Soil Health Symposium Aims to Help Farmers Cultivate Success
If you’re new to farming in Idaho, or if your family has been working the land for generations, you’re sure to bring home useful information from the 13th Soil Health Symposium, coming to the Four Rivers Cultural Center in Ontario.
“Soil Health – Cultivating Success” informs farmers and ranchers about regenerative agriculture practices, including reduced tillage, use of cover crops, importance of soil microorganisms, and other soil health principles.
This year’s event, presented by and for local agricultural producers, runs from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 8th.
“The annual symposium is an educational and networking opportunity targeting farmers, ranchers, and others interested in soil and water conservation,” said Jo Anne Smith, chairman of the Payette Soil and Water Conservation District, one of the hosts of the symposium. “We encourage local producers to come and share their experiences and learn about how to implement regenerative agriculture practices.”
The program features two presentations by Dale Strickler, an agronomist with deep and broad experience solving soil problems and building regenerative operations. Strickler, a best-selling author and award-winning farmer, will share ideas for Making Your Cropland Work for You at 9:30. After lunch, he’ll offer tips for How to Dramatically Increase Pasture Productivity and Profit at 1:00. His methods are based in science, tested by research, and backed by real life improvement on hundreds of farms and ranches across the country.
Other sessions include the popular producer panels, featuring local farmers and ranchers discussing their experiences in regenerative agriculture. In addition, attendees will get the latest update on the Innovative Agriculture and Marketing Partnership grant from the University of Idaho.
The symposium is open to the public. The registration fee is $40, which includes a hearty lunch. Registration and symposium details can be found online at www.payetteswcd.org.
