SUMMER SOIL HEALTH FIELD DAYS A SUCCESS

Taylor McDonald

Sep 27, 2016  |  Today's News

This summer IL Corn was proud to support and promote the Soil Health Partnership and their field day initiative. These events gave curious farmers and other members of the ag industry the chance to witness the effects of different best management practices (BMPs) methods on farms. These crucial teaching moments gave both farmers and experts a chance to come together and tout the benefits of various conservation and nutrient management practices.

Here's more about the field days from NCGA:

After 40 events in eight states, the Soil Health Partnership field days are coming to an end for this growing season. Hosted mostly by farmers enrolled in the program, and often cooperating with local groups, these field days have spread the word about cover crops, reduced tillage and advanced nutrient management to more than 1,500 attendees this year.

“I’m so encouraged to see the interest from farmers taking time to attend these events and learn from their peers about advanced agriculture practices,” said SHP Director Nick Goeser. “Next year, we hope to add even more field days, while still keeping them informative and relevant for every level of interest.”

Subjects covered varied by event, but often included:

  • Discussion on practical methods to improving soil

  • Precision business management

  • Cover crops—termination, early season vigor, herbicide interactions and what is working locally

  • Strip-till demonstrations and equipment

  • Late-season nutrient management

  • A soil pit to observe cover crop root growth and soil properties

Goeser noted that there are occasional winter and spring field days in select locations. Those dates will be released on the SHP website, through social media and the newsletter.

Meet some of the SHP farmers through profiles, videos and audio interviews!

An initiative of the National Corn Growers Association, the Soil Health Partnership brings together diverse partner organizations including commodity groups, federal agencies, universities and environmental groups to work toward the common goal of improving soil health.