 January
16-18, 2002
Doubletree
Hotel - City Center, Spokane, WA
In
Conjunction with
Spokane
Ag Expo and PNW Farm Forum
Conference
Overview
Direct
seeding --- planting and fertilizing directly into the previous
crop's stubble in one or two passes without prior tillage --- can
provide a "Win-Win" opportunity for both agriculture and
the public. It offers the potential for reduced production costs
for the grower, improved soil productivity and water storage that
can result in a higher potential yields and profitability, and improved
protection and enhancement of soil, water and air quality.
Many of our
global grain market competitors, such as Canada, Australia, Brazil,
and Argentina now have 30 to 60% of their cropland under direct
seeding. The PNW is behind their lead with about 9% of the total
small grain acreage, but dryland cropping areas are showing remarkable
growth and a number of counties are already over 30%. With the transition
to direct seed systems and the potential for more intensive cropping
as a side benefit, we are beginning a major retooling of agriculture
in this region and worldwide.
The January
2002 Northwest Direct Seed Cropping Systems Conference in Spokane,
WA offers NW growers and Ag advisers an excellent opportunity to
learn about the latest technologies and experiences to improve the
success of direct seed systems in this region. It will be held in
conjunction with the Spokane Ag Expo -- the largest Inland Northwest
Ag Show with over 300 exhibits - and the PNW Farm Forum and seminar
series. The Conference will be January 16-18, 2002 in the Spokane
Doubletree Hotel-City Center. The Spokane Ag Expo and PNW Farm Forum
will be January 15-17 in the adjoining Washington State Ag Trade
Center and Spokane Convention Center, and the Spokane Arena.
REGISTRATION
INCLUDES AG EXPO AND PNW FARM FORUM -- Registration for the
2002 NW Direct Seed Cropping Systems Conference includes entrance
into the Spokane Ag Expo and PNW Farm Forum and seminars (separately
an additional $17). Conference participants are encouraged to come
early on January 15-16 to view the Expo exhibits and attend the
PNW Farm Forum and seminars. Beginning at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, January
15, Conference registration packets and nametags (needed for entrance
into Ag Expo and PNW Farm Forum) will be available at the Conference
registration desk in the ballroom foyer of the Doubletree Hotel
- City Center. Call 888-374-EXPO or visit their Web site (www.agshow.org)
for details on the Ag Expo and PNW Farm Forum program.
Conference
participants are encouraged to arrive on Tuesday, January 15 or
the morning of Wednesday, January 16 before the Conference begins
at 1:00 p.m., to provide ample time for viewing of exhibits on direct
seed systems and other agricultural topics at the Spokane Ag Expo.
Another early attraction on January 15 and 16 is the Pacific Northwest
Farm Forum and seminar series at the Doubletree Hotel and Spokane
Convention Center. For more information on the Expo exhibits, and
topics for the Forum and seminars, contact the Spokane Area Chamber
of Commerce Ag Bureau (phone: 888-374-EXPO; Web site: www.agshow.org).
CONFERENCE
ORGANIZERS AND SUPPORTERS -- Two groups are organizing the Conference
as a service to Northwest growers: 1) the Pacific Northwest STEEP
program and 2) the PNW Direct Seed Association. STEEP (Solutions
to Environmental and Economic Problems) is a cooperative research
and educational program on conservation tillage systems through
the University of Idaho, Oregon State University, Washington State
University, and USDA-Agricultural Research Service. The grower-driven
PNW Direct Seed Association (PNDSA) began in 2000 and already has
a membership of over 300. PNDSA is working to facilitate the development
and adoption of direct seed cropping systems through research coordination,
funding and information exchange. The Conference will be co-sponsored
by 12 Ag companies and organizations, and developed in cooperation
with 12 PNW grower organizations and Ag support groups and agencies.
PROGRAM
OVERVIEW -- The Conference will features 24 speakers, including
10 growers, from Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and the Canadian Provinces
of Alberta and Saskatchewan. A Direct Seed Poster Exhibition will
also be featured. Some major Conference program areas focused on
management strategies for direct seed cropping systems include:
changes in nutrient cycling and fertility management over time;
managing for improved soil biology and direct seed benefits to soil
health; redesigning crop rotations; and Brassica crop selection
and management.
Panel sessions
will also provide in-depth discussions on several topics including:
impacts and management of soil acidity, the make-up and management
of key soilborne crop pathogens; field record systems, mapping strategies
and the integration of financial and physical farm data; grower
experiences across the low, intermediate and high precipitation
zones; strategies for managing heavy wheat residue; and intensifying
rotations in the low and intermediate rainfall zones. The activities
and accomplishments of the PNW Direct Seed Association will also
be highlighted. The complete program is available on the Conference
brochure and Web site (http://pnwsteep.wsu.edu/directseed). Click
on "Update Conference Agenda" on this 2002 Conference
Web site for the latest program details, including credits for state
pesticide applicator recertification and Certified Crop Adviser
continuing education.
EARLY ATTRACTIONS
-- Conference participants are encouraged to arrive on Tuesday,
January 15 or the morning of Wednesday, January 16 before the Conference
begins at 1:00 p.m., to provide ample time for viewing of exhibits
on direct seed systems and other agricultural topics at the Spokane
Ag Expo. Another early attraction on January 15 and 16 is the Pacific
Northwest Farm Forum and seminar series at the Doubletree Hotel
and Spokane Convention Center. For more information on the Expo
exhibits, and topics for the Forum and seminars, contact the Spokane
Area Chamber of Commerce Ag Bureau (phone: 888-374-EXPO; Web site:
www.agshow.org).
PRE-REGISTRATION
-- Conference pre-registration is $60 (spouse $30) and includes
entrance into the Spokane Ag Expo and Pacific Northwest Farm Forum
(separately a total of $17), the in-depth Conference Proceedings,
2001 PNW STEEP research report, and refreshment breaks. The Thursday
lunch is available for $15. After January 9, registration will be
$70 (spouse $35). Click on "Conference On-Site Registration"
on this 2002 Conference Web site for more information on on-site
registration and partial registration options.
CONFERENCE
SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE -- Ag support companies and organizations
with equipment, products and/or services related to direct seed
intensive cropping systems are encouraged to be Conference co-sponsors
in order to help keep registration fees affordable for NW growers.
A Sponsorship prospectus that explains the variety of sponsorship
options is available from the Conference Web site or Office.
HOTEL RESERVATIONS
-- Reserve your room at the Spokane Doubletree Hotel-City Center
509-455-9600 and ask for the low Conference rates of $58 - one bed
for 1 or 2 people; $68 - two beds for 2 people and $78 - two beds
for 3 people, plus tax. The special Conference rates will not be
available after Jan. 4. Once the Doubletree Hotel rooms are filled,
about six nearby hotels will provide overflow rooms at matching
or similar rates. See the Conference Web site or Office for more
information.
RECERTIFICATION
CREDITS - The Conference will provide state pesticide applicator
recertification credits for Idaho (6), Oregon (2) and Washington
(2), and 17.5 Certified Crop Advisor continuing education units.
Click on "Update Conference Agenda" on this 2002 Conference
Web site for details on credits for state pesticide applicator recertification
and Certified Crop Adviser continuing education.
MORE INFORMATION
-- All the latest Conference information and registrations forms
are available on the Conference Web site (http://pnwsteep.wsu.edu/directseed).
You can also request a Conference sponsorship prospectus or Conference
program and registration form from the NW Direct Seed Conference
Office, P.O. Box 2002, Pasco, WA 99302, phone 509-547-5538, FAX
547-5563, or e-mail (wpeay@mcmgt.com).
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