KENNEWICK, Wash. – Discounted registration is open through Jan. 5 for the 2015 Pacific Northwest Oilseed and Direct Seed Cropping Systems Conference, where new and proven strategies to improve crop production and income generation will be highlighted.
The gathering will be Jan. 20-22 at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick, Wash. Cost ranges from $135 to $210 for all three days. Individual day rates are available. A 20 percent discount applies to early registration. Register and find details by following links from http://css.wsu.edu/biofuels/2015Conference/.
The conference format will maximize networking and learning opportunities in large and small group settings, encouraging interaction and information sharing among the expected 500 producers, industry experts, research scientists and ag suppliers attending.
Sponsor opportunities and exhibit space are available by contacting Karen Sowers, 808-283-7013 or ksowers@wsu.edu, or Kay Meyer, 509-995-6335 or pndsa@directseed.org.
The conference will include a trade show, general sessions, 30 breakout sessions, research poster sessions, and demos and diagnostics applicable to irrigated and dryland cropping systems throughout the region.
The first day will focus on production innovations and strategies. The second day will focus on soil health and weed and disease management. The third day will focus on marketing and economics.
Topics will include cover crop studies and issues; oilseed varieties, research and production strategies; unmanned aerial vehicle usage and demonstration; crop insurance and adjustments; weed and disease management; direct seed return on investment; oilseed marketing update and strategies; genetically modified organism (GMO) facts; residue management; and soil health.
Speakers will include:
– Markus Braaten, Agri-Trend agronomist, Montana
– Jill Clapperton, soil scientist and founder of Rhizoterra
– Randy Fortenbery, WSU economist
– Neil Harker, Agri-Food Canada cropping systems specialist
– Michael Neff, WSU molecular geneticist
– Mike Stamm, Kansas State University canola breeder
– Nick Zentner, geologist at Central Washington University
The conference is a combined effort of the Washington Oilseed Cropping Systems Research and Extension Project at WSU and the Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association.
Contacts:
Karen Sowers, Department of Crop & Soil Sciences, WSU, 509-396-5936, ksowers@wsu.edu
Kay Meyer, Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association, 509-995-6335, pndsa@directseed.org