WEST ST. PAUL — Minnesota conservation and agricultural leaders gather Monday to discuss how the 2012 Farm Bill can better conserve the state’s water, wildlife, and farmlands.

The daylong forum at the Dakota Lodge in West St. Paul is sponsored by the Izaak Walton League of America, with participation from the Freshwater Society, the Minnesota Farmers Union, the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the National Wildlife Federation.

Topics include Minnesota farmers’ priorities for the 2012 Farm Bill, how the Farm Bill can help protect water quality and conserve farmlands, and benefits to wildlife.

The Izaak Walton League says it’s spearheading similar events in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin to promote the idea that federal farm policies should support agricultural practices that are good for farmers and good for the environment.