Regional Tillage Seminars Scheduled

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The Illinois Department of Agriculture is co-sponsoring a series of regional tillage seminars to provide farmers the most up-to-date research and information on soil conservation practices. 

Experts in soil fertility, cover crops, water quality and conservation tillage will lead the day-long seminars, which begin Jan. 25 at Parkland College in Champaign.  Other sessions are scheduled Jan. 27 at the Milan Community Center and Jan. 28 at Joliet Junior College.

"An impressive panel of speakers has been assembled to present these seminars, one everybody who attends should find very informative," Land and Water Resource Specialist Alan Gulso said.  "Seating is limited, though, so I encourage producers to go online and make their reservations today." 

Speakers will include Indiana State Agronomist Barry Fisher, IEPA Bureau Chief of Water Marcia Willhite, University of Illinois crop science professor Dr. Fabian Fernandez, Western Illinois University agronomist Dr. Joel Gruver and McLean County Resource Conservationist Dave Bishop.  They will discuss topics ranging from the economics of conservation tillage to the impact of cover crops on tillage and soil quality.  A discussion on nutrient reduction and best management practices is particularly timely given the ongoing activities in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed to improve water quality and their possible implications for Illinois.
 
Each seminar will last from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. and qualifies for five continuing education credits in soil and water management for certified crop advisors.  Registration costs $25 per person and includes lunch.   The deadline to sign-up is Jan. 18.  To make reservations, contact the Extension office that is coordinating the seminar in your area.  A complete list is provided below. 

In addition to the Illinois Department of Agriculture, sponsors include the University of Illinois Extension, U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service, Illinois EPA and state soil and water conservation districts.