January 11, 2011, St.
Paul, MN – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) invites farmers to
hear about the latest research and techniques at a Nutrient Efficiency and
Management Conference set for February 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the
Rochester Event Center in Rochester, MN.
January 11, 2011, St.
Paul, MN – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) invites farmers to
hear about the latest research and techniques at a Nutrient Efficiency and
Management Conference set for February 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the
Rochester Event Center in Rochester, MN.
The conference will bring
together agricultural supply and service consultants, growers, university
extension specialists, crop advisers, researchers, and local, state and federal
government officials. Continuing education credits will also be available for
Certified Crop Advisers.
“Farmers have a lot of
goals to accomplish each year, from maximizing yields to controlling input
costs to protecting water quality,” said MDA commissioner Dave Frederickson.
“These tasks are easier when producers have the latest nutrient management
information. We’re offering this conference as a way to get that information to
farmers.”
Scott Murell of the
International Plant Nutrient Institute will kick off the meeting with a
discussion of the basics of nutrient interactions and how they affect the
efficient use of nutrients. He will also provide a big-picture view of nutrient
use efficiency and stewardship trends in the Midwest. Dennis Frame of Wisconsin
Discovery Farms will follow with a discussion of water quality runoff research
from a variety of crop and livestock farms in Wisconsin. Tim Radatz with the
Minnesota Agricultural Water Resources Coalition will provide updates on the
newly formed Minnesota Discovery Farms Program. The morning session will wrap
up with a panel discussion of innovative and progressive management ideas from
local farmers and crop consultants.
In the afternoon,
participants will have their choice of listening to a variety of other speakers
covering topics such as key manure management practices, precision
conservation, optimizing phosphorus recommendations, soil test phosphorus
trends in Minnesota, effectiveness of nitrogen additives, and vertical tillage.
A variety of other topics and information will be made available throughout the
day.
There are no fees to
attend and lunch will be provided. Participants are encouraged to pre-register
online at www.mda.state.mn.us/nutrientconference.aspx or by calling
651-201-6141. For more information about the event, contact MDA’s Kevin Kuehner
at 507-765-4530.
