Winter is a time that many producers take the opportunity to learn about the latest research, and plan on how to make what they learned help their production in the coming year. I have several meeting coming up in February about the latest information from K-State Research and Extension. If you have any questions, would like more information, or want to register for any of the programs, please call 620-793-1910 or email me at aboor@ksu.edu.
Agriculture Technology Days
Keep your farming operation up-to-date and efficient by attending K-State Research and Extension’s “Agriculture Technology Days,” hosted by Barton County Extension and the Post Rock Extension District on two different days and locations with the same program and speakers.
The first date will be on Thursday, Feb. 9, in Great Bend at the Recreation Center. The second date will be on Friday, Feb. 10, in Beloit at the NCK Technical College. Both days will begin at 9:20 a.m. and will conclude at 2 p.m.
Both days will feature specialists from K-State Research and Extension with topics Big data implications for producers; Nitrogen management using Green Seeker and a Grazing Management phone app; Planting technologies: high speed planter in corn; Data integration on ‘myFields’ site; Use of Satellite imagery for forecasting corn yield monitor data; and Collecting and using Yield Monitor Data.
A free noon meal will be served at each of the sites with sponsors CropQuest, Kansas Corn, First Kansas Bank, Plains State Bank, Simpson Farm Enterprises, Inc. and The Guaranty State Bank & Trust.
No cost for either meeting, however, RSVP is requested by Monday, Feb. 6, for both meetings, to either Barton County Extension (620-793-1910) or Alicia Boor (aboor@ksu.edu) or the Post Rock Extension District Offices in Beloit, Lincoln, Mankato, Osborne or Smith Center or Sandra L. Wick (swick@ksu.edu) 785-282-6823. Online registration is also available at Barton County Extension (www.barton.ksu.edu) and Post Rock Extension District (www.postrock.ksu.edu) websites. Twenty registered participants needed at each site to host the meetings.
Risk Assessed Marketing (RAM)
Current grain prices are often at or below production costs. Surviving this market downturn, which could last for the next two years or more, will be the focus of this updated RAM workshop. The RAM workshop is a timely education program that will provide farmers with new ideas and risk skills to survive the present market downturn. In addition to low commodity prices, the lack of convergences in futures contracts will impact the results form short hedges-forward contracts and crop revenue insurance that pays based on a zero basis. Storage is one method for dealing with the lack of convergence in futures markets, but that will open a new set of risks.
The workshop will also explain why many farmers didn’t receive a commodity program payment while the farm across the road in the next county received the maximum payment. As a result, in many counties crop insurance will provide most or all of the government’s risk protection. Therefore, it is important to select the right type and level of crop insurance coverage.
This workshop utilizes a case study, with a participant’s managing a typical grain farm. Participants working the case problem will improve their understanding of different marketing strategies, crop insurance coverages and how to make the best use of the “free” protection in the FSA commodity program.
The RAM will be held at the Great Bend Recreation Center located at 1214 Stone Street. There is a $10 charge for the meeting to help cover costs, a meal and refreshments. Registrations are due by Feb. 6, for a meal count and to ensure enough materials for the program.
Nutrient Management Workshop
With commodity prices low, every input into your crop takes careful consideration. If you know your soil’s fertility levels, there are some ways that you may be able to cut costs, but still have a successful harvest. Join Dr. Dorivar Ruiz Diaz and Dr. Lucas Haag for a program that will go over the nutrients in your soil, and how it can affect you. Topics will include fertility recommendations for corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, and wheat based on commodity prices, and how pH plays a role in the utilization of nutrients, as well as proper soil sampling.
The program is from 3-5:30 p.m. on Feb. 17, at the American Ag Credit Building located at 5634 10th Street in Great Bend. Call 620-793-1910 to register by Feb. 13th.
Alicia Boor is the Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Barton County K-state Research and Extension. One can contact her by email at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910