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The North Central Climate Collaborative (NC3) is working to increase the flow and usability of climate information for Extension, farmers, natural resource managers, and communities. As part of this work, the team hosts bimonthly webinars for water and climate professionals on a range of topics related to climate, water, and agriculture.

This webinar will provide a firsthand look at two innovative tools designed specifically for Midwest agriculture: the ACRE (Agricultural Conservation for Resilient Environments) Portal, an interactive online platform for evaluating and comparing conservation practices, and the AgFutures of the Midwest, an engaging, tabletop game designed to explore farm decision-making under climate and market uncertainty. Built on USDA NRCS Conservation Practice Standards and developed by a multidisciplinary team of experts, these resources provide actionable strategies to manage risk, improve resilience, and help farms thrive in an uncertain future.

About the Speakers:

• Ana Hummes is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Purdue University, where she collaborates with the IMPACT Project and the ACRE Portal to support climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture. Previously, Dr. Hummes served as a researcher with the USDA Agricultural Research Service, focusing on soil health, bio stimulants, crop productivity, and regenerative agriculture. Her work is dedicated to translating scientific research into practical solutions.
• Tracy Campbell is a Research Specialist with the Puerto Rico Association of Conservation Districts. Dr. Campbell was formerly a USDA Climate Hub Fellow, where she investigated nutrient cycling in agroforestry systems.
• Shivika Aggrawal is a Ph.D. candidate at Purdue University and an interdisciplinary researcher with the Center for Community & Environmental Design, where she works with Dr. Aaron Thompson. Her research explores how farmers and communities remember, learn from, and respond to environmental change, with a particular focus on social-ecological resilience in Midwest agriculture. Drawing on her background in engineering and sociology, Shivika uses participatory research, stakeholder engagement, and serious games to make complex sustainability challenges more approachable and support meaningful conversations about resilient futures.