 Conference
Overview
2003
Sixth Annual Northwest Direct Seed
Cropping Systems Conference and Trade Show
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 agriculture, the public and the environment. In
addition to effective control of cropland soil erosion by wind and
water, it offers the potential for reduced production costs and
improved profitability for the grower, improved water storage that
can result in a higher potential yields, improved soil quality and
productivity, and reduced potential of global warming through sequestration
of atmospheric carbon in soil with minimal soil disturbance. Many
of our global grain market competitors, such as Canada, Australia,
Brazil, and Argentina now have 40 to 80% of their cropland under
direct seeding. Although the PNW is behind their lead, a number
of Inland Northwest counties already have over 30% of their cropland
under direct seeding. We are beginning a major retooling of agriculture
in this region and worldwide with the transition to direct seeding
systems and the potential for more intensive cropping.
The Jan. 8-10, 2003 Sixth
Northwest Direct Seed Cropping Systems Conference and Trade Show
at the WestCoast Hotel in Pasco, WA offers NW growers and everyone
involved in agriculture an excellent opportunity to learn about
the latest technologies and experiences to improve the success of
direct seed systems in this region. It will also feature an extensive
commercial Trade Show on the latest equipment, products and technologies
for direct seed cropping systems.
To allow daylight winter
traveling for Conference participants, the 2003 Conference will
be begin at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8 and wrap up at noon
on Friday, January 10.
Conference
Organizers and Sponsors
The Conference is being organized as a service to Northwest growers
by two groups: the Pacific Northwest STEEP program and the PNW Direct
Seed Association (PNDSA). It will be co-sponsored by a number of
Ag support companies, and developed in cooperation with over 12
PNW grower organizations and Ag support groups and agencies.
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 is nearly three years old and already has a membership
of about 400. The PNDSA is working to facilitate the development
and adoption of direct seed cropping systems through research coordination,
funding and information exchange.
Special
Pre-Conference Feature – 2002 STEEP Research Review
A special pre-Conference feature included in the Conference registration
fee will the 2002 Annual STEEP Research Review scheduled at the
same facility from 10:00 a.m. Tuesday January 7 and ending at 11:00
a.m. on Wednesday, January 8, for the Conference on-site registration
and opening of the NW Direct Seed Trade. There are 25 STEEP projects
underway in Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Project leaders will provide
brief updates on current research projects and summaries of recently
completed projects. The Research Review provides opportunities for
researchers, growers and Ag industry representatives to discuss
the latest technologies and provide input into future research plans.
A special USDA CSREES (Cooperative States Research, Education and
Extension Service) Review Team with scientists from Montana, Colorado
and Minnesota will also be present to review the STEEP program and
provide recommendations for the future. Conference participants
are encouraged to come a day early to learn about the research and
provide input into the STEEP program.
Program
Highlights
The Conference program will feature 28 speakers, including 6 growers,
from Idaho, Oregon, Washington, South Dakota and New Zealand. Highlights
of topic include: the great debate on high versus low disturbance
direct seed openers, stacked rotation and other pest management
strategies, transition economics, crop marketing strategies for
direct seeders, residue management options, new weed control strategies,
managing for increased soil carbon and productivity, and grower
experiences across the region. Activities and accomplishments of
PNDSA will also be highlighted. At least 10 drill company representatives
will present new innovations in direct seed drills and openers for
seed and fertilizer placement, residue management and hillside stability.
See the “Updated Agenda” and “Brochure”
on this Website for more details on topic areas and speakers.
Speaker
Profiles
The “Speaker Profiles” page of this Website include
photos and brief biographical summaries of 16 of the featured speakers.
These are also included in the “Conference brochure.”
Recertification
Credits
The Conference will provide state pesticide applicator recertification
credits for Idaho (6), Oregon (pending) and Washington (pending).
There will also be 26 Certified Crop Adviser continuing education
credits in the following categories: Soil and Water - 15.5; Pest
Management - 2; and Crop Management - 8.5.
Northwest
Direct Seed Trade Show
After the past two years of the Conference held in conjunction with
the Spokane Ag Expo, this 2003 Conference will again feature a commercial
Northwest Direct Seed Trade Show. Although space does not permit
equipment displays, the indoor exhibitor booths will be incorporated
as an integral part of the Conference program at breaks and lunches,
providing excellent visibility and audience interaction. For more
details, see the “Conference Sponsorship and Trade Show Prospectus”
on this Web site.
Research
and Educational Poster Exhibition
The NW Direct Seed Research and Educational Poster Exhibition will
provide an excellent opportunity to learn about research and educational
projects in the region See the “Research and Educational Poster
Exhibition” page of this Website for more information and
the registration form. The Exhibition will be located in the inside
perimeter of the WestCoast Ballroom where the Conference will be
held, so the posters will have excellent exposure to Conference
participants. This Exhibition is designed for non-commercial research
and educational exhibits. Commercial exhibitors are encouraged to
participate in the Conference Trade Show.
Conference
Sponsorship
Agricultural support industries are invited to be Conference sponsors
to help keep this unique technology access event affordable for
Northwest growers. Sponsorships will give increased recognition
as leaders and supporters of the Northwest growers in their transition
to direct seed cropping systems. Sponsors will be acknowledged in
the Conference program and proceedings, on the Conference Web site,
on large sponsor signs, recognition from the podium, and computer
projections of your name / logo between sessions. Inclusion of promotional
material in the registration packets and proceedings will also be
an option for Sponsors. Conference sponsors will have first options
on exhibit space in the Northwest Direct Seed Trade Show (space
guaranteed for Sponsors until November 1 when the remaining spaces
will be open to non-sponsors). For more details, see the “Conference
Sponsorship and Trade Show Prospectus” on this Web site.
Pre-Registration
Conference pre-registration is a real bargain at $50 ($60 after
December 27 or at the door). See the “Pre-Registration”
page on this Website. Pre-registration includes entrance into the
2002 STEEP Annual Research Review before the Conference on January
7 and 8, in-depth Conference Proceedings provided at the Conference,
2002 PNW STEEP research report, refreshment breaks, continental
breakfasts, and Thursday lunch. A complimentary buffet dinner will
be provided by Conference sponsors on Thursday evening.
Hotel
Reservations
See “Hotel Reservation” on this Website to reserve your
room at the Pasco WestCoast Hotel. Call 509-547-0701 and ask for
the special Conference rates. Outstanding room rates are $48 for
one bed / 1-2 persons; $58 for two beds / 2 persons; $10 extra/person
for 3rd/4th persons, $15 for rollaways. After the WestCoast Hotel
is filled, there will be at least four area hotels offering the
same or similar special room rates for Conference participants.
Some of the hotels may provide van transportation between the hotel
and Conference at the Pasco WestCoast. Additional information on
overflow hotel arrangements will be available on “Hotel Reservations”
page and from the Conference office.
Conference
Brochure / More Information
The Conference brochure and pre-registration form are available
on this Website. For additional information, contact the NW Direct
Seed Conference office at 509-547-5538, FAX 547-5563, or e-mail
(Wendy Peay < wpeay@mcmgt.com>). For more information on the
Conference program, contact Roger Veseth, Conference Coordinator
and WSU / UI Extension Conservation Tillage Specialist, 208-885-6386,
e-mail (rveseth@uidaho.edu).
Plan
now to attend… this outstanding opportunity to learn
about the latest research results, technologies and experiences
on direct seed cropping systems.
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