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June 25, 2004 Internationally Recognized Engineer to Speak at Dickinson Field Day Research specialists, production agriculturists and other interested individuals plan to discuss options and issues surrounding successful cropping in western North Dakota on July 7. The North Dakota State University Dickinson Research Extension Center Field Day will feature presentations by Extension and industry professionals, including internationally recognized engineer, Keith Saxton. Following a noon lunch at the Center, a bus tour will begin at 1 p.m. Saxton, retired USDA-Agriculture Research Service engineer of Pullman, Wash., will be the featured speaker. Saxton has given keynote lectures throughout the United States and many foreign countries. In Dickinson, he will discuss the five criteria required for effective direct seeding drills and planters. Saxton’s presentation comes in accordance with the creation of a no-till plot drill developed by the DREC staff for farm demonstration projects. The drill utilizes new technology in low disturbance seeding and fertilizing. “Studies indicate that low disturbance seeding provides weed seeds less opportunity to germinate and establish,” says Roger Ashley, area Extension agronomy specialist at the DREC. Low disturbance also helps maintain soil moisture, temperatures and organic matter, as well as helping to prevent erosion and promote higher yields. Marcia McMullen, NDSU Extension plant pathologist, will explain expected changes in disease patterns with no-till systems. She will also speak to tour participants about current control practices. While McMullen plans to address shifts in the disease spectrum, Craig Rystedt will focus on the changes producers can expect in weed species. Rystedt is a technical representative for Monsanto. Other presentations included in the tour are “Biological Scum – The Processes That Make Soil Productive,” “Crop Rotations and Tillage in Southwest North Dakota” and “Does It Matter If We Treat Our Soils like Dirt?” The direct seeding management tour is not the only activity planned for July 7. Also included in the DREC Field Day is an agronomy tour, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Participants will view variety plots including side-by-side comparisons of research and commercial varieties. A grounds tour will also be held later in the day. Starting at 3 p.m., Ron Smith, NDSU Extension horticulturist, will discuss the different types of vegetation that span the Center grounds. To conclude the event, a barbeque supper will be served at 5 p.m. The meal is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee. For more information or to reserve a seat on the bus tour, contact Lisa Vance at (701) 483-2348 or Phyllis Okland at (701) 483-2077. All events are free of charge. ### Source:
Roger Ashley, (701) 483-2349, roger.ashley@ndsu.nodak.edu |
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