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STEEP Research Review Scheduled for Novemer 15-16, 2005
STEEP has traditionally held an annual research review. In 1998, the STEEP research review was replaced by the Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Cropping Systems Conference. This was done at the request of growers and the agriculture industry. The conference became the major venue for presenting conservation farming research and technologies that were being adopted by producers and others involved in PNW agriculture. STEEP maintained a prominent role in the conference through featured speakers and poster exhibitions
In December of 2004, the STEEP coordinating committee determined that planning and organization of the cropping systems conference should be passed to the Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association, which formed as a result of earlier conferences. This will occur in 2006. With this change, the STEEP committee felt it was necessary to resume an annual STEEP research review. A research review is required by USDA, the agency that administers STEEP funding. The last formal review was held in January of 2003 in advance of the Direct Seed Conference. To this end, STEEP will host a research review at the AmeriSuites Hotel (at the TRAC) in Pasco, Washington, on November 15-16, 2005.
The STEEP research review has three objectives: 1) bring together STEEP researchers to discuss and evaluate current research programs; 2) build a sense of community and understanding of current cropping systems among scientists, growers, industry, and agencies; and 3) provide a stakeholder forum to identify research priorities and focus for STEEP in future years. Investigators awarded STEEP funding for projects that are near or have recently been completed will be invited to present their results in an oral presentation format with a focus on how results fit in a cropping systems context. There will be time for questions and discussion of the research. Also, there will be formal time on the agenda for input from growers, commodity organizations, industry, conservation districts, and other agencies on the future direction and priorities of STEEP. The program will be begin mid morning on November 15 and conclude Wednesday November 16. Please put these dates on you calendar and plan to attend.
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