By Phyllis Bongard, Educational content development and communications specialist
Several opportunities to see University of Minnesota research in crop production are still available in September at locations around the state. Crop producers, their advisors and other ag professionals are encouraged to attend. The following field days are listed in chronological order:
September 9: Soybean Cyst Nematode Plot Tour
Southwest Research and Outreach Center, Lamberton, MN (map)
Hold the date for this event, scheduled from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., to see current soybean cyst nematode research on resistant variety performance, chemical control evaluations, and a chance to visit with U of MN researchers. For more information, please visit the Southwest Research and Outreach Center home page.
September 10: Tillage and Technology Field Day
West Central Research and Outreach Center, Morris, MN (map)
Crop producers and other agricultural professionals can see the latest in variable depth tillage equipment, watch side–by–side field demonstrations by national and regional manufacturers, and learn how to build soil structure for maximum soil productivity. Other highlights include the following:
- Discover how strip tillage can fit into your rotation and individual soil situations.
- Check out proper planter set–up for improved crop emergence and residue management.
- Discuss how to save time and money while building soil productivity.
- Visit with equipment reps about their new products and services.
For more information and to register, visit the Tillage and Technology Field Day website.
September 15: 44th Annual Crop Production Field Day
Kuiters' Farm near Clarks Grove, MN (map)
The 44th Annual Crop Production Field Day will be held on the Kuiters' farm, 1/4 mile south of Clarks Grove on County Road 45. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. with the program following at 10:00 a.m. Topics will address current crop and economic concerns:
- Fertility considerations for the current economic climate - Dr. Dan Kaiser, University of Minnesota
- Recent developments with soybean aphid - Dr. Bob Koch, University of Minnesota
- Buffer strips: What do we know? - Brad Carlson, University of Minnesota
- Theories for variable rating nitrogen - Ryan Miller, University of Minnesota
- Strategies for controlling resistant giant ragweed and waterhemp - Lisa Behnken, University of Minnesota
- Economic considerations for 2015/2016 - Joel Larson, AgStar Financial Services
This event is free and open to the public. Lunch will follow the program. For more information, please see the 44th Annual Crop Production Field Day brochure or call Ryan or Mary Jane at 507-536-6310.
September 15: Cover Crop Learning Tour - Interseeding into Row Crops
Near Lakefield, MN (map)
Attendees will have the opportunity to tour research and demonstration plots, hear from farmers currently planting cover crops, and see interseeding equipment in action. Registration will begin at 8:30 and the program will run from 9:00 to 2:30. Attendees will also have the opportunity to walk through a living cover crop “seed catalog” and view interseeding equipment in action. This project was made possible by support from the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service, Heron Lake Watershed District, USDA-Agriculture Research Service, and University of MN Extension.
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged for this program and required to guarantee a meal. Check out the Cover Crop Learning Tour website for further details and registration information!