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MDA holding 2013 nutrient management conference

December 10, 2012, St. Paul, MN – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) invites farmers and other agricultural professionals to hear about the latest research and techniques in nutrient, soil and water management at a free conference on February 19, 2013, at the Bigwood Event Center in Fergus Falls, MN.

The conference, scheduled to run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:10 p.m., will bring together farmers, agricultural supply and service consultants, university extension specialists, crop advisers, researchers, and government officials. This is the seventh year MDA and its partners have offered the conference. This year, the focus will be on nutrient management tools, micronutrients, soil/root interactions, and water quality. With farmers facing volatile fertilizer prices and increased commodity prices, this will be an excellent opportunity to network with others who are interested in maximizing efficiency for profit enhancement and risk reduction.

The agenda includes presentations on tissue testing, nitrogen stabilizers and fertilizer additives, nitrogen timing and management, nutrient management on irrigated sands, micronutrients, soil and root interactions, drainage, soil health and conservation practices. A panel of farmers and crop consultants will discuss innovative on-farm nutrient management and conservation practices. More information will be offered in a poster session.

In addition to its value for farmers, this conference will provide certified crop advisors the opportunity to obtain continuing education credits for soil and water and nutrient management.

Event sponsors include MDA, the Minnesota Agricultural Water Resource Center, University of Minnesota Extension, the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural Resource Conservation Service, Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative, Minnesota Crop Production Retailers, Minnesota Independent Crop Consultants, Minnesota Corn Growers, Minnesota Soybean Growers, Agrium, Dow AgroSciences, Mosaic, and Winfield.

Pre-registration is recommended to ensure lunches are ordered for all participants. Farmers and ag professionals can register online at http://www.mda.state.mn.us/nutrientconference.aspx or by calling 218-846-7425. For more information contact MDA Agricultural Consultant Brian Williams at 507-665-6806.