Free no-till breakfast offered by SWCDs

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

SPENCER -- Owen, Greene, Monroe and Putnam County Soil and Water Conservation Districts are sponsoring a free no-till breakfast in the Oak Room at The Canyon Inn, located in McCormick's Creek State Park from 8 a.m. to noon Feb. 16.

Barry Fisher, state agronomist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Dr. Hans Kok, Indiana Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative coordinator; and Jim Luzar, Vigo County CES Ag/Natural Resources Educator, will be the guest speakers. Topics to be covered include conservation cropping systems, cover crop seeding and management tools and drift watch.

This is a chance to learn more or have questions answered by experts in the field. Private Applicator Recertification Program (PARP) credits will be available from Purdue University Extension. Anyone who would like to receive PARP Credit should bring their pesticide license and $10.

Pre-registration is requested by Feb. 12. Confirm attendance by calling Owen SWCD at 812-829-2605 or Putnam County SWCD at 653-7454.

No-till farming is a way of growing crops from year to year without disturbing the soil through tillage. It is an emergent agricultural technique, which can increase the amount of water in the soil and decrease erosion. It may also increase the amount and variety of beneficial life in and on the soil.

As sustainable agriculture becomes more popular, monetary grants and awards are becoming readily available to farmers who practice conservation tillage.

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