Conservation tillage conference is in Morton

University of Minnesota Extension will host the fifth annual Conservation Tillage Conference Jan. 28-29, 2009, at Jackpot Junction, 39375 County Hwy. 24, Morton.

“A Systems Approach” is the theme of this year’s conference. The program is designed to help experienced producers improve their conservation skills by learning about new technologies and management practices while also reducing production costs. The program is also designed for farmers who are looking to adopt conservation tillage practices and for agriculture professionals who work with producers practicing conservation tillage.

The registration fee is $125 per person, which includes continuing education units (CEUs). An early bird fee of $100 per person is offered for those paying by Jan 9. More information, including schedules, maps, contacts and exhibitor registration is available at www.TillageConference.com.

The three breakout tracks scheduled are: Crop Systems, Soil Fertility Fundamentals, and Fine Tuning your Agronomics. Topics include a discussion on new fertilizer stretchers, whether or not to build soil test levels, using manure in reduced tillage, improving soybean yield, planter tune-ups and options, insect and disease pressure in reduced tillage, and the economics of tillage.

In addition to the research-based presentations, a panel of experienced conservation tillage farmers will provide management tips and answer questions. The conference will also include a trade show on conservation tillage management. The conference runs from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 28, and from 8 a.m. to noon on Jan. 29.

Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) for certified crop advisors have been applied for. The number of CEUs and categories will be available shortly before the conference date.