Central Illinois Agronomy Day: Weed and crop management

Central Illinois Agronomy Day 2017 will focus on weed management with dicamba-resistant soybeans and ways to improve crop yields for increased revenue. The conference will be held March 9 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Macon Community Center along Route 51 at Woodcock Road.

Morning speakers and topics include:

• Bob Wolf, a national authority on crop spray technology, “Reducing dicamba drift while controlling hard to manage weeds”  

• Travis Legleiter, Purdue University weed specialist, “What to expect and what not to expect from dicamba”

• Representatives of Monsanto, BASF and DuPont, “Dicamba formulations for use on 2017 crops”

• Cathy Ward, Illinois Department of Agriculture, “Pesticide regulations regarding dicamba applications”

The afternoon session will focus on improving corn and soybean yields through balancing crop nutrients. Certified Crop Adviser Noel Garcia, TPS Laboratory, Edinburg, Texas, will discuss soil microbes, timing of nutrient applications, plant tissue testing, and timely responses to corn and soybean crop needs.  

The program will conclude with commentary from Blue Mound farmer Jeff Brown, describing his experience with the TPS program and changes in crop management.  

Agricultural organizations and companies sponsoring the noon meal and event will have exhibits and staff members on-site to answer questions. There is no charge to attend Central Illinois Agronomy Day 2017; however, pre-registration is required to obtain a lunch ticket and handout material. Pre-register at illinoisfarmradio.com.  

Source: Farm Gate Media

Register for the Illinois Forage Institute

The Illinois Forage Institute will be held March 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Spoon River College Community Outreach Center, MidAmerica National Bank Conference Hall, Room A, in Macomb.  The educational program will focus on managing forage feed supply and nutrition when using stored feeds, cover crops and pastures.  

The program includes forage commercial exhibits. Companies interested in setting up forage-related commercial exhibits should call Dave Gentry at 309-846-8320.

Morning topics include: updates on feeding reduced-lignin alfalfa, tracking growing degree days for managing forage, balancing minerals with stored feed forages, needs of balanced rations, and hay storage and feeding methods that minimize losses.  

Afternoon topics include: nutritional values, feeding issues with cover crops, grazing small grains and a forage seed supply report. The program will conclude with a panel discussion on hay production, seed quality and forage equipment performance.

Cost for the educational program is $15 per person for Illinois Forage and Grassland Council members and $20 per person for non-members. Pre-registration is requested by Feb. 24. Cost will be $20 and $25, respectively, per person after Feb. 24 and at the door on March 1.  Registration covers a noon meal and forage presentation handout material. Program registration can be made online, or mail a registration form to IFGC, 216 Main St., Williamsville, IL 62693. Checks for registration should be made payable to Illinois Forage and Grassland Council. The complete program agenda and registration form may be obtained at illinoisforage.org.

The Forage Institute is sponsored by the Illinois Forage and Grassland Council and Spoon River College Community Outreach Center, and is supported by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and University of Illinois Extension.

Source: IFGC

New hog farmers in Hancock County

Justin and Whitney McKeown, Oak Ridge Farm LLC, opened a new wean-to-finish hog operation in Hancock County. Nearly 100 friends, neighbors and community members joined them for an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony near La Harpe.

“Open houses provide neighbors and community members the opportunity to come tour the inside of a pig barn before the pigs move in and ask any questions they might have about how pigs are raised and the pork industry,” says Jason Propst, Illinois Pork Producers Association president.

The McKeowns have two 2,500-head wean-to-finish barns. Pigs will arrive at 12 pounds and leave when they reach 280 pounds.

“We have an opportunity to farm with Whitney’s dad, and these hog barns will help us to fulfill our dreams of farming full time,” Justin says. “One day we’d like to pass the farm on to our two children.”

Professional Swine Management will help the McKeowns manage their new barns. PSM provides guidance to family-owned pig farms in the Carthage System.

Source: IPPA