PULLMAN, Wash. — The Fifth Northwest Direct Seed Cropping Systems Conference is scheduled Jan.16-18 at the Doubletree Hotel — City Center — in Spokane.
The conference will be held in conjunction with Spokane Ag Expo and Pacific Northwest Forum. It will feature 24 speakers, including 10 growers from the Pacific Northwest and Canada.
Some major topics on the agenda include changes in nutrient cycling and fertility management over time; managing for improved soil biology and direct seed benefits to soil health; redesigning crop rotations; and Brassica crop selection and management.
In-depth discussions on the impacts and management of soil acidity; the make-up and management of key soil-borne crop pathogens; strategies for managing heavy wheat residue and many other topics will be offered during panel sessions.
“Direct seed systems offer growers and the public a unique win-win opportunity through improved soil productivity, yield potential, environmental protections and reduced productions costs,” said Roger Veseth, conference chair and Washington State University-University of Idaho Cooperative Extension tillage specialist.
He said more than 700 growers and ag advisors are expected to attend.
The conference is being organized by the Pacific Northwest STEEP research and educational program on conservation tillage systems and the Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association.
The conference is sponsored by area agricultural companies and in cooperation with 10 Northwest grower organizations and agricultural support groups and agencies.
For more information, visit the conference web site at http://pnwsteep.wsu.edu/directseed or contact the conference office at (509) 547-5538 or wpeay@mcmgt.com.
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