By Randall Reeder, PE
Extension Agricultural Engineer (retired) Ohio State University
A Nutrient Management Field (Twilight) Day will be held on August 29th at Todd Hesterman’s farm at 802 St Rt 108, Napoleon, Ohio 43545. The program is presented by Conservation Action Project (CAP). It begins at 5:00 p.m. and ends around 8:00 p.m.
Topics include: research on nutrient runoff at the edge of fields by Jed Stinner, hydrology technician, USDA-ARS; soil biology testing opportunities by Russ Rice and Alan Sundermeier, CAP coordinators; and phosphorus plots of farmers in northwest Ohio by Bill Beckman, natural resources manager, ODA, and Todd Hesterman, a long-time no-till pioneer. The soil biology testing compared no-till with and without cover crops. Attendees will also learn about the activities of the OSU Water Quality Team, presented by Amber Herman. Details at: capofohio.org.
There is no charge to attend, but a meal is included, so please register by August 26 (419-261-0625).
On September 10, a no-till field day in Allen County will explain how to “turn soil into healthy soil.” The keynote speaker will be Rick Clark of Williamsport, Indiana.
The program is presented by: Farmers for Soil Health, The Nature Conservancy and Ohio No-Till Council. Matt Burkholder hosts at his farm, 6720 Stewart Rd., Lima, Ohio.
Registration is $25 at: https://www.allenswcd.com/field-day/ Vendors are welcome and pay $100. The program begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m.
Rick Clark will speak twice: “I Know What I Have. How Do I Start Making Ground?” and “Making the Economics Work: Making Money or Yielding.” Rick always shares his remarkable data on annual cost savings.
Matt Burkholder and Brent Nicol, TNC, demonstrate/explain how infiltration testing and various soil tests show improvement in soil quality. Dani Kusner, CCA, discusses the essential role of soil biology in improving soil and producing healthier food.
Reminder: Young or new no-till farmers can apply for a free trip to the National No-till Conference in Louisville, January 7-10, 2025. Apply at one of our field days in August or on September 10.
