Tune in to another edition of Shop Talk here on Stand for Ag! Lead by guest host, Darrick Steen, this episode is an insightful conversation about land management and resources available to current and beginning farmers. He is joined by Clayton Light and Adam Jones who have an astounding passion for leaving Missouri farmland better for the next generation. 

- Darrick Steen has dedicated his 20-year career as an environmental engineer serving the interests of farmers, agriculture and government, helping them navigate and resolve many complex regulatory and environmental challenges in Missouri. Darrick currently works in a joint role as Environmental Programs Director for the Missouri Soybean Association and the Missouri Corn Growers Association. 

- Clayton Light started his conservation career with the Missouri Department of Conservation and for 13 years gained experience working across the state in many different roles. Light spent the majority of his career as a wildlife management biologist managing the natural resources on public land. He focused on wetland habitat and restoring the natural communities for woodlands, glades and grasslands. Light started his new job as Conservation Programs Manager, which is a shared position between Missouri Soybean and Missouri Corn, at the beginning of this year. 

- Adam Jones worked for 11 years for the Missouri Department of Conservation as a wildlife management biologist managing Missouri public lands for wildlife.  In January 2019, Adam started working for MFA Incorporated as a Natural Resources Conservation Specialist housed within the agronomy division. He focuses on integrating conservation practices, soil health, carbon quantification and nutrient management into production agriculture.

Resources discussed in this edition include:

• Carbon Pilot Program: https://mosoy.org/carbonpilot/
• University of Missouri Climate Change and Missouri Agriculture Report: https://mosoy.org/missouri-farmers-putting-up-big-numbers-on-climate-change/

Leopold Conservation Award 

The Leopold Conservation Award recognizes extraordinary achievements in voluntary conservation, inspires other landowners through their example, and helps the general public understand the vital role private landowners can and do play in conservation success. In Missouri, the award recipient receives an Aldo Leopold crystal and $10,000. To learn more and apply, visit: https://mofarmerscare.com/lca/