Wondering how climate change can affect agriculture, food quality and public health? Want to learn how tile drainage affects river flashiness? Or how about what kind of insects are beneficial for sustainable agriculture?

The answers to these questions and more will be discussed during the annual Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference (CTC) on March 8–9 at the McIntosh Center of Ohio Northern University, 525 S. Main St. in Ada. CTC is presented by the Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) and other supporters.

The event focuses on providing information to farmers on promoting and maintaining soil health, says Randall Reeder, a retired Ohio State University Extension agricultural engineer.

CTC offers the latest research, insight, tips and techniques on precision fertility, cover crops and manure, water management, technology and equipment, nutrient management, and advanced cover crops. It features about 70 presenters, including 32 CFAES researchers and Extension educators, 22 from other universities, as well as farmers and USDA, Ohio Department of Agriculture, and industry representatives.

From offering a workshop on “Corn Management Today — Does Chasing the Last Bushel Pay?” and a discussion on “Water and Drainage Laws — What Is New in Ohio,” the two-day event is designed to provide opportunities “for farmers and crop consultants to learn about the latest technology and practices for conserving soil and improving water quality, and how that can boost their financial bottom line while conserving their soils,” Reeder says.

Farmers are interested in building soil health for the future while at the same time preserving their soils for now, Reeder adds. 

“And adopting continuous no-till and other practices that build soil health will impact climate change in the right way,” he says. “Famers are becoming more efficient and environmentally aware about their soils’ health as an important factor in improving the future for themselves and future generations.”

Reeder has been a longtime supporter and organizer of CTC, which is held in conjunction with OSU Extension, USDA, and the Soil and Water Conservation Districts of Northwest Ohio. OSU Extension is the outreach arm of CFAES.

The event begins at 8:30 a.m. March 8, with internationally known agronomic consultant Steve Groff, who will discuss “The Future-Proof Farm: Changing Mindsets in a Changing World.”

Other conference sessions will include:

The full schedule and registration information for CTC can be found at ctc.osu.edu. Registration is $150 and can be made online or by mail-in check.

The Midwest Cover Crops Council is meeting in conjunction with CTC. Everyone is welcome to attend its program March 7 at The Inn at ONU. Register through ctc.osu.edu.

Certified crop adviser continuing education credits are available, with an emphasis on soil and water management, crop management, and nutrient management. Certified livestock manager credits also are available.

Other conference sponsors include the Ohio Corn Marketing Program, Ohio Soybean Council, CFAES’ Farm Science Review, AgCredit, Seed Consultants, Wingfield Crop Insurance, and The Nature Conservancy.

Source: OSU CFAES, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.