Agricultural producers are encouraged to attend the highly anticipated event, February 17-18

January 6, 2015, DENVER, CO – On February 17th and 18th agriculture producers will have the opportunity to experience a peer to peer workshop designed to revolutionize their operations.  The 2016 Farming Evolution will focus on “No-Till” residue management, a conservation practice that has landowners singing its praises and eager to share their results.  Several “no-till” landowners will present and share their findings during the two-day session along with numerous agriculture and natural resources specialists.  

“Last year, this event attracted nearly 300 participants, domestic and international,” shared Clint Evans, State Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Colorado.  “Interest continues to grow because participants are spreading the word about the producer lead, hands-on demonstrations and information they receive that helps them see real improvements in their operations and natural resources.”

No-till farming entails managing the amount and distribution of crop and other plant residue left undisturbed after harvest on the soil surface year round.  The practices affords landowners the ability to reduce wind and water erosion, increase soil organic matter content, conserve soil moisture and provide food and escape cover for wildlife.  

“NRCS and other workshop sponsors have encouraged no-till farming for years because of its effectiveness,” Evans goes on to say.  “It’s a cornerstone practice within the Agency’s national Soil Health Initiative and this annual workshop brings more awareness to the practice and it benefits.”

In addition to Colorado and Nebraska producers John Heermann and Steve Tucker sharing practical experiences, the workshop will also feature Michael Thompson, Dietrich Kastens, and Nathan Pearce, who are Kansas ag., producers providing peer-to-peer insight about how and why they transitioned to No-Till, converting from CRP, and incorporating livestock.  Dr. Jill Clapperton, well-known lecturer and soil health advocate will be the Keynote speaker.

Additional presentations and demonstrations include How tillage Impacts Soil Structure, How to Sample Soil, How to Improve  Soil and Profits, Understanding the Haney Test, Modifying  Equipment to Work with Additional Crops, Managing Challenges in Long-Term No-till Systems on the High Plains, Understanding Cover Crop in Eastern Colorado, and many more.

The 2016 landowner workshop will be held at the Phillips County Event Center in Holyoke, Colorado is sponsored by the NRCS, the Haxtun, Sedgwick, West Greeley, and Yuma County Conservation Districts and the Upper Republican Natural Resource District.  It’s supported by the Colorado State Conservation Board and Pheasants Forever. 

Lunch is included in the registration fees which are $25 for one day and $35 for two days through February 5th.  Fees received after February 5th increase by $10.  Doors open at 7:30am and presentations begin at 8:30am.  Interested participants are encouraged to visit www.farmingevolution2016.eventbrite.com or call 970-854-2812 ext. 3 for more information, finalized agenda, lodging, and registration.