CHASE, Wis. — Grain crop producers face exceptionally tight margins, creating the constant need for increasing efficiency and return on input investment, while still maintaining healthy soil. A field day is being held in the Town of Chase in Southern Oconto County on Friday, September 21st that showcases three different producer decision points: soybean planting population variation, cover crops, and winter wheat options.
The event is sponsored by Marinette & Oconto County UW-Extension, with support from the UW Nutrient & Pest Management Program and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. It will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude around 1 p.m.. There is no fee for attending the program, with reference materials and light lunch on hand for all attendees.
The focus of the day will be the soybean plant population trial found at the site, with planted populations ranging from 60,000 to 180,000 seeds per acre. Plant population affects many different aspects of yield potential, as well as pest management. Finding the right rate that allows for optimum white mold management and production potential on different soils is part of why producer host Greg Blaser was interested in being involved in this trial.
Additionally, the field adjacent to the soybean plot has been planted into a broadleaf species cover crop mix following winter wheat harvest. Attendees will be able to see how cover crops can work after wheat or similar crops, but will also have further discussion regarding winter wheat management. The site is enrolled in NRCS programs, with District Conservationist Jeff Maroszek on hand to discuss producer opportunities for those programs and how NRCS can assist them in their efforts to maximize soil health and productivity.
UW-Extension Crops Agent Scott Reuss and NPM Outreach Specialist Jamie Patton will lead the discussion and in-field activities, with plenty of question/discussion time for producers to guide the topics. Planned topics include: Trial tour to showcase growth patterns at the different planting rates; Planting rate changes and when we should consider them; Soy nutrient needs; Cover crop options and realities; Winter wheat opportunities and management.
The event is being held at the trial site in the Town of Chase, at the junction of Blaser Lane and Oconto Cty. Hwy. C. Signs will be located on the roadways to assist, with parking on Blaser Lane. Also, this is the last opportunity for Marinette and Oconto County producers to bring corn silage or similar samples to the 2018 two-county silage moisture sampling events.
All persons are welcome to attend this free seminar. If you have questions about this event or need any type of accommodation to attend the event, please contact Reuss at the UW-Extension office, 715-732-7510 or by e-mail to scott.reuss@ces.uwex.edu More information is also available at the Marinette County UW-Extension website and in the most recent agriculture newsletter.
— UW-Extension
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