Park the plow and save the soil. It’s a novel idea that is catching on with more and more area farmers because it has so many proven benefits – from improving the soil quality and increasing crop yields, to saving time and money.

This idea of reducing the amount of plowing done to a field before planting, called “no-till,” will be the focus of this year’s Southwest Regional Tillage Conference and Trade Show at Giannilli’s II in Greensburg on January 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. All farmers and interested individuals are invited to attend.

Nationally known speakers Sjoerd Duiker, assistant professor of soil management and applied soil physics from Penn State University Department of Crops and Soils, and Wayne Reeves, research agronomist with United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service in the Soils Dynamics Laboratory of the University of Auburn, will speak on the “No-till Revolution,” and “Progress in Conservation Systems” respectively.

A panel discussion will feature area no-till farmers Bob Dorazio of Lake Lynn, Fayette County; Chris Kimmel of Shelocta, Armstrong County; and Norm Graham of Butler, Butler County.

The event also will feature a vendor show and break-out group discussions led by Wayne Reeves, Mark Goodson, an agronomist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Joel Myers, retired state agronomist with NRCS.

CCA (Certified Crop Advisor) and IFC (Individual Farmer Certification) NMS (Nutrient Management Specialist) credits also will be offered, pending state approval.

The event is sponsored by Penn’s Corner Resource Conservation and Development, Natural Resources Conservation Service (the Pennsylvania, Westmoreland County, and Indiana County offices), Penn State Cooperative Extension (main campus and Armstrong, Beaver, Fayette, Indiana and Westmoreland locations), and the Indiana and Westmoreland Conservation Districts.

Registration is required and space is limited. Cost is $25, and includes all events, a continental breakfast, and lunch.

For more information, download the Conference brochure or contact Bobbi Bailey at Penn’s Corner Resource Conservation and Development by phone at 724-834-9063, ext. 116, or by email at bobbi.bailey@pa.usda.gov .

1/19/2007