By MICHELE F. MIHALJEVICH
Indiana Correspondent

MONTPELIER, Ohio — Though the Tri-State Conservation Farming Expo has a new date and location, its goal of providing current information to farmers remains the same, an organizer said.

“We’re always trying to bring out the relationship between good stewardship of the land and profitability,” said Sharon Hall, program manager of the St. Joseph River Watershed Initiative (SJRWI), sponsor of the 10th annual expo. “Being a good steward of the land doesn’t mean your profitability will be reduced. They can go hand-in-hand.”

The expo, which has been in Auburn, Ind., the last several years, will move to the Veterans Memorial Building at the Williams County Fairgrounds in Montpelier, Ohio. The expo is 8 a.m.-4 p.m. March 15.

The change in venue allows the expo to try something different while hopefully attracting new people, Hall said, adding she expects a similar crowd to last year’s, when about 200 people attended.

“We try to present the most up-to-date information on things that pertain to agriculture, such as policies and upcoming research,” Hall noted. “We want to keep everyone abreast of cutting-edge research.”

Ray Archuleta, a conservation agronomist for the Manure Management Team at the East National Technology Center in North Carolina, will present an extended two-part seminar on soil health during the morning session. Archuleta has 25 years of experience with the National Resources Conservation Service and is a certified professional soil scientist with the Soil Science Society of America.
During the lunch hour, David Kohli, market analyst with Allendale, Inc. of Fort Wayne, Ind., and Jon Cavanaugh, marketing director with Central States Enterprises, of New Haven, will discuss the latest market update. After lunch, David Brandt, president of the Ohio No-till Council, will discuss cover crops, no-till issues and how to increase profits. Brandt, who farms 900 acres, has significantly reduced chemical and pesticide use and has lowered costs for nitrogen and fertilizer through use of cover crops.

Other topics include an update on Maumee River water quality, fertilizer choices and challenges and drainage technology to reduce nutrient runoff.

The cost of the expo is $20, which includes lunch and a continental breakfast beginning at 7:30 a.m. Continuing education credits for private applicators and certified crop advisors will also be available for an additional $10 per person.
Registration is required, and Hall asks those who would like a brochure or more information, or those who miss the early registration deadline of March 1, to call the SJRWI office at 260-484-5848, ext. 120.