 Conference
Overview
2004
Seventh Annual Northwest Direct Seed
Cropping Systems Conference and Trade Show
January
7 - 9, 2004
Pendleton Convention Center, Pendleton, OR
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 2004 Conference
offers North West 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. To allow daylight winter traveling for Conference participants,
the 2004 Conference will be begin at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January
7th and wrap up at noon on Friday, January 9th.
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.
Program
Highlights
The Conference program will feature over 25 speakers, including
growers from Idaho, Oregon, Washington, South Dakota and New Zealand.
Topics include: Building Wheat Cropping Systems, Value-Added Farming,
Biotechnology,
Precision Agriculture and much, much more! See the “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 the featured speakers.
Recertification
Credits
Pesticide applicator recertification credits are pending for Idaho,
Oregon, and Washington. Certified Crop Advisor credits are also
pending.
Northwest
Direct Seed Trade Show
The 2004 Conference will also feature indoor exhibitor booths and
outdoor large equipment displays. These are an integral part of
the Conference program and can be viewed at breaks and lunches,
providing excellent visibility and audience interaction.
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. The Exhibition 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.
Pre-Registration
Registration rates are $75 before December 31st and $85 after December
31st. Registration includes the 2004 Proceedings Book, Conference
Sessions, Thursday Lunch, Thursday and Friday Continental Breakfasts,
Refreshment Breaks, and Thursday Social Hour.
Hotel
Reservations
The Red Lion in Pendleton is the conference “Headquarter Hotel”.
They are offering a $50 single/double special rate for conference
attendees. Room blocks are being established at other area hotels
for use after the Red Lion is filled. Contact the conference office
at the number below for additional information.
Conference
Brochure / More Information
The Conference brochure and 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 (heather@mcmgt.com).
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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