OSU Extension to hold Agronomy Field Day July 18

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By Elizabeth Ludwig

SOUTH CHARLESTON, Ohio - Corn, soybean and wheat growers can learn some of the latest techniques in farming, including weed management, variable emergence and seedling germination during Ohio State University Extension’s Agronomy Field Day, July 18.

The field day will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center’s Western Agricultural Research Station, 7721 S. Charleston Pike, South Charleston.

The event includes a wagon tour of the Agronomic Crops Trials at the site, during which OSU Extension agronomists will talk about the latest innovations in corn, soybean and wheat production. Topics include utilization of manure resources, weed management issues, variable emergence and maximizing soybean yield.

Continuing education credits for Certified Crop Advisers will also be available, organizers said.

OARDC’s Western Agricultural Research Station has 428 acres, about 200 acres of which are for crop research. There, specialists conduct agronomic research on corn, soybeans, wheat, oats, alfalfa, forage grasses, pumpkins and sweet corn.

This research includes a variety of trials, herbicide efficacy, fungicide applications and timing, seed treatments, fertility studies, crop rotations and management, soil reconditioning, carbon sequestration and more.

More information about the farm can be found at http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/branches/files/Branchesone%20pager%20western%20.pdf

The field day will also feature four sessions on disease management, weed management, insect problems, and corn management. Each discussion will be 50 minutes, so attendees will have time to attend two sessions.

“Because the extreme heat and continued dry weather is such a concern for farmers this year, all of the speakers will address drought concerns,” said Harold Watters, an agronomy field specialist with OSU Extension.

The cost is $20, which includes the tour and a barbeque box lunch. Pre-registration is required and can be made by contacting Watters at watters.35@osu.edu or 937-292-4159 or Joe Davlin, Western ARS Manager, at davlin.1@osu.edu or 937-462-8016.

For a list of speakers and a tentative agenda, visit http://agcrops.osu.edu/calendar/2012-western-ars-agronomy-field-day