Farming for the Future 2015

NOTE: This is a free yearly conference aimed at farmers of all types in Van Buren county. This year’s program seems geared more toward conventional agriculture, but in the past they’ve had talks on Permaculture and organic farming, among other great topics. It’s a fun day and a great chance to network with other local growers.

(Copied from event website):
Join us for our annual FREE farming conference! Sessions for small farms as well as large operations. Lunch will be provided.

Keynote speaker Dave Brandt farms 1,150 acres in central Ohio’s Fairfield County. He began no-till farming in 1971 and has been using cover crops on his corn, wheat, and soybean operation since 1978. He will share stories of his successes, trials and failures over the years.

This event is free and open to the public but pre-registration is required. Farmers can register by calling the Van Buren Conservation District at 269-657-4030 x5 or clicking the button above.

Farming for the Future brochure

Agenda:

8:30 a.m. Registration & Refreshments
9:00 a.m. Welcome & Introductions

• MAEAP
• Best Management Practices on the Farm

9:30 a.m. Keynote Address (sponsored by CHS)

11:00 a.m. Cover Crop Expert Panel

12:00 p.m. Lunch (free!)

1:00 p.m. Breakout sessions

A. “How to balance soil health in row crops: why diverse rotation and cover crops are going to make you more profitable,” R.J. Rant (Nutrilink Biosystems LLC)
B. “Conserving wild bees on farms using pesticide stewardship and habitat enhancement – lessons from SW Michigan,” Meghan Milbrath (MSU)
C. “Farming by the Seed – Dream or Present Reality,” Ken Sauner (Precision Planting)

2:15 p.m. Breakout sessions

A. “Interpreting soil analysis and other nutrient sampling methods,” David Henry (A&L Laboratories)
B. “Experimenting with understory mixes and new management concepts in perennial systems,” R.J. Rant (Nutrilink Biosystems LLC)
C. “Results of Soil Health Tests on Michigan Farms,” Brendan O’Neil (MSU)