FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, January 7, 2011

CONTACT:
Michael Schommer, Communications Director
651.201.6629, Michael.schommer@state.mn.us

MDA invites farmers to February 15 nutrient management conference in Rochester

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) invites farmers to hear about the latest research and techniques at a Nutrient Efficiency and Management Conference set for Tuesday, February 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Rochester Event Center in Rochester.

The conference will bring together agricultural supply and service consultants, growers, university extension specialists, crop advisers, researchers, and local, state and federal government officials.   Continuing education credits will also be available for Certified Crop Advisers.

“Farmers have a lot of goals to accomplish each year, from maximizing yields to controlling input costs to protecting water quality,” said MDA Commissioner Dave Frederickson.  “These tasks are easier when producers have the latest nutrient management information.  We’re offering this conference as a way to get that information to farmers.”

Scott Murell of the International Plant Nutrient Institute will kick off the meeting with a discussion of the basics of nutrient interactions and how they affect the efficient use of nutrients.  He will also provide a big-picture view of nutrient use efficiency and stewardship trends in the Midwest.  Dennis Frame of Wisconsin Discovery Farms will follow with a discussion of water quality runoff research from a variety of crop and livestock farms in Wisconsin.  Tim Radatz with the Minnesota Agricultural Water Resources Coalition will provide updates on the newly formed Minnesota Discovery Farms Program.  The morning session will wrap up with a panel discussion of innovative and progressive management ideas from local farmers and crop consultants. 

In the afternoon, participants will have their choice of listening to a variety of other speakers covering topics such as key manure management practices, precision conservation, optimizing phosphorus recommendations, soil test phosphorus trends in Minnesota, effectiveness of nitrogen additives, and vertical tillage.  A variety of other topics and information will be made available throughout the day.

In addition to MDA, sponsors include Minnesota Agricultural Water Resource Coalition, Southern Minnesota Nutrient Efficiency Coalition, University of Minnesota Extension, Minnesota Corn Growers, Minnesota Soybean Growers, Agrium, Mosaic, and Conservation Technology Information Center.

There are no fees to attend and lunch will be provided.  Participants are encouraged to pre-register online at www.mda.state.mn.us/nutrientconference.aspx  or by calling 651-201-6141.  For more information about the event, contact MDA’s Kevin Kuehner at 507-765-4530.

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