Several Kansas WRAPS project officers joined producers and conservation professionals for the Kansas Soil Health School, held September 16–17, 2026, at BS Farms near Axtell, Kansas.

Hosted by the Kansas Soil Health Alliance, the two-day school combined classroom instruction, field demonstrations, and hands-on activities focused on building healthy, productive, and resilient soils. Participants explored soil properties, soil biology, nutrient cycling, grazing cover crops, soil and plant testing, equipment modifications, and emerging agricultural technologies.

Hands-on demonstrations gave participants an opportunity to examine soil structure, plant roots, water movement, and other indicators of soil health. The activities illustrated how management decisions can influence water infiltration, nutrient availability, erosion resistance, and the long-term productivity of agricultural land.

Participants also heard perspectives from farmers about the challenges, successes, and economic considerations involved in adopting soil-health practices. These discussions emphasized that improving soil health is a long-term process that must account for the needs and conditions of each individual operation.

The training directly supports the work of Kansas WRAPS project officers, who collaborate with producers, landowners, conservation districts, and other watershed partners to protect water quality and promote effective conservation practices. Knowledge gained through events like the Kansas Soil Health School helps project officers better understand the practices available to producers and communicate how those practices can benefit both agricultural operations and Kansas watersheds.