The 10th Annual Nutrient Management Field Day was held on Thursday, August 22nd hosted by Jay and Kelli Williams of Stoney Ridge Farms in Waldron.
Attendees had an opportunity during registration to visit with others, enjoy refreshments (sponsored in-part by Market House), and tour the vendor expo.
This year’s keynote speaker was Ray Archuleta, speaking on The Principles of Soil Health. Archuleta is a Certified Professional Soil Scientist with the Soil Science Society of America and has over 30 years of experience as a Soil Conservationist, Water Quality Specialist, and Conservation Agronomist with NRCS.
Breakouts then included topics such as cover crops & herbicide management, regenerative grazing for beginners, improving soil function, corn nutrient decisions and more! During lunch attendees heard from several agencies on updates focused on the Western Lake Erie Basin.
The farm to fork lunch concluded with an ice cream social sponsored by the Hillsdale County Farm Bureau Membership Committee. Membership Captain Joe Ladd focused the event on the value of membership. Several members of the Hillsdale Co. Farm Bureau board provided statements on why they were part of the organization in hopes to inspire non-members to join the organization that helps to be a voice in Lansing and Washington, fighting for the best interests of the agriculture industry. Allison Grimm, mastermind behind the field day program, shares, “Farm Bureau is like FFA for adults! Involvement with Farm Bureau provides networking and leadership skills that help you meet new people and learn new things.”
The Hillsdale County Farm Bureau’s sponsor booth also provided attendees with resources about farm bureau along with new stickers for Fire Safety Checklists, one for Combine & Choppers, and the other for Skid Steers & Track Loaders.
The field day program provided attendees with an opportunity to apply for CCA Credits, Michigan RUP Credits, and MAEAP (Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program) Educational Credit.
Alongside Hillsdale Conservation District, Fulton County Soil & Water, University of Michigan-Water Center, Ohio State University, Williams County Soil & Water and MSU Extension were key partners this year. Several generous sponsors make this program a success as they provide funding for great speakers, many of which volunteer their time on the committee or set up for the event. Hillsdale County Farm Bureau also sponsored a tent because they have found great value in the work that this program offers the agriculture community.
To wrap up the event, several items were donated for a door prize drawing including the County Farm Bureau’s item, a large Yeti cooler stuffed with local corn, pulled pork and popcorn.
Visit our website at michfb.com/hillsdale or Facebook page to learn more about the membership committee and upcoming events.
Become a Member to be a part of the agriculture education, advocacy, and policy development work we do to sustain Michigan agriculture for future generations!