it applicable to your farm.
Registration is capped at 350. When we reach this enrollment, registration will close. Please let us know of any dietary restrictions at the time of registration.
This event is free to participants because it is funded by the Kosciusko County SWCD in collaboration with our partners!
Registration Required to Attend
Suggested hotels if needed: We are working on getting a hotel room block for discounted rates. Call our office for details:574-267-7445 ext.3