Crop variety trials and equipment demonstrations will be among the highlights of the 24th Milan No-Till Crop Production Field Day, scheduled for July 27 at the University of Tennessee Research and Education Center at Milan. The field day is among the best known and most attended no-till events in the nation, and is expected to attract no-till production advocates and agribusinesses from across the region.

The field day, which is sponsored by the Tennessee Agricultural Experiment Station, will feature 13 tours covering a variety of topics from switchgrass, cotton and soybean production to pest and weed control and forestry and wildlife management.

Experts from a variety of universities and government agencies will be on hand to discuss the latest information and technologies. Representatives from equipment companies will demonstrate no-tillage equipment. Also, representatives from various seed companies will present several no-till crop varieties of corn, cotton, and soybeans.

Other tours will include soil and nutrient management, enhancements in beef cattle production, and profitable irrigation of row crops.

A brief overview tour will be offered to field day visitors as an introduction to the UT Agricultural Experiment Station system. This mini-tour will highlight various research projects along a route covering the expanse of the Milan Research and Education Center. Tours will be provided upon request from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m.

The Center is also home to the West Tennessee Agricultural Museum, which will be open to field day visitors. Antique farm equipment and tools used by early west Tennessee settlers will be on display.

Pesticide applicators will have the opportunity to sign up for recertification points, and certified crop advisors may earn continuing education units. Sign-up sheets will be located at the assembly areas for each tour.

Registration begins 6 a.m., with tours running from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. Related community events coinciding with the field day include the Antique Tractor and Engine Show and the Cotton Fashion Show and Luncheon. The fashion show is free, but reservations are required in advance to attend. Call (731) 686-7494 or (731) 686-7362 prior to the field day to reserve a seat.

Food and refreshments will be available throughout the field day in front of the museum.

UT’s Research and Education Center at Milan is one 10 unique facilities in the UT Agricultural Experiment Station system. More information about the Center and the Milan No-Till Field Day is available online at http://milan.tennessee.edu.