WINDOM, Kan. — Farmers and professionals interested in soil health practices are invited to learn about winterizing soils and the value of pollinators in a regenerative production system. No-till on the Plains and the Nature Conservancy are hosting an educational opportunity on December 10 at Santa Fe Trail Farms, 1525 31 Road, Windom, Kansas 67491, owned by Joe Swanson and Darin and Tove Brunk, Register at www.notill.org
The day begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. Presentations at the farm will begin at 9:00 with Ryan Speer, co-owner of Jacob Farms in Sedgwick, KS. Ryan will share information about how he has added diversity in his rotation, using cover crops and integrating livestock. He will use examples from his own farm.
Jim Johnson, soils and crops consultant with the Noble Research Foundation in Ardmore, OK will present his perspectives and strategies for preparing soils for winter. Finally, Jorge Garibay, a beekeeper from Sterling, Kansas will give the crowd information about the benefit of adding honeybees to a regenerative agriculture operation.
In the afternoon participants will go to local fields to observe winter cover crops and winter crop residue. Jorge Garibay will share his strategies for beekeeping, particularly the hive style.
Host Joe Swanson says, “Holding a field day that focuses on soils and honeybees is connecting the dots for diversity in our cropping systems.” “We are excited about the addition of bees in our system. We were already focused on soil health, but the bees add another vector for pollination, and we might make a little income on the honey.”
“We are pleased to be partnering with No-till on the Plains for this event. Soil health is inextricably linked to our broader conservation goals. Healthy soils will help Kansas farmers feed a growing global population with tangible economic and ecological benefits,” said Rob Manes, State Director of the Kansas Chapter of the Nature Conservancy.
There is no charge for this event and lunch is provided. Registration is requested to ensure meal counts.
No-till on the Plains is a 501(c) 3 non-profit whose mission is to provide education and networking on agriculture productions systems that model nature. Annual Sponsors: Green Cover Seed, Farmers Business Network, General Mills
— No-Till on the Plains
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