Fishers & Farmers Workshops
Where watershed leaders gather to learn, share, and define next steps forward, together.
2025 Workshop for Watershed Leaders
Registration is officially open!
November 5-7, 2025 | Monticello, IL
With Co-host American Farmland Trust
Fishers & Farmers Workshops facilitate skills to help local groups focus, listen, choose a direction, stick together, stay organized, and achieve goals.
These workshops connect farmers, landowners, and collaborators with others who are working for sustainable farms, streams and communities in the Upper Mississippi River Basin.
At our interactive, no-lecture, professionally-facilitated workshops participants hear new perspectives, ask questions that matter, host conversations, tell stories of challenge and success, reflect, and identify their own next steps. It is a rich, practical way to learn.
Still wondering what all the hype is about? Take a look at how the days were designed at our previous workshop held in Galena, Illinois.
These are not your standard workshops.
"We have learned so many things that we were able to act on in a focused way. I believe we are making a difference in our area as a result. The workshops have given us confidence to act outside our comfort zone."
You will walk away with tangible tools for social progress and a clear framework for next wise steps.
“We learn so much at these workshops, my head is on fire with ideas. I'm looking forward to working with the farmers in our area to generate ideas and come up with action plans.”
Participants do not listen to lectures, but share their own diverse experiences and knowledge through conversations.
“Our steering committee walks away from these workshops reinvigorated and affirmed,
and we keep coming back for the learning and connections.”
TAKE A LOOK AT PAST WORKSHOPS
We invite all partners into the same room, with farmers at the center.
Solutions demand participation from all involved in agriculture and conservation delivery systems, including: farmers, agronomists, crop advisors, ag retailers, ag suppliers, nonfarming landowners, women landowners, professional land managers, bankers, realtors, policy makers, conservation professionals, local government staff, and community organizations.
Every voice is heard. Together, we dive in to focus on real, shared work and local solutions. All leave with thoughtful action plans for work at home.