Jodi DeJong-Hughes, Extension educator
Roll up your sleeves for some practical, hands-on information that will save you soil, time, fuel, and money. University of Minnesota Extension is partnering with Stearns County SWCD and the Minnesota Office for Soil Health to host the 2019 Conservation Tillage Conference on Dec. 17-18 in St. Cloud, MN at the Holiday Inn Conference Center.
Whether you are a novice crop consultant or experienced in improving soil health, this conference is for you. Learn how heavier, colder soils aren’t necessarily the challenge they’re made out to be. By improving soil health, farmers can expect better water management, reduced erosion, and a higher return on investment.
This conference emphasizes information sharing between peers highlighting farmer experiences combined with applied science. Hear from long-time no-till, reduced tillage, and cover crop farmers as they share their know-how.
The Conservation Tillage Conference includes a variety of speakers, including experienced growers, agronomists, and academic experts. With the extensive panel of speakers, participants will learn a variety of techniques to improve their soil health and productivity.
Conference highlights
- Discover reduced till, no-till, and cover crop strategies.
- Learn proven cover crop strategies to manage moisture extremes and anchor nutrients and soil.
- Gain a deeper understanding of the economics of soil management systems.
- Identify weed species shift and implement control.
- Master nutrient management in high-residue systems.
- Participate in beginning and advanced strip till sessions.
- Visit with vendors to learn about new equipment, products, and technology and much more! Over 20 vendors will be on-site through both days.
The two-day conference will open with a provocative keynote speech from David Lobb from the University of Manitoba. Lobb is an expert in the economic impact of wind erosion across Manitoba and western Minnesota.
Informal table talks are included in the conference line-up to allow time to interact with speakers and industry professionals. Two expert panel sessions will feature conservation farmers and skilled crop consultants who will discuss using multiple methods to improve soil health and their bottom lines. Hear from experienced no-till, reduced tillage, and cover crop farmers as they share their hard-learned knowledge, so you can be spared the same difficult lessons.
CCA-CEUs available
Attendees who stay for the entire conference will be offered 12 continuing education units (CEU).
Register now for early bird pricing
Register now to receive the Early Bird price of $140 for the full conference. Prices will rise to $180 after December 2nd, 2019. Register online at z.umn.edu/DIGtheCTC or call 320-235-0726 x2001.
Visit z.umn.edu/DIGtheCTC for more information on the agenda, lodging, program speakers, and to register.
Source: University of Minnesota Extension: Minnesota Crop News