The Pacific Northwest
STEEP II Conservation Farming Conference will be held January 4-5, 1996
at the Best Western-Tower Inn in Richland, WA. Growers and representatives
from the Ag support industries and agencies are encouraged to attend.
The STEEP II (Solutions
to Environmental and Economic Problems) program is a tristate cooperative
research and technology transfer effort involving the University of Idaho,
Oregon State University, Washington State University, USDA-Agricultural
Research Service, grain grower and conservation district associations,
and other Ag support groups and agencies in the Northwest. It is the principle
PNW source of new technology for profitable farming systems which conserve
soil and protect water and air quality.
The Conference will
features 10 growers in in-depth panel discussions on successful conservation
systems, CRP take-out, Russian thistle management and continuous no-till
systems. Highlights of research results on a variety of production considerations
including subsoiling, burn-lowtill systems, Fusarium root rot, primary
tillage options for wind erosion control, frozen soil tillage, to reduce
runoff, stubble burning, and cover crops will be presented by 25 Northwest
scientists. Results of grower on-farm testing of conservation practices
will also be reviewed.
A STEEP III program
is scheduled to begin in 1996. The Conference provides an opportunity
to have a voice in determining what critical conservation problems and
prospective solutions will be address through team efforts among scientists,
growers and Ag support personnel in the major wheat production areas of
the region.
A copy of the 1995
STEEP II Annual Report will be provided. It will include an overview of
the STEEP II program and brief progress reports from the more that 45
STEEP II projects underway across the Northwest. Copies of the 1995 PNW
On-Farm Test Results publication will also be available..
Credits have been
requested for pesticide applicator recertification in the three states
and for Certified Crop Advisor continuing education. An extensive Research
Poster Exhibition will feature approximately 30 exhibits including research
summaries, information resource displays and technology demonstrations
from STEEP II and related programs.
Contact the Tower
Inn (800-635-3980) for room reservations at the special Conference rates
of $36 for one bed (1-2 persons) or $44 for two beds (2-4 persons). The
special room rates may not be available after December 20. Conference
programs and preregistration forms are available at local county extension
and conservation districts, or call (509) 547-5538 for a copy. For more
information on the program, contact Dr. Alex Ogg (509-335-1551) or Dr.
Donn Thill (208-885-6214), Co-chairs of the STEEP II Technical Coordinating
Committee.
