Illinois Cover Crop On-Farm Network Monthly Calls

ISAP convenes cover crop specialists from across Illinois and the broader Midwest region for monthly discussions to explore new research, troubleshoot field conditions, and provide updates on policies and programs related to cover crops. Engaging with presentations by experts, researchers, and industry leaders, our ICCON calls provide an opportunity to share knowledge and network with a strong community of cover crop enthusiasts.

This is the first session of ICCON’s Soil Testing Series and will feature Dr. Patrick Freeze, Director of Research and Development at Ward Laboratories. Dr. Freeze will provide an overview of the Haney Soil Test, uses of the test, and additional functions and applications of the test. Read more about Dr. Freeze in his bio below. 1 CEU will be provided in each session of the series.

Speaker: Dr. Patrick Freeze

Dr. Patrick Freeze

Ward Laboratories, Inc.

Director of Research and Development, Soil/Soil Health Testing

Patrick Freeze serves as the Director of Research and Development – Soil/Soil Health Testing at Ward Laboratories (Kearney, NE), where he specializes in soil and plant testing methods, research, education, and grower support. Previously with Matrix Sciences in central Washington, he devised soil, soil health, and apple testing methods for large consulting groups. During his doctoral studies in Soil Chemistry at Washington State University, he explored ways to reduce heavy metal risks in orchard soils and received advanced training in soil carbon testing techniques in Italy, courtesy of a USDA NIFA Needs Fellowship. As a U.S. Fulbright scholar, he investigated minimizing cadmium uptake in contaminated Thai rice paddies for one year. Patrick earned a B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Nevada – Reno, with a focus on forest soil science, environmental quality and policy, and green chemistry.

To stay up to date on upcoming calls, receive follow up notes and call recordings, and stay in touch with the ICCON Network, please join our google group. If you have any trouble accessing the group, please email hello@ilsustainableag.org