University of Minnesota (U of M) Extension will host the fifth annual Conservation Tillage Conference Jan. 28-29, 2009, at Jackpot Junction, 39375 County Hwy. 24, Morton, MN.
A Systems Approach is the theme of this year’s conference. The program is designed to help experienced producers improve their conservation skills by learning about new technologies and management practices while also reducing production costs. The program is also designed for farmers who are looking to adopt conservation tillage practices and for agriculture professionals who work with producers practicing conservation tillage. Participants will take home hands-on knowledge in nearly every aspect of conservation tillage.
The three breakout tracks scheduled are: Crop Systems, Soil Fertility Fundamentals and Fine-Tuning Your Agronomics. Topics include a discussion on new fertilizer stretchers, whether or not to build soil test levels, using manure in reduced tillage, improving soybean yield, planter tune-ups and options, insect and disease pressure in reduced tillage and the economics of tillage.
This year’s speakers include leading industry and University conservation tillage researchers in the northern Corn Belt. The U of M and neighboring states have conducted extensive on-station and on-farm research comparing tillage systems, including strip-tillage. In addition to the research-based presentations, a panel of experienced conservation tillage farmers will provide management tips and answer questions. The conference will also include a tradeshow, which focuses on conservation tillage management. The conference runs from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 28, and from 8 a.m. to noon on Jan. 29.
The registration fee is $125/person, which includes continuing education units (CEUs). An early bird fee of $100/person is offered for those paying by Jan 9. More information, including schedules, maps, contacts and exhibitor registration is available at www.TillageConference.com.
CEUs for certified crop advisors have been applied for. The number of CEUs and categories will be available shortly before the conference date.