IPM Student Numbers Exceed Expectations

Sep 23, 2013

IPM Student Numbers Exceed Expectations

By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com

Agriculture education was a big hit at this year’s International Plowing Match (IPM) held in Mitchell, Ont., this past week. More than 10,000 students from 90 schools attended the IPM, with the farthest coming from Hanover and Mount Forest.

Education Chair and area farmer Luann Erb says the education component of the IPM was a huge success. “Numbers exceeded our expectations…we had 2,000 more [school children] than originally expected,” said Erb.

The education area consisted of three tents. Erb recalls the "Animals at Work" tent being one of the biggest draws including the newest livestock edition – two water buffalo calves. “People were surprised that we had water buffalo in Perth County,” said Erb. Other highlights included sheep shearing and goat milking demonstrations.

The five day expo was cut short on the final day due to a torrential downpour of rain, which flooded much of the grounds. Erb said thankfully, the animal tent was the driest, noting that despite the heavy rain, the animals were safe. Livestock were rescued from IPM grounds on Saturday; many lead out by hand, while pigs were taken out on gators. “I think the plowing match was well received…we’ve received lots of great feedback from the schools already,” concludes Erb.

(Photo: Perth County’s Queen of the Furrow Amanda Brodhagen tries her hand at milking a cow at the IPM education tent).

Video: Dr. Emerson Nafziger: Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Corn

The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Emerson Nafziger from the University of Illinois breaks down decades of nitrogen research. From the evolution of N rate guidelines to how soil health and hybrid genetics influence nitrogen use efficiency, this conversation unpacks the science behind smarter fertilization. Improving how we set nitrogen fertilizer rates for rainfed corn is a key focus. Discover why the MRTN model matters more than ever, and how shifting mindsets and better data can boost yields and environmental outcomes. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"The nitrogen that comes from soil mineralization is the first nitrogen the plant sees, and its role is underestimated."

Meet the guest:

Dr. Emerson Nafziger is Professor Emeritus of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with degrees in agronomy from Ohio State, Purdue, and Illinois. His research has focused on nitrogen rate strategies and crop productivity. He co-developed the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) model, which is widely used across the Midwest. His research spans N response trials, hybrid interactions, crop rotation effects, and yield stability.