Ohio no-till farmers can impact decisions on water quality in Lake Erie. Learn more about how farmers can influence standards at the Ohio No-Till Conference on Wednesday, Dec. 7. The conference will be at the Der Dutchman Restaurant, 445 South Jefferson (US Route 42), Plain City.
In the Chesapeake Bay watershed, farmers played a main role in setting the “rules.” Cover crops are used on about 70 percent of the cropland. Bill Chain will be the opening speaker of the conference. He is a former dairy farmer and the Director and Pennsylvania Ag Program Manager of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. He will emphasize the role of farmers in finalizing the standards. Ohio farmers need to have a major role in planning the solutions for phosphorus in Lake Erie (and nitrogen flowing down the Ohio River to the Gulf of Mexico).
“In Pennsylvania and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, the importance of farmers at the decision-making table has been critical in developing strategy and identifying solutions that meet the farmers’ economic viability needs,” Chain said. “No-till and cover crops play a large role in managing soil health, a system that keeps nutrients, topsoil and water on the farm and out of the creek.”
Chain’s presentation will be followed by an all-star panel that will answer your questions and concerns. That panel includes Chain, Dave Brandt, Bill Richards, Cody Beacom and Warren Dick.
Also on the program, Terry Mescher, Ohio Department of Agriculture, will provide an update on the H2Ohio program.
Alyssa Essman, a visiting professor at OSU, will list risks associated with herbicide carryover for cover crops. Mike Estadt, OSU Extension, will help answer the question, “Are You Ready for the Carbon Market?” Jim Hoorman, Hoorman Soil Health Services, will describe how fulvic and humic acid enhances micronutrient uptake. Warren Dick will discuss “Phosphorus Dynamics in Water.” Vinayak Shedekar, OSU assistant professor, will describe results of a review of no-till research articles. Ann Brandt, Walnut Creek Seeds, will discuss “Pure Live Seed Requirements for NRCS cover crop payment.”
The Ohio No-till Council presents awards in three categories. Tim Norris of Knox County will receive the Outstanding No-till Farmer Award. Three organizations, American Farmland Trust, Ohio Soybean Council and Ohio Corn Marketing Program, will be recognized for their support of no-till and soil health.
The program will start at 9 a.m. and end about 4 p.m. Arrive early for coffee and pastries. The famous Der Dutchman buffet lunch is included.
The full agenda and registration details are at: OhioNoTillCouncil.com. Advance registration is $50 (by Dec. 2), or $70 at the door.
Register online at: OhioNoTillCouncil.com, or send a check (payable to Ohio No-Till Council) to: Bret Margraf, Seneca Cons. District, 3140 South S.R. 100 Suite D, Tiffin, OH 44883.
— Ohio No-Till Council