TAYLORVILLE, Ill. — Over 40 Illinois farmers and natural resources conservationists attended the annual University of Illinois Dudley Smith Farm Winter Meeting to learn about the latest research in beef cattle management, nutrient management and water quality.
University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 hosted the in-office field day, which featured speakers from academia and the agricultural industry. Frank Ireland, U of I Research Animal Scientist, updated the audience about current beef research occurring at Dixon Springs Agricultural Center. Additionally, Bill Boston of Possum Trot Farms, Inc. (Greene County) discussed his local beef cow operation and staying competitive in today’s beef industry.
Faculty from U of I Department of Crop Sciences also presented updates about ongoing DSF research projects. Dr. Laura Christianson, Assistant Professor, presented the latest data from utilizing baffled woodchip bioreactors to reduce the concentration of nitrate-nitrogen in tile drainage water. Research Assistant Professor, Dr. Reid Christianson, also provided highlights on his pasture water infiltration studies.
Dr. Ashley Belle, Environmental and Energy Stewardship Extension Educator, stated, “As agricultural research evolves, we want to ensure that the community has access to this information to help make informed decisions and events such as the DSF meetings allow us an avenue to share research-based information. It is promising to know that farming and management practices, such as rotational grazing and split application of nitrogen, have been implemented as a result of attending previous DSF events.”
This summer, the Dudley Smith Farm Field Day is scheduled for June 19, 2019 and will feature Doug Peterson, USDA Soil Health Specialist.
For more information, please contact Ashley Belle, Environmental & Energy Stewardship Educator at the Christian County Extension Office in Taylorville by calling 217-287-7246 or email abelle@illinois.edu. The public is also encouraged to visit Extension’s website at go.illinois.edu/cjmm for information about upcoming programs.
— University of Illinois Extension
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