The 2016 Conservation Tillage Club breakfast program series will begin on Tuesday, January 5 at the Plaza Inn in Mt. Victory. Each session will begin at 7:30 am with complimentary buffet breakfast followed by the program at 8:00 am. On January 5, the program will feature Dave Spangler, 2014 Captain of the Year of the Lake Erie Charter Boat Association. Spangler has attended various agricultural field days, including the Hardin Field Day this year. He has been impressed with the work that is being done to help improve water quality in Lake Erie, and has taken that message back to his association. His knowledge of water quality problems on the lake and the economic impact on the region give Dave a unique perspective on the role farmers and others have on the Lake Erie region.
Spangler will be joined by Matt Lane from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, explaining the role Senate Bill 1 and 150 have had regarding current regulations and improved nutrient management practices for Ohio agriculture based on research being conducted with edge of field studies. Included in this discussion will be answers about the Ohio Ag Nutrients Law and Fertilizer Applicator Certification Training, along with licensing requirements and regulations for both Ohio crop and livestock farmers as well as commercial applicators.
The January 19 program will feature Dr. Matt Roberts, Associate Professor of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics at The Ohio State University. Roberts will present a program on the grain marketing outlook, addressing what to expect in the 2016 crop year in regards to the agricultural commodity markets and the risk associated with marketing options for corn, soybeans, and wheat. This information will provide additional tools for the farmer’s marketing toolbox to use when considering their marketing strategy. After two years of lower grain prices, Robert’s information should help grain producers develop ideas to plan for this coming year’s crop production.
February 2 Dr. Laura Lindsey, Assistant Professor with the OSU Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, will present a program on increasing soybean yields. Dr. Lindsey has been conducting statewide soybean research during the past three years, including fields in Hardin County. Her goal has been to determine the yield limiting factors that prevent producers from achieving high soybean crop yields. In addition, Lindsey will address new seed technology and other inputs that can increase soybean production.
The February 16 program will feature Dr. Peggy Kirk Hall, Assistant Professor and Field Specialist of Ag and Resource Law with OSU Extension. Hall will be discussing farm transitions and leases to help provide direction with passing down the farm to new ownership. She will also provide information about making informed decisions with land, wind, solar, and pipeline leases. Get your questions answered about these topics and more at this year’s winter breakfast programs.
The Conservation Tillage Club breakfast program series is jointly sponsored by OSU Extension and the Soil and Water Conservation Districts of Hardin, Logan, and Union Counties, and in cooperation with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Breakfast is provided by the generous support of agricultural lenders and agricultural businesses. All events are open to the public and no advance registration is required. Continuing education credits available for Certified Crop Advisers. Click here for a flyer.