JOURNAL
COLORADO
CONSERVATION
TILLAGE
ASSOCIATION
www.HighPlainsNoTill.com
Conference Edition 2014
CCTA Members,
If you’re like me, you’re probably getting tired of reading articles by exasperated editors who can’t understand why farmers haven’t accepted global climate
change “hook, line and sinker”. I just finished reading one in “Corn and Soybean Digest”. A month ago
Successful Farming had one. Last year Western Farmer
Stockman had one that had me contemplating discontinuing my subscription. It’s interesting to read
their explanation for such low numbers of farmers accepting that 1) we’re experiencing significant climate
change and 2) man’s activity has any appreciable affect
on it. This latter example seem to indicate that farmers are only focused on short term weather effects and
don’t consider long term issues. It goes on to state that
this flies in the face of all this peer reviewed, scientific
fact. I personally felt that this editor was suggesting
that maybe farmers were not in tune enough to understand the “science” of the issue. Giving this editor the
benefit that he was not having a “Gruber Moment”, I
completely disagree with his premise.
I believe that farmers have a healthy skepticism of
science in general. Every year we wade through a lot
of science. New chemicals, fertilizers, seed traits and
electronic advances. Our pocketbook requires that we
evaluate good change from snake oil. Add to this all of
the dubious new regulations from EPA, OSHA, DOT
CCTA Board of Directors
Officers
Curt Sayles, President, Seibert, Colorado
[email protected]
970-664-2281
John Fabian, Vice President, Windsor, Colorado
[email protected]
970-373-7429
Scott Smelker, Stratton, Colorado
[email protected]
719-348-5055
Micha Seyler, Secretary, Joes, CO
[email protected]
970-597-2229
and any other acronym you can muster and suddenly
we don’t always believe everyone has our best interests in mind. Then we must admit that the stories of
tainted climatic data also has us wondering. Two that
come to mind are the temperature “hockey stick” data
that proved to be intentionally skewed and more recently the Oceanic Acidification dilemma. A recent
article by Marita Noon (Google it) presented some interesting insight. Finally, our grandfathers and fathers
have constantly reminded us of that bad blizzard, that
rainy and/or dry spell and the cyclic nature of it all. In
our neck of the woods its 90 days after a fog. Ring any
bells? My point being that we work intimately with nature on a daily basis. Our experience base has taught us
that climate is inherently changing and cyclic. I would
propose that instead of dismissing farmers one might
be wise to respect their wisdom. Having said all this,
do I believe there is climate change, yes. It’s always
been changing. Is it caused by man? I don’t know, but
I would suggest that the atmosphere is much more resilient than its given credit for. It has been digesting
volcano eruptions since creation. I’m not a denier, but I
haven’t been convinced by the evidence provided. We
live in interesting and challenging times. We must remain skeptical and not be hood winked.
Curt Sayles
CCTA President
CCTA Board Members
Kyle Franz, Burlington, Colorado
[email protected]
719-349-8067
Ron Meyer, Burlington, Colorado
[email protected]
719-349-1101
Haley Harms, Otis, Colorado
[email protected]
970-466-0721
Nate Northup, New Raymer, Colorado
[email protected]
970-520-7180
Jeff Kler, Yuma, Colorado
[email protected]
970-630-5262
Scott Smith, Cheyenne Wells, Colorado
[email protected]
719-342-2902
Mike Kochis, Limon, Colorado
[email protected]
719-740-8867
Jonathan Wagers, Woodrow, Colorado
[email protected]
970-554-6559
Barry Maranville, Matheson, Colorado
[email protected]
719-393-5614
Becky Ravenkamp, Coordinator, Hugo, Colorado
[email protected]
719-740-0715
Fertilizer,
Crop Protection,
Quality Application
Kersey office:
24330 Highway 34 | Greeley, CO 80631
(970) 353-2567
Serving your needs at seven locations.
“ Analysis You Can Grow With”®
2015 High Plains No-Till Conference
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Time
Room A
7:30 AM
Registation Desk Opens
8:30 -‐ 9:30
Steve Siemens -‐ When You're Through Changing, You're Through (In Museum)
9:40 -‐ 10:40
10:40 -‐10:55
Centennial Ag
Supply Co.
Centennial Ag
Research of
Biological Products
in a High Yield
Environment
Jim Gerrish -‐ Grazing 101; Equipment and Tips
Room 109
Room 111
Joel Moffett, NRCS -‐ Soil Health Jeff Rasawehr -‐ Nutrient Tools 1 Ecological CEU SWM
Farming
Room 114
Bob Wolf -‐ BASF On Target Spraying 2 CEU IPM
Break - Visit Trade Show
Pro-Till Profiting
From Good
Data
10:55 -‐ 11:55
Room B
Meagan Schipanski -‐ Building SOM In A Semi-‐Arid Region 1 CEU SWM
Rec Room
Elaine Ingham -‐ Putting Natural Nutrient Cycling to Work Wendy Taheri-‐ Understanding the Importance of Diversity in Cropping Systems 1 CEU NM
Abe Collins -‐ Addressing Limiting Factors To Soil Formation Bob Wolf -‐BASF On Target Spraying Continued
Rick Bieber -‐ The Wrong Cide of Farming
12:05 -‐ 1:15
Closed for lunch
1:15 -‐2:15
Keller Law,
LLC - Surface
Use
Jim Gerrish -‐ Agreements Swath Grazing on for No-Till
the High Plains
2:15-‐2:30
Break - Visit Trade Show
2:30-‐3:30
Farmer Panel Michael
New Advances
Thompson,
in High Plains
Crop Production John
Strategies - Ron Heermann Mike Collins-‐ Soil Meyer, CSU Ext. Soil Health On Health Pays 1 CEU The Farm
SWM
Abe Collins -‐ Soil and Water Indivisible: The How to, History and Future of Topsoil Formation
3:40-‐4:40
Kris Nichols -‐ Soil Biology and Plants as Weed Management Tools (In Museum) 1 CEU SWM, 1 CEU IPM
4:40-‐6:00
Beer & Bull - Great Room
Peter Donovan -‐ Capitalizing on Bob Stewart -‐ Its Elaine Ingham -‐ Natural Resources All About The Soil Food Web 1 1 CEU SWM
Water 1 CEW CM CEU NM
Keith Berns -‐ Crop Selection for specific Challenges 1 CEU CM
Betty Corbin -‐ Marketing Your Commodities Brendon Rockey -‐ Through Options Biotic Approach to Farming 1 CEU PD
A Division of T.J. Crowder and Sons, LLC
Replenishing soils today for generations tomorrow
Benefits of Organic Fertilizer
Essential ingredients are highly available to the soil in the first year and
less prone to leaching
Pathogens and weed seeds in raw manure are eliminated by the thermal
and bacterial action of composting
Moisture retention capacity in the soil is increased.
Friendly fungi are stimulated, which are natural enemies of undesirable
fungi, nematodes, cut-worms, and aphids.
Concrete chunks and other undesired trash in the raw manure are removed.
The rank odor of manure is replaced with a pleasing humus smell indicating the presence of healthy, aerobic bacteria.
Organic fertilizer is easy to transport, handle, and apply which reduces soil
compaction.
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Iliff,CO
80736
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970.522.0758
2015 High Plains No-Till Conference
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Time
Room A
8:00-‐8:15
Annual Meeting in Rec. Room
8:30 -‐ 9:30
Kris Nichols -‐ Soil Biology and Plants as Weed Management Tools (In Museum) 1 CEU SWM, 1 CEU IPM
Speaker All
Access:
Elaine
Ingham
9:40 -‐ 10:40
Room B
Room 109
Wendy Taheri-‐ Understanding Jim Gerrish -‐ the Importance of Swath Grazing Diversity in on the High Cropping Plains
Systems1 CEU NM
Room 111
Abe Collins - Soil
and Water
Indivisible: The
How to, History
and Future of
Topsoil Formation
Room 114
Rec Room
Bob Wolf -‐ Brendon BASF On Target Rockey -‐ Biotic Spraying 2 CEU Approach to IPM
Farming 10:40 -‐10:55 Break - Visit Trade Show
New Advances in
High Plains Crop
Production
Strategies - Ron
Meyer, CSU Ext.
10:55 -‐ 11:55
12:05 -‐ 1:15
Peter Donovan -‐ Abe Collins -‐ Capitalizing on Addressing Natural Limiting Resources 1 Factors To Soil CEU SWM
Formation Bob Wolf -‐
BASF On Target Elaine Ingham -‐ Spraying Soil Food Web Continued
1 CEU NM
Closed for lunch
CCTA Round
Table
Discussion
1:15-‐2:15
Farmer Panel -‐ Michael Thompson, John Heermann -‐ Soil Health On The Farm
Jim Gerrish -‐ Grazing 101; Equipment and Tips
Mike Collins-‐ Soil Health Pays 1 CEU SWM
Betty Corbin -‐ Elaine Ingham -‐ Marketing Your Putting Natural Jeff Rasawehr -‐ Commodities Nutrient Ecological Through Options Cycling to 1 CEU PD
Farming
Work 2:15-‐2:30
Break - Visit Trade Show
2:30-‐3:30
Steve Siemens - Don't Die Until You're Dead! (In Museum)
3:40-‐4:40
4:40
Meagan Schipanski -‐ Building SOM Speaker All In A Semi-‐Arid Access: Region 1 CEU Grazing
SWM
Door Prize Drawing -‐ Lobby
Joel Moffett, NRCS -‐ Soil Health Bob Stewart -‐ Its Nutrient Tools All About The 1 CEU SWM
Water 1 CEW CM
Keith Berns -‐ Crop Selection for specific Challenges 1 CEU CM
Rick Bieber -‐ The Wrong Cide of Farming
2015 High Plains No-Till Conference Breakout Sessions
Crop Selection for Specific Challenges
1 CEU CM
Keith Berns
This session will be an overview of the best cover crop species and how they can be used to address different needs present in your field.
The Wrong Cide of Soil Health
1 CEU IPM
Rick Bieber
Farming is about growing living things. By definition anything that ends in –cide is about killing living
things. These two conflicting ideas have dominated farming in the last 50 years. We cannot continue to
degrade our land and stay dependent on –cides and petroleum based fertilizers into the 21st Century.
This session will show you real numbers from a real producer who has departed from the tillage folly and
is looking to the soil for natural fertility options. Learn how he has decreased input costs and increased
profits on his farm with no-till, cover crops and a system approach to soil care.
Addressing Limiting Factors to Soil Formation
1 CEU SWM
Abe Collins
In this talk Abe starts with the assumption that “by attending to the needs of plants and soil organisms
we can achieve improved livestock performance, per-acre production and continual improvement of soil
health.”
Abe will review the basics of cool-season plant physiology, soil ecology the factors of soil formation and
how we can meet the needs of livestock, forages and soil organisms without compromise, leading to the
formation of new topsoil. He will share monitoring, grazing, cropping and soil treatments that producers
around the world are working and succeeding with in their whole-farm systems.
Soil and Water Indivisible: The How to, History and Future of Topsoil Formation
1 CEU SWM
Abe Collins
A necessary precondition of water security for farms, communities and nations is land management that
leads to precipitation soaking into healthy soil at or close to the point where it lands. Regenerative agricultural pioneers have developed many ways to grow the soil aggregates that are the basis of deep-topsoil, functional watersheds with clean water and minimized flooding, drought, blowing soil, wildfire and
damage to built infrastructure.
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After a few weeks, drought can soak up your investments. Fortunately with a DuPont brand herbicide,
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credit gives growers the boost they need to bounce back next season. Talk to your retailer about it,
and always know you can count on DuPont.
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with ® or ™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates. DUPCGR12020VA
www.syngenta.com
Bill Gilbert
Sunflower Sales Manager
Syngenta Seeds, Inc
1107 White Oak Ct
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Syngenta Crop Protection
Derrick Tise
418 N Scott, PO Box 83
St. Francis, KS 67756
785-332-2297
2015 High Plains No-Till Conference Breakout Sessions
Since soil cover and soil aggregates are irreplaceable infrastructure for achieving water security, a sensible
question to ask is “who can create these conditions on and in soil and how can they be supported in this
work?” From this perspective, what are the relationships and functional policy parameters between cities
and land managers that can achieve water security? Further enabling and rewarding those who grow clean,
regulated water and food suggests itself. We’ll discuss how communities and governments around the
world are working toward water security by building policies that prioritize achievement of watershed health
and explore possibilities for accelerating this achievement.
Soil Health Pays
Mike Collins
1 CEU SWM
He will cover the economic impact of the four soil health principles in detail to include reducing or eliminating tillage, keeping a live root as long as possible, adding diversity to your operation and keeping the soil
coverage in cropland, hayland, pastureland and rangeland to some degree. Next he will cover and explain
the cycles of soil health--- nutrient, water, energy and the successional attributes of plants --- and how that
effects your bottom line. The talk will wrap up with the financial assistance available for soil health with the
NRCS.
Marketing Strategies
Betty Corbin
1 CEU CM
Learn marketing strategies to maximize profits and minimize losses from a commodity trader with over 35
years experience. With the volatility in the market using options in your marketing is smart. Learn the basics
and ways you can practice your skill without risking the farm.
Capitalizing On Natural Resources
1 CEU SWM
Peter Donovan
Sunlight energy captured by plants and microbes is the most powerful and creative planetary force, far
exceeding fossil fuel energy or even geologic forces. It alone has the power and capability of building stable,
water-holding soil aggregates. Satellite imagery and other monitoring can help us align our actions with this
force. What are the economic, social, and ecological advantages of growing water-holding, fertility-enhancing soil aggregates on our farms and ranches?
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101 Road, East 80
800-658-4227
SYDNEY, NE
1901 Link 17J
866-233-2511
www.21stCenturyEquipment.com
ALLIANCE, NE
Hwy 385 & 10th St.
308-762-5870
888-762-5870
BRIDGEPORT, NE
9738 US 26
308-262-1110
800-682-5121
GORDON, NE
6742 State Hwy 27
308-282-0665
800-535-4450
IMPERIAL, NE
1001 Hwy 61
308-882-4326
800-525-4934
OGALLALA, NE
101 Road, East 80
308-284-4049
800-658-4227
SIDNEY, NE
1901 Link 17J
308-254-2511
866-233-2511
2015 High Plains No-Till Conference Breakout Sessions
Grazing 101
1 CEU CM
Jim Gerrish
Grazing 101 will cover how to get set up for Management-intensive Grazing on cropland with minimal
investment in permanent fence and stock water infrastructure. Use of temporary fence and stock water
systems will be highlighted.
Swath Grazing On The High Plains
1 CEU CM
Jim Gerrish
Swath grazing offers an opportunity to lock in forage quality at a desirable stage of maturity and hold that
quality through the winter. This approach works especially well with summer annual cover crops that rapidly deteriorate in quality if left standing through the winter.
Putting Natural Nutrient Cycling To Work
Elaine Ingham
1 CEU NM
With world instability and crude oil prices rising, learn how to look to yourself for your fertility needs. Dr.
Elaine Ingham will explain how the soil food web can provide your crops with the nutrients they need.
Compost, compost tea and other alternative fertility options will be discussed.
Soil Life: Who are the beneficials in soil, and what they do
Elaine Ingham
1 CEU NM
The “who eats who” in the soil food web is simple in some ways, but the consequences of these interactions are far-reaching and complex. A brief introduction to the organisms, and what they look like (so
you could identify them yourself), and the benefits that healthy soil can give to plants: (1) Suppression of
weeds, diseases and pests, (2) Retention of soluble nutrients, (3) Cycling of plant-not-available nutrients
into plant-available nutrients, (4) Building of soil structure, which means water, roots and oxygen can go
deep into the soil so drought will not be a problem, and erosion will not be a problem.
New Advances in High Plains Crop Production Strategies
Ron Meyer
Current advances in high plains crop production strategies will be discussed. This will include: cropping
systems, cover crops, and herbicide advancements.
USDA - NRCS
United State Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
www.co.nrcs.usda.gov
DEKALB.com/drought
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970.466.0721
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permitted. Commercialization is dependent on multiple factors including successful conclusion of the regulatory process.
Always read and follow IRM, where applicable, grain marketing and all other stewardship practices and pesticide label directions. Details of these practices can be found in the Trait Stewardship
Responsibilities Notice to Farmers printed in this publication. agSeedSelect™, DEKALB and Design® and DEKALB® are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC. ©2012 Monsanto Company.
Soil Health Nutrient Tool
Joel Moffett
1 CEU NM
Evaluating soil health in Colorado is important for making management decisions. Eastern Colorado soil
health coordinator, Joel Moffet, will discuss the tools being used to evaluate soil health including:
•
What it is
•
How it is being utilized in Colorado
•
How it works
•
Where it is going
•
What it means
Ecological Farming
1 CEU SWM
Jeff Rasawehr
It has taken decades of tillage and chemical based agriculture to do horrific damage to our soils health. The
method of healing the soil needs to be done in a dedicated systematic approach. To restore the ‘integrity’
of the soils natural biological diversification it takes a micro-evolutionary event in the soil.
Jeff will explain the six steps to implementing an ecological farming system:
1. Diversification of cover crops that are viable and done with a purpose for sustaining the soils microbiology.
2. Eliminating toxicity that damages the integrity of the biological diversity of the soil.
3. Utilizing known naturally occurring replication of viable biological products.
4. Not no-till----NEVER TILL
5. Utilize known and workable soil amendments---example gypsum and zeolite.
6. Don’t misstep------a missed year of cover cropping or a tillage pass is not a step backward---it is a quantum leap backward.
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For more than 75 years, Fontanelle has worked side-by-side with farmers in your area, delivering
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are trademarks of American Seeds, LLC. ©2014 Monsanto Company. 35842 ED 01/06/14
SINCE 1929
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2015 High Plains No-Till Conference Sponsors
Conference sponsors and vendors enable CCTA to provide outstanding speakers at the
conference. Please make sure you thank them for making the conference possible!
Platinum $4,000
Pro-Till
Gold $2,000
BASF
Channel Seeds
Colorado Corn
Fontanelle Hybrids
DuPont Pioneer
National Sunflower Administration
Silver $1,000
American Agriculture Lab
Bayer Crop Science
Dekalb
DuPont
Eastern Colorado Seeds
Farm Credit Services of Southern CO
Gordon Insurance Agency
Humalfa
Morris Industries
Red River Commodities, Inc.
Simplot
Simpson Farm Enterprises
Sorghum Partners
Stratton Equity Coop
Syngenta
Vince’s GM Center
Bronze $250
Burlington Con. District
Cargill
Cheyenne Con. District
CHS, Inc
Colorado East Bank & Trust
Crop Production Services
Eastern Colorado Bank
Farm & Ranch Realty, Inc.
Flagler Aerial Spraying
Flagler Coop
Hitchcock
JD Heiskell
Kennedy & Coe, LLC
Koch Operations Inc.
Nuseed
Powell Seed, LLC.
Premier Farm Credit
Pro Ag Solutions
Rabo AgriFinance
Scott Aviation
Smelker Seeds
The Barn Media
West Greeley Con. District
Woofter Const. and Irrigation
Wray State Bank
2015 Conference Exhibitors
These exhibitors offer valuable products and services, please take time to thank these businesses for
supporting the 2015 High Plains No-Till Conference.
21st Century Equipment
Flagler, CO
DuPont Pioneer
Lincoln, NE
Kugler Company,
McCook, NE
ADM /Northern Sun
Goodland, KS
Eastern Colorado Seeds, LLC
Burlington, CO
Lewton Ag Services
Otis, CO
Ag Concepts
Eagle, ID
EGE Bio
Minneola, KS
Morris Industries Ltd
Saskatoon, SK
Ag Power Equipment Company
Burlington, CO
Elk River Enterprises
Greeley, CO
Mycogen Seeds
Aurora, CO
Ag Venture
Minden, NE
Farm & Ranch Realty
Colby, KS
Nachurs Alpine Solutions
Marion, OH
American Agriculture Lab
McCook, NE
Farm Credit of Southern Colorado
Limon, CO
High Plains National Sunflower Association
Goodland, KS
Arrow Seed Company, Inc.
Broken Bow, NE
FarmReign, LLC
Wray, CO
Nitro Sprayers
Otis, CO
BASF
Burlington, CO
Flat River Agri, Inc
Brush, CO
NuSeed
Breakenridge, MN
Bayer Crop Science
Ft. Collins, CO
Frontier Ag
Goodland, KS
Pawnee Buttes Seed, Inc.
Greeley, CO
Big Iron / Stock Auction
St. Edward, NE
Fye Consulting,
Stratton, CO
Pro-Till
Otis, CO
Cargill
Burlington, CO
Golden Plains CSU Extension
Burlington, CO
Red River Commodities
Lubbock, TX
Centennial Ag Supply, CO
Greeley, CO
Gordon Insurance Agency
Limon, CO
Shelbourne Reynolds
Colby, KS
Center Seeds
Marys, OH
Green Cover Seed
Bladen, NE
Simplot
Burlington, CO
Channel Seeds
Evens, CO
H Squared
Otis, CO
Simpson Farm Enterprises
Ransom, KS
CHS, Inc.
Burlington, CO
Heinrichs Harvesting Company
Davenport, NE
Smoky River Pheasants Forever
Burlington, CO
Colorado Corn
Greeley, CO
Hilltop Planting Solutions
Burlington, CO
Sorghum Partners
Goodland, KS
Colorado Wheat Administrative Com.
Fort Collins, CO
Hortau, Inc.
Haxtun, CO
Stateline Bean Producers Co-Op
Gering, NE
Crop Production Services
Ft. Morgan, CO
Humalfa
Iliff, CO
Sure Crop Fertilizers
Seneca, KS
Crop Quest, Inc.
Dodge City, KS
J.D. Heiskell
Windsor, CO
Syngenta Crop Protection
St. Francis, KS
DeKalb / Asgrow
Joes, CO
JD Skiles
Atwood, KS
Wagner Equipment
Burlington, CO
DuPont Crop Protection
Sterling, CO
K.C. Electric Assn.
Hugo, CO
Woofter Construction & Irrigation
Colby, KS
USDA - NRCS
United State Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
www.co.nrcs.usda.gov
2015 High Plains No-Till Conference Breakout Sessions
Farming in a Biotic System
1 CEU NM
Brendon Rockey
I will speak about raising potatoes without toxic chemicals, and synthetic fertilizers. This session will focus
on creating a biotic system that brings back the life in the soil that we have destroyed with conventional
agriculture. This new system brings back old practices that include diverse cover crops, companion crops,
and flowering mixes, as well as carbon based fertility, and the addition of livestock.
Challenges and Opportunities for Building Soil Organic Matter in Semi-Arid Regions
1 CEU SWM
Meagan Schipanski
Soil organic matter is the cornerstone of soil health and productive cropping systems. Despite the switch
to no-till management, soil organic matter levels often hover around 1% on dryland farms in Eastern Colorado. Is it possible to increase soil organic matter in the region? What are the limitations and where are
the opportunities?
In this workshop, we will review research from long-term experiments in Eastern Colorado and talk about
the management and soil type factors that influence soil organic matter. We will discuss different methods
for measuring total and more active pools of organic matter. Finally, we will discuss potential opportunities
for increasing soil organic matter through residue management and intensified rotations.
Its All About The Water
1 CEU CM
Dr. Bob A. Stewart
The relationships between soil, plants, and water will be presented and discussed. Increasing water does
not increase yields in a straight line. With crops like corn and sorghum, doubling the amount of water used
by the crop can increase the yield four or more times. The focus will be on strategies for increasing the
proportion of available water used directly by the plants.
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Understanding the Importance of Diversity in Cropping Systems
1 CEU NM
Wendy Taheri, Ph.D.
We have all heard we need diversity in our cropping systems, but what is it really doing for us? Will diversity help me during a drought? Will it increase my yield? Is a little bit better than nothing? How much
diversity do I need? Can cover crops give me enough diversity to really matter? What if I only have a
short growing window? Dr. Taheri explains how diversity makes ecosystems more resilient, the benefits of
increasing it and the consequences of its loss.
Going the extra mile.
17 feet at a time.
That’s Seedsmanship At Work .
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High Plains Journal
No-Till Conference Book
7.5" x 4.5"
CHANE030126P117BVA Due: 1-10-14
Today’s date: January 10, 2014 1:04 PM
Account Service:
Speaker All Access Sessions
Attendees of the 2014 High Plains No-Till Conference enjoyed Jill Clapperton’s lunch session where she
delved deeper into the principles soil health. They were able to ask questions relative to the High Plains and
talk through how the theories can be expected to impact their farms. This year CCTA is excited to bring you
two Speaker All Access breakout sessions to give you that same opportunity with this year’s outstanding
speakers. One will be focused on soil health, the other on grazing.
For some, the phrase “soil health” is becoming a philosophy and drives the decisions on our farms. For those
who live by the philosophy and those who are willing to give it a try, the Speaker All Access session is an opportunity to dig deeper into this idea. It is a chance to learn from the co-author of The Soil Biology Primer
used on NRCS websites and referenced in many research publications. Elaine Ingham and others will answer
your questions in a small group setting. You can ask questions specifically for our semi-arid environment and
get straight answers from a soil health expert.
We know you will have questions after you hear about the success of local producers and are introduced to
different ideas on grazing. As you contemplate the information you have heard and think about application
on your farm there are sure to be questions that you have. Many common mistakes can be avoided by learning from those who have experience. Specific water, fencing and herding questions are encouraged.
Bring your questions for the speakers in the room and association members who are applying the ideas
already or drop questions off at the registration table on Tuesday. CCTA Board Members will facilitate the sessions keeping the discussion moving and on track.
Board Member Nominations
CCTA President Curt Sayles will be term limited at
the end of 2014. CCTA is now accepting nominations for a board member to replace him. Interested persons should contact Curt Sayles or any
board member prior to the Annual CCTA meeting
at the High Plains No-Till Conference for information on the nomination process. A new board
member will be elected for a two year term at the
annual meeting in February 2015.
Curt Sayles can be reached at 970-664-2281 or
[email protected].
ALLIANCE, NE
Hwy 385 &10th Street
888-762-5870
BRIDGEPORT, NE
9738 US 26
800-682-5121
GORDON, NE
6742 State Hwy 27
800-535-4450
IMPERIAL, NE
1001 Hwy 61
800-525-4934
OGALLALA, NE
101 Road, East 80
800-658-4227
SYDNEY, NE
1901 Link 17J
866-233-2511
www.21stCenturyEquipment.com
ALLIANCE, NE
Hwy 385 & 10th St.
308-762-5870
888-762-5870
BRIDGEPORT, NE
9738 US 26
308-262-1110
800-682-5121
GORDON, NE
6742 State Hwy 27
308-282-0665
800-535-4450
IMPERIAL, NE
1001 Hwy 61
308-882-4326
800-525-4934
OGALLALA, NE
101 Road, East 80
308-284-4049
800-658-4227
SIDNEY, NE
1901 Link 17J
308-254-2511
866-233-2511
2015 High Plains No-Till Conference Breakout Sessions
BASF On Target Application Academy
2 CEU PM
Robert E. Wolf, PhD - (Bob)
The goal of the BASF On Target Application Academy (OTAA) is to provide extensive hands-on-education for
growers, retailers and commercial applicators on herbicide application best practices and new equipment
technologies. Attendees walk away from OTAA trainings with a deeper understanding of new technologies
to ensure on target applications, better train employees, maximize yields, protect input investments, and
protect lifelong investments in their crops. Self-applicators also take away information on proper application timing, nozzle selection, wind speed, droplet size, boom calibration and down-wind buffers. More than
95 percent of growers that have attended an OTAA event say the training will help become more successful
in their operation, and would recommend it to others.
Farmer Panel – Soil Health On The Farm
Michael Thompson and John Heermann
1 CEU CM
John will show his innovative approaches to promoting soil health on his no-till farm in Haxtun, CO. He will
also explain how he has fully implemented cover crops, mob grazing, and diverse crop rotations into his
dryland operation. Information will also be provided to showcase the water SAVINGS effects of utilizing
cover crops instead of fallow.
Michael Thompson will discuss the economic impacts, agronomic impacts, challenges, and successes of
including high stock density grazing on cover crops on the high plains even with less than average rainfall.
Speaker All Access: Grazing
You have heard the theory and listened to others who are putting them to practice but you still have questions. For 60 minutes you have access to national speakers where you can submit or ask questions or listen
to others ask questions for you. When will you ever have access to these great speakers in such an intimate
setting for no extra cost?
Speaker All Access: Soil Health
You have heard the theory and listened to others who are putting them to practice but you still have questions. For 60 minutes you have access to national speakers where you can submit or ask questions or listen
to others ask questions for you. When will you ever have access to these great speakers in such an intimate
setting for no extra cost?
CCTA Annual Meeting
*******
The CCTA annual meeting will be held at the High Plains No-Till
Conference at 8:15 AM on Feb. 4, 2015 in Burlington, CO.
Stratton Equity Coop
98 Colorado Ave. - P.O. Box 25
Stratton, CO 80836
Phone: 719.348.5326
2015 High Plains No-Till Conference Registration
Registration fee is the same for attending one or both days (except students)
Registrations taken at the door – cash, check or credit cards
Producer/Attendee Pre-registration - $160.00 Early Registration before Jan. 15th - $110.00
Students - $25.00 per day
The following mailing address will be used to mail the CCTA Journal.
Business/Organization/Farm _____________________________________________________________
Mailing Address _______________________________________________________________________
City _____________________________________________________ State _______ Zip____________
Phone: (
) _________- ____________ E-Mail: ______________________________________
Please send CCTA Journal: ___ Electronic ___ Postal Hard Copy
Name: 1 ______________________________________________________________
Check one:__ First Timer ___ Attended Conference before Check one:__ Attendee -- $110 ($160 after January 15)
__ Student ($25.00 per day) Attending: ___ Tues ___ Wed
Name: 2 ______________________________________________________________
Check one:__ First Timer ___ Attended Conference before Check one:__ Attendee -- $110 ($160 after January 15)
__ Student ($25.00 per day) Attending: ___ Tues ___ Wed
Name: 3 ______________________________________________________________
Check one:__ First Timer ___ Attended Conference before Check one:__ Attendee -- $110 ($160 after January 15)
__ Student ($25.00 per day) Attending: ___ Tues ___ Wed
Cultivating opportunities
www.coloradocorn.com
Make check
payable to: CCTA
Check # _________
TOTAL: $ ________
Mail registration form
and payment to: Becky
Ravenkamp, 41376 CR
26, Hugo CO 80821
For nearly 100 years, Farm Credit
of Southern Colorado has specialized in lending for agriculture,
and we’re not going anywhere.
There are some things you can
always count on. For aﬀordable
ﬁnancing and straight talk from
people who understand your
business, call Farm Credit of
Southern Colorado today.
Burlington 719-346-5324
Colorado Springs 800-815-8559
La Junta 719-384-4455
Lamar 719-336-7474
Limon 719-775-2838
Monte Vista 719-852-3341
www.aglending.com
Farming In The Margins Workshop
The purpose of CCTA is to educate producers and industry partners on conservation practices. CCTA was organized in 1988 and has grown and changed over the years. Managing the needs of our diverse membership is a
challenging task. Finding a location that can accommodate over 500 people for two days while keeping prices
low for attendees, sponsors and vendors is also a challenge. After must discussion your CCTA Board of Directors has decided to offer an additional no-till conference this winter. We will hold a one-day Farming In The
Margins Workshop at the Clarion Inn & Conference Center in Garden City, KS on February 18, 2015.
Attendees of the Farming In The Margins workshop will be treated to a common sense line-up of speakers.
First, we need to eliminate marginal thinking. Michael Casper, NRCS Colorado, will start off our day with ideas
that will push you to question everything you are doing on your farm, help you analyze your water use practices and find your comfort zone on the no-till continuum.
With any farm practice equipment is a large capital investment. No-till equipment may already be on your farm
or it may be a factor that you need to address. Paul Jasa, UNL Extension Engineer, will build up your confidence
in no-till equipment. Knowing how drills, planters and sprayers fit into your no-till systems management and
how to utilize them for precision agriculture will make an impact on your bottom line.
There’s always room for improving profits and Kevin Dhuyvetter, retired KSU Professor, will discuss factors impacting farm profitability. No-till management factors with an emphasis on economics will put you in a position
to widen profit margins.
Weed resistance can be a limiting factor to yields and profits. Taking a new approach to weed management will
require looking at the system as a whole. Randy Anderson, research agronomist at the North Central Agriculture Research Laboratory in Brookings, South Dakota has been working on ecologically based pest management in our cropping systems. This approach requires looking at the biological aspects of weed dynamics,
diverse crop rotation effects on weed populations and using living plants as a weed suppressant for organic
producers.
Doors will open at 7:30 AM for registration and check-in. The workshop will start promptly at 8:45 AM CST and
will conclude at 5:00 PM. Lunch, materials and CCTA membership will be included in the $95 registration fee.
Pre-registration is highly encouraged online at www.HighPlainsNoTill.com or by mail using the following form.
Sponsors for the workshop are now being accepted. Vendors will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.
A discount will be given for registering at both CCTA events. Contact Becky Ravenkamp at 719-740-0715 or
[email protected] with questions.
Farming In The Margins Workshop Registration
Business/Organization/Farm _____________________________________________________________
Mailing Address _______________________________________________________________________
City _____________________________________________________ State _______ Zip____________
Phone: (
) _________- ____________ E-Mail: ______________________________________
Please send CCTA Journal: ___ Electronic ___ Postal Hard Copy
Attendee: _________________________________________________________________________ $95
Attendee: _________________________________________________________________________ $95
Attendee: _________________________________________________________________________ $95
Attendee: _________________________________________________________________________ $95
Attendee: _________________________________________________________________________ $95
Sponsors / Vendors Choose 1 Option: All will be listed in the workshop program
_____ Ruby Sponsor $400 – $999
•
Black and White 1/4 Page (3x5 inch portrait) Ad in Workshop Program
•
Complimentary 8’x8’ Booth with Two Complimentary Registrations
_____ Sapphire Sponsor $1000 – $1499
•
Color 1/2 Page (6.75 x 5 inch landscape) Ad in Workshop Program
•
Complimentary 8’x8’ Booth Space and Two Complimentary Registrations
•
Business Card size Ad in 3 Issues of CCTA Journal
•
Complimentary Insert in Attendee Packet (200 copies delivered by Jan.15)
_____ Emerald Sponsor $1500 +
•
Color Full Page (6.75 x 10 inch, portrait) Ad in Workshop Program
•
Complimentary 8’x8’ Booth Space and Two Complimentary Registrations
•
Business Card size Ad in 3 Issues of CCTA Journal
•
Complimentary Insert in Attendee Packet (200 copies delivered by Jan.15)
•
5 Minute dynamic ad playing at breaks and lunch
Sponsor Attendee Name(s): ___________________________________________________________
Sponsor Attendee Name(s): ___________________________________________________________
Please make checks to: CCTA. Mail for and payment to Becky Ravenkamp, 41376 County Road 26, Hugo, CO 80821
41376 CR 26, Hugo, Colorado 80821
2014 Fall
The Journal is published by the Colorado
Conservation Tillage Association three times
per year.
Issue # 2014.2
2015 High Plains No-Till Conference
Feb. 3-4, 2015
Burlington Community Center
Keynote Speakers:
Dr. Kris Nichols
Chief Scientist Rodale Institute
Steve Siemens
The People Builder
Breakout Session Speakers Include:
Dr. Elaine Ingham
Jeff Rasawehr
Jim Gerrish
Betty Corbin
Wendy Taheri
Bob Stewart
Abe Collins
Meagan Schipanski
Brendon Rockey
Rick Bieber
Keith Berns
and more!
Farming In The Margins Workshop
Feb. 18, 2015
Clarion Inn & Conference Center in Garden City, KS
Speakers and Topics:
Storm Casper - Rethinking Marginal Thinking
Paul Jasa - No-Till Equipment Confidence
*Fertilizer*
*Custom Application*
*Chemicals*
*Seed*
*Precision Ag*
Please call on our Colorado locations for
all of your farming input needs.
Burlington 719-346-7970
Cheyenne Wells 719-767-2042
Fort Morgan 970-867-7811
Prospect Valley 303-644-4117
Timnath 970-484-4610
Wray 970-484-4610
Randy Anderson - Weed Dynamics
Kevin Dhuyvetter - Widen No-till Profit Margins
SFE of Ransom
P.O. Box 70
Ransom, KS 67572
1.800.235.5359
SFE of Hays
1036B E Hwy 40 Bypass
Hays, KS 67601
1.888.228.3611
SFE of Great Bend
603 MacArthur Rd
Great Bend, KS 67530
1.866.379.1426
SFE of Beloit
3120A US Hwy 24
Beloit, KS 67420
1.888.232.8558
CCTA is a non-profit organization serving all the States in the High Plains Region. It is a resource of experienced farmers working with industry, University and
agricultural agency personnel whose goal is to spread research and on-farm gained information about conservation farming practices.