Purdue Extension is teaming up with the soil and water conservation districts of LaPorte and Porter counties and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service to host a Cover Crops Field Day in Westville.
The March 26 program runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. CDT at the Westville United Methodist Church Family Life Center, 154 W. Main St.
Participants will learn how using cover crops can enhance soil health and protect water quality. There will also be an opportunity to visit the fields of local farmers Ron and Bob Meyers to see firsthand the beneficial effects of cover crops on soil conditions and root development.
Topics and presenters are:
* “Benefits of Cover Crops in a Soil Health System”: Tony Bailey, NRCS state conservation agronomist.
* “Fitting Cover Crops into a Cropping System”: Jamie Scott, vice president of the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
* “Cover Crop Management and Using the Herbicide Classification Chart”: Gene Matzat, extension educator in LaPorte County.
* “Potential Applications of UAVs in Agriculture”: Keith Baker, Baker Ag Services.
Continuing education credits are available for certified crop advisers, private pesticide applicators and commercial pesticide applicators.
The event is free, but there is a $10 fee for Private Applicator Recertification Program credit. Farm Credit Mid-America will provide a catered lunch.
For more information, contact the LaPorte County Extension office, 219-324-9407, or the Porter County Extension office, 219-465-3555.