MN: NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE PLANNED FOR FEBRUARY 18TH IN MANKATO

News Date January 12, 2010

Minnesota farmers will learn to manage nutrients with the latest research and tools for improving on-farm efficiency at the Nutrient Management Conference, February 18, at the Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato. The conference is sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Minnesota Agricultural Water Resources Coalition.

“Given today’s fast paced agriculture, Minnesota farmers need solid and up-to-date information about nutrient management that will protect the environment while maximizing farm profitability” MDA Commissioner Gene Hugoson said.  “This program will focus on cutting edge nutrient management technologies.”

A Mosaic Company representative will kick-off the meeting with a discussion of nutrient-use efficiency and global agriculture.  The International Plant Nutrition Institute will explain agriculture’s connection with the Gulf of Mexico’s hypoxic zone.  The morning session will wrap up with a panel discussion of innovative and progressive management ideas from local farmers and crop consultants. 

Participants will also hear from University of Minnesota researchers on nitrogen and phosphorous guidelines and new technologies for drainage management.  University of Wisconsin researchers will share information on nutrient management studies at Wisconsin Discovery Farms.  Kansas State University representatives will present new tools for nitrogen management, and Purdue University researchers will present new manure management techniques.

In addition to MDA, sponsors include the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Agrium, and the Conservation Technology Information Center in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  Cooperators include MDA, the Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council, Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, Minnesota Ag Water Resources Coalition, Minnesota Crop Production Retailers, Minnesota Certified Crop Advisers, Minnesota Independent Crop Consultants, University of Minnesota Extension, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, soil and water conservation districts, and local watershed organizations.

The conference will be held Thursday, February 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Participants can pre-register by calling 651-201-6141.  A $10 registration fee includes lunch and refreshments. For additional information go to http://www.upstreamheroes.org/nutmgmtconf.php.