SLAYTON — The 2019 growing season was one of the most challenging years that many farmers can remember, and one that all of us are eager to forget. If you farm or work with farmers, the Winter Crops Day and Small Grains Program in Slayton is a great opportunity to hear the latest University-based research and information about corn, soybean, and small grain production and management strategies. The morning program will focus on corn and soybean management topics and production economics pertinent to our area. Following lunch, the Southern Small Grain Winter Workshop will be held, where the topics will address successful small grain management.

This event will be Thursday, Feb. 20, at the 4-H Building in Slayton (3048 Broadway Avenue).  To ensure adequate program materials and food are available, attendees are encouraged to register by Tuesday, Feb. 18, at or by calling the Murray County Extension Office at 507-836-6927. Thanks to generous sponsor support there is no cost to attend this program.

The schedule is as follows:

• Check-in: 8:30-9 a.m.

• Winter Crops Day presentations: 9 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

• Lunch: 12:15-12:45 p.m.

• FSA & NRCS program updates: 12:45-1 p.m.

• Southern Small Grains Program presentations: 1-4 p.m.

Crops Extension Educator Liz Stahl will start the day with “Weed management: Pigweeds, principles, prevention and planning”. Integrated Pest Management Specialist Bruce Potter will then discuss whether crop pest scouting can be cost effective. “Nitrogen Management in Today’s Climate” will be covered by Water Resource Extension Educator Brad Carlson, and Ag Business Management Extension Educator Dave Bau will discuss the economics of $200+ rent.

After lunch, the local FSA Executive Director and NRCS District Conservationist will provide updates, followed by the Small Grains program. Small Grains Specialist Jochum Wiersma and Crops Extension Educator Jared Goplen will focus on production agronomics, variety selection, and small grain economics. There will also be an open-forum discussion for related topics and on-farm experiences.

A special thank you to the following sponsors for their support of this program: Avoca Spray Service, Chandler Co-op, Murray County Corn & Soybean Growers, Murray County Farm Bureau, Spronk Seed Farm and the Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers.