Garfield County Conservation District, OSU Extension Service to Host 6th Conservation Tillage Conference 

No-till soybeans growing in wheat stubble

Garfield County Conservation District and the OSU Extension Service will host the 6th Annual Conservation Tillage Conference on Feb. 10, in cooperation with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. The conference is intended for agricultural producers who are interested in conservation tillage but have no experience with it. The conference is also intended for producers currently using conservation tillage who would like to increase their efficiency.

“Our speakers this year will provide timely information regarding Tillage Concepts, where comparisons between strip-till and conventional no-till agriculture will be discussed,” said Jason Skaggs, Garfield County Conservation District manager. “We will review how the soil responds once transitioned to no-till.  Crop rotation is always a concern of no-till production so information about grain and oilseed markets, production technologies regarding maturities and herbicide history will be covered as well,” Skaggs said.

An overview of spraying technology, with a focus on tools that are available to applicators that will allow them to consistently provide a highly effective spray application with minimal impact on off target plants will be included.  “We have invited one of the foremost no-till producers in the area to recap his experience with no-till and what he sees in the future for no-till,” Skaggs said.

“We are hopeful that this will be one of our best programs yet!” said Jeff Bedwell, Garfield County Extension Service educator. “Last year we had over 140 at the conference,” he said.

There is no admission charge to attend and coffee, donuts and lunch are provided. Sponsors are welcome with display booth spaces available for $100. Companies are also invited to co-sponsor refreshments or the meal with a $75 sponsorship. Sponsors will be recognized during the program and featured in promotional and meeting materials.

Registration by Feb. 7 is encouraged by calling 580-237-1228 or 580-237-7880.