Business : Residue plot field day set in Van Horne

ISU Extension and Outreach will host a tour of the residue management plot on the farm of Ben & John Olson from 9:30 a.m. to noon, August 2nd. Dr. Mahdi Al-Kaisi and his research team will present some of their research results from last year experiments on the farm and will explain approaches to managing corn residue prior to a soybean crop. Jim Fawcett, Extension field agronomist, will also be on hand to discuss current crop problems. Local farmers and agronomists are encouraged to attend. Certified crop advisers can earn 2 soil and water credits by attending this field day.

With greater corn yields and better insect and disease resistance, corn residue levels continue to increase. Farmers have applied liquid nitrogen in the fall to help break down corn residue. Dr. Al-Kaisi and his research team are evaluating several tillage systems and two nitrogen rates to provide tips on managing fall corn stalk residue. During the field day they will explain the treatments and share preliminary observations.

The Iowa Soybean Association Research Committee has funded this research to help farmers learn how to manage corn residue more efficiently. The Olson farm is located 5 miles NE of Van Horne, on 21st Ave Drive. Signs will be posted. A free meal will be supplied by the Benton County Cattlemen & Benton County ISU Extension & Outreach.

Plan to attend the residue management plots tour field day at the farm of Ben & John Olson from 9:30 to noon on August 2, 2013. For more information contact the Benton County ISU Extension office 319-472-4739 or Jim Fawcett, Extension Field Agronomist at fawcett@iastate.edu.

All ISU Extension and Outreach programs are open to all persons regardless of race, color, handicap, or religion.