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 Conference
Overview
2005
Eighth Annual Northwest Direct Seed
Cropping Systems Conference and Trade Show
January
13-14, 2005
Mirabeau Park, Spokane Valley, WA
Farm operators
in the PNW face a multitude of challenges. Rising fuel and machinery
costs, changing farm programs, and market competition are a few
examples. Direct seeding, the planting and fertilizing of a crop
directly into previous stubble in one or two passes, is increasing
in acreage in the PNW. Can direct seeding help meet these challenges?
Direct seed systems offer effective control of soil erosion by wind
and water, reduced production costs, improved water storage, better
soil quality and productivity, and help sequester atmospheric carbon
in the soil. Many of the wheat producing areas that are our competitors,
such as Canada, Australia, Brazil, and Argentina, now have 40% to
80% of their cropland under direct seeding. In some areas of the
PNW, direct seed acres represent 30% or more of all cropland. Adoption
of new technologies takes place more rapidly each season. We are
in a major transition to cropping systems driven by low cost of
production, slim margins of return, and the need to protect soil,
air, and water resources. What will your farm operation be like
in five years? Learn about opportunities at the 2005 Direct Seed
Cropping Systems Conference and Trade Show.
The Conference and Trade Show are scheduled in conjunction with
Spokane Ag Expo and PNW Farm Forum the second week of January. The
2005 Direct Seed Cropping Systems Conference and Trade Show will
be at the Mirabeau Park Hotel and Convention Center, 1100 N. Sullivan,
Spokane, WA beginning at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 13, and wrapping
up at 4:00 p.m. Friday, January 14.
The conference
offers Northwest growers and everyone involved in agriculture an
excellent opportunity to learn about the latest technologies and
experiences to improve the success of cropping systems in this region.
The program features a wide array of speakers and an extensive commercial
Trade Show of equipment, products, and technologies.
Conference Organizers and Sponsors
The Conference is 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 more than
a dozen PNW grower organizations, 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 five years old and 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 numerous speakers, including
scientists from the PNW, Montana, Brazil, and Eastern Europe, and
growers from Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Highlights include:
cropping systems and direct seed farming in Brazil and Eastern Europe,
impact of rising energy costs on farm management and production,
weed control strategies, biology of direct seed soils, equipment
and technology presentations, and concurrent sessions on grower
experiences across the region.
Recertification Credits
The Conference will offer state pesticide applicator recertification
credits for Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. There will also be Certified
Crop Advisor continuing education credits.
Northwest Direct Seed Trade Show
The Conference will feature a commercial Northwest Direct Seed Trade
Show offering outdoor and indoor displays. Indoor exhibitor booths
will be incorporated as an integral part of the Conference program
at breaks and lunches, providing excellent visibility and audience
interaction.
Research and Educational Poster Exhibition
An extensive poster exhibit of PNW research and educational activities
funded by STEEP and other sources will be displayed at the conference.
Scientists and educators will list discussion times.
Conference Sponsorship
Agricultural support industries are invited to act as Conference
sponsors, helping keep this unique technology access event affordable
for Northwest growers. Sponsorships will increase recognition for
organizations as leaders and supporters of 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, and on large sponsor signs. Speakers will recognize
sponsors from the podium, and computers will project your name and
logo between sessions. Inclusion of promotional material in the
registration packets and proceedings will also be an option for
sponsors.
Registration
Conference registration is $90 ($100 after January 5, 2005 or at
the door). Registration includes: conference proceedings and STEEP
annual research report (CD format), refreshment breaks, continental
breakfasts, Thursday lunch and social, and Friday lunch.
Hotel Reservations
Reservation for rooms can be made at the Mirabeau Park Hotel by
calling 866-584-4674 (toll free) or 509-924-9000. Ask for the Direct
Seed Conference rates. Rates are $70/night for single or double
occupancy.|
Conference Brochure/More Information
The Conference brochure will be available later this month. For
additional information, contact the NW Direct Seed Conference office
at 509-783-4676 or e-mail Heather Filbin (heather@mauergroup.com).
For more information on the Conference program, contact Don Wysocki,
Extension Soil Scientist, OSU, Pendleton, Oregon, 541-278-4396,
e-mail (dwysocki@oregonstate.edu).
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