Fertilizer expenses for growing corn in 2011 ranged from an average of the bottom 10% at 26/Acre to an average of the top 10% at $188/A – based on Farm Business Management Records sorted for Stearns, Benton and Morrison Counties.

A University of Minnesota Extension workshop will address two major keys for managing crop production costs related to nutrients already available on the farm – from manure and from nitrogen left from a previous alfalfa crop. The first topic will be featured in the morning and other topics will be presented after lunch.

Extension Workshops Focus On Nutrient Management

* Soil Grid Sampling On-Farm Case Studies – Randy Pepin, Extension educator for U-M nutrient management projects, will lead this discussion. The information helps to identify variables that affect crop use of manure nutrients and practices that improve the value of manure nutrients for the crop. This also helps in taking care of soil and water resources and staying in compliance with manure application rules.

* Alfalfa Nitrogen Credits for a Corn Crop Next – Extension educator Dan Martens will share information from field trials done by state Extension corn specialist Jeff Coulter – looking at variables that affect nitrogen availability for a corn crop following alfalfa. The information helps to answer some of the questions farmers and crop advisors have about U-M guidelines showing 150 pounds of nitrogen could be available for the corn crop.

* Benton SWCD Nutrient Management Field Trials - Mike McMillan, Benton SWCD field technician will share a couple of example of nutrient management field trials he has worked with.

* Incentives for Improved Nutrient Management – by NRCS district conservationist Pat Gehling. MPCA Rules - Minnesota MPCA staff will review some key policies related to feedlots and manure storage application.

The workshop will be held March 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mr. Jim's Restaurant along MN Highway 23 on the east side of Foley with lunch at noon.

A similar program will be held March 20 in Melrose from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cornerstone Restaurant, beginning with lunch at noon.

Registration is free for the first 30 RSVP's and $5 after that. Pre-registration is appreciated as helpful for meal plans. For registration or other information, call the Benton County Extension Office 968-5077 if a local call to Foley or 1-800-964-4929.