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No-till cover crop workshop Feb. 13South Dakota The "why" of planting a cover crop, the "how" to incorporate cover crops into no-till systems, and the "what" to plant for a cover crop to achieve the desired objectives on your farm is the focus of a No-till Cover Crop Workshop Feb. 13, in Huron at the Huron Event Center/Crossroads Hotel. This 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., workshop features farmer speakers Dan Forgey, Gettysburg, S.D.; Brad Young, Wausau, Neb.; and David Gillen, White Lake, S.D., who will give their experiences with cover crops grown for enhancing soil health and grazing opportunities. Natural Resources Conservation Service Agronomist Jason Miller, Pierre, says "We'll have the latest information, research and findings available at this workshop so farmers and ranchers could adapt it to their own farming systems yet this summer." The timing of this workshop should be good for producers because we have excellent presenters. And, to complete the discussion, seed suppliers are on the program speaking on what seed supplies will be available and projected prices, he says. Dwayne Beck of Dakota Lakes Research Farm near Pierre will outline the primary principles and practices of cover crops. What cover crops do below ground level will be highlighted by NRCS Soil Scientist Jim Millar of Redfield. Millar explains, "By planting cover crops, farmers are mimicking the natural ecosystem of prairie soils. During the growing season, the cover crop enhances the natural biological activity in the soil," he says. Millar says cover crops can be used for the prevention of saline seeps. "Among other benefits, farmers using cover crops are also maximizing the use of the moisture in the soil profile that is frequently lost through leaching or runoff." "In areas where the soil profile could become saturated, the cover crop uses the excess moisture to prevent the salts from moving upward in the soil profile," he says. Other presentations will include South Dakota State University specialists on herbicide carryover prior to planting a cover crop, Farm Service Agency personnel on program regulations, and crop insurance agents on requirements when planting certain cover crops. "Producers with livestock might be interested in exploring cover crops as a source of late season forage," says Jason Miller. "I encourage producers to bring their questions and ideas since the point of this workshop is to help farmers successfully use cover crops in their operations." Certified Crop Advisor credits will be available. Miller encourages early registration because seating is limited. Registration includes a noon meal and an afternoon break. Before February 6, 2008, registration is $30; and after that date, it is $50. For more information, call Jason Miller, NRCS, at 605-224-2476, ext. 131, or e-mail jason.miller@sd.usda.gov. To register, contact the SD No-Till Association, Melanie Schumacher, at 605-222-6238 or download the workshop brochure at www.sdnotill.com and the www.sd.nrcs.usda.gov. 2/4/08 Date: 1/29/08
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