August 2018

August 2018 Newsletter

You’re Invited to Attend Central Lakes College
AG AND ENERGY RESEARCH CENTER FIELD DAY
August 24, 2018 9:00am – 2:30pm

Highlights on the following page. Here are some details for the day.
Tractor Ride and Drive – All ages are welcome to come and experience some of the latest technologies in equipment such as sprayers, the new RX, and tillage demonstrations with trained John Deere technicians courtesy of Midwest Machinery in Wadena, MN.

Drone Flight – Hands-on experience with drone technology experiencing flights and agricultural uses of drones for your farm with UAS Pilot Jonathan Beck.
History of 50 years of Ag Center – The Ag and Energy Center is celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year. Come learn about the history of how it all began in 1968 from Del Lecy. This will be repeated during the day.

Kid’s Program – Kids (suggested ages 5-14) are invited to join in the kid’s activities ranging from tractor driving, digging for potatoes of all shapes, sizes, and colors, and exploring drone technology relating to agriculture. Kids are welcome to take fresh veggies home with them!
Nitrate Reduction Water Quality Study-AgXplore-NZONE MAX – The goal of this four-year study is to reduce nitrate leaching through the use of AgXplore’s product NZONE MAX, which is mixed with all forms of urea when it is applied to the crop. Groundwater and soil pore water quality is being analyzed through monitoring wells and lysimeters set up at strategic areas in the field and along the parameter. Presenters will include Mark Peltier, Brandon McMillan, and Mitch Whyte from AgXplore and Dan
Whitney and Kristi Anderson from NWATS.
Ag and Ground Water Quality Tour – This presentation includes a tour of an off-site field. This study is designed to execute a land management plan that fosters soil health and provides adaptive management options that can be replicated to ultimately balance financial and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, intensive water quality monitoring is a significant portion of the study. Presenters include Ryan Perish with MDA and Dan Whitney with NWATS.
Kernza Plot Tour – This study was established last year to evaluate a new specialty crop kernza, and its potential impacts on coarse sandy soils. Studies include a variety study to study yield and plant characteristics, nitrogen application timing, and traditional cropping rotations compared to kernza while analyzing water quality through the use of lysimeters. Jake Junger will be presenting from the University
of Minnesota

Palmer Amaranth Workshop – Palmer Amaranth was recently discovered in Todd and Douglas counties. This workshop’s objectives is to increase farmer’s awareness of palmer amaranth and tactics that we can take to prevent the spread of this weed. Drone flights will be demonstrated during this workshop of how drones can be used to scout for this weed and other weeds that could be an issue. This workshop
is organized by the Todd County Weed Inspector Nancy Uhlenkamp
Trade show – Aside from publicized tours and workshops, several industry reps will be present at our trade show that will be in the machine shed from 11-2. These folks will be available to share their research as well as product comparisons and some results. The will include U of M, Agriculture Research Service (USDA), and many private label seed companies. Our variety trials companies will also be present to share results and go to plots as needed for observation.
Nitrate testing of well water – Attendees should plan to bring water samples for free nitrate testing.