West Ohio Agronomy Field Day
By Justin Petrosino
Extension Educator, Agriculture & NR
Darke County, Top of Ohio EERA
With soybean prices nearing the mid-teens, farmers want to know how to
maximize both production and profitability. On August 2, 2011, at the
Darke County Farm, Ohio State University Extension will host the West
Ohio Agronomy Field Day to answer relevant questions to maximize
soybean production. Join your local county educators along with state
specialists from both OSU and Purdue for this educational event.
The gates will open at 9:30am to allow attendees time to get checked in
and find a seat. The program will begin at 10:00am with a quick
welcome. Participants will then rotate through four intensive fifteen
minute sessions taught by county educators. Harold Watters, CPAg, CCA,
from OSU Extension, Champaign County, will discuss proven agronomic
practices for maximizing soybean production. Dr. Ed Lentz, CCA, Crop
Production Specialist from OSU Extension, Seneca County, will discuss
research based recommendations for soybean fertility. Bruce Clevenger,
CCA, from OSU Extension, Defiance County, will discuss on-farm research
currently conducted by OSU Extension on max inputs for soybeans. Bruce
will also discuss key on-farm research principles for evaluating
products on-farm. Justin Petrosino, OSU Extension, Darke County, will
discuss management of tough to control weeds like marestail, giant
ragweed and waterhemp.
After the morning sessions the groups will break for an excellent lunch
sponsored by Asgrow and Cargill. If you cannot make The Great Darke
County Fair this year, you will still be able to enjoy a Farmer Brown
sandwich. The restaurant’s lunch trailer will provide the famous Farmer
Brown sandwiches and fries to all attendees.
To beat the August heat afternoon sessions will be held under the shade
of a barn roof. Attendees can relax as they listen to state specialists
discuss major issues related to soybean production. Dr. Anne Dorrance,
Soybean Pathologist, Ohio State University, will discuss “Soybean
Challenges for 2011: The Expected and Unexpected”. Dr. Andy Michel,
Field Crop Entomologist, The Ohio State University, will discuss
“Insect Threats to Soybean Production.” The field day will conclude
with special guest Dr. Shaun Casteel, Soybean Specialist, Purdue
University, sharing the secrets of “Improving Soybean Yields
Profitably.”
Registration has begun for the event. Attendees can save $5 by paying
the $15 registration fee before 4:30 pm, July 29, 2011. After the 29th
and at the door, registration will cost $20. For the registration fee
participants will receive publications and handouts, a chance to mingle
with county educators, state specialists and sponsors. The event also
allows those with a private or commercial pesticide applicators license
the chance to obtain recertification credits, and certified crop
advisors can earn continuing education credits. To register call the
Darke County Extension Office at (937) 548-5215. You may also visit the
county website at http://darke.osu.edu
to print a flier, or visit the Agronomic Crops Website at
http://agcrops.osu.edu/ for more information.
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