PULLMAN, Wash. — Some of the latest technologies and grower innovations on conservation farming systems will be featured at the Pacific Northwest STEEP III Conservation Farming Conference, Jan. 7-8 in Kennewick.
STEEP is an acronym for Solutions to Environmental and Economic Problems. The program involves more than 45 scientists from the University of Idaho, Oregon State University, Washington State University, and USDA-Agricultural Research Service, as well as numerous growers and agricultural support personnel in the Pacific Northwest.
The conference will feature five in-depth focus sessions on management strategies for conservation farming systems:
- Returning Crop Reserve Program land to crop production.
- Plant disease control.
- Flexible, intensive cropping systems.
- Downy brome and jointed goatgrass control.
- New opportunities for precision farming.
Other topics include grass seed production without burning, cropland wind erosion control and grower access to new technology through the World Wide Web. Five new STEEP III projects initiated in 1996 will also be highlighted. Twenty-five growers, researchers and industry representatives are scheduled to speak. A detailed final report for all STEEP II projects during 1991-96 will be included in registration packets.
Credits for pesticide applicator recertification in the three Northwest states and for certified crop adviser continuing education are being requested for those who register.
A research poster exhibition will feature about 30 exhibits on conservation farming systems technology.
Meetings will be at Cavanaugh’s Inn — Columbia Center. Call (509) 783-0611 or 1-800-THE-INNS for room reservations at special conference rates of $40 for one bed (1-2 persons) or $45 for two beds (2-4 persons), plus tax. The special room rates may not be available after December 16.
Conference registration is $40 for both days or $25 for one day. Programs and preregistration forms are available at Northwest county offices of cooperative extension and conservation districts, or call (509) 547-5538 for a copy. For more information on the program, call Donn Thill (208-885- 6214) or Dwane Miller (509-335-4056), co-chairs of the STEEP III Technical Coordinating Committee.
– 30 –