The University of Minnesota Extension along with North Dakota State University Extension Service is hosting the 2017 Conservation Tillage Conference on Dec. 5-6 in Willmar, Minn.

Roll up your sleeves for some practical, hands-on information that will save you soil, time, fuel and money. This conference emphasizes proven farmer experience and applied science. Straight from the fields, learn how heavier, colder soils aren’t necessarily the challenge they’re made out to be. Hear from longtime no-till and reduced-tillage farmers as they share their experiences, so you can be spared the same hard-learned lessons.

“Whether you are a novice crop consultant or experienced in conservation tillage, this conference is for you,” says Jodi DeJong-Hughes, U-M Extension educator. “The schedule includes a variety of speakers, including experienced growers, agronomists and academic experts. With the extensive panel of speakers, participants will learn about nearly every aspect of improving soil health and productivity.”

Here are some of the conference highlights.

• Weed species shift and control

• Nutrient management in high-residue systems

• Reduced-tillage and cover crop strategies straight from veteran farmer-practitioners

• Proven cover crop strategies for your system to anchor nutrients, manage moisture extremes and provide free nitrogen

• Soil health improvements with reduced till systems

• Climate trends and soil resiliency

• Vendor sessions: Learn about new equipment, products and technology.

Informal table-talk sessions will follow to allow time to interact with speakers and industry. On Day 2, a farmer panel will discuss using multiple methods to improve soil health and a farm’s bottom line as well as “tricks” they’ve learned over the years.

The conference opens with a keynote speech from Jerry Hatfield, director of the USDA Agricultural Research Service National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment. Hatfield will discuss how to improve soil resilience to best manage climate extremes, and how good soil enhances crop productivity and yield stability.

The closing keynote speaker is Mick Kjar, meteorologist for “Valley News Live” and ag director for “Ag News 890.” Kjar will discuss his farm visits across the Upper Midwest and the creative farmers he has met over the years.

More than 20 vendors representing equipment and providing educational information will be on-site throughout both days. Attendees who stay for the entire conference will be offered seven continuing education units.

Early bird fee is $140 for the full conference. The fee goes up to $180 after Tuesday (Nov. 21).

Register online at digthectc.com or call 320-235-0726, Ext. 2001.

Visit digthectc.com for more information on the agenda, lodging, program speakers and to register.

Source: U-M Extension