Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
05/22/00
Contacts:
Diane Mayerfeld, Extension Agronomy, (515) 294-0887
Kathy Rohrig, Adair County Extension, (515) 743-8412
Sustainable Weed Management Workshop Set for June 8
GREENFIELD, Iowa -- A one-day workshop covering sustainable weed management strategies that can reduce reliance on herbicides will be held June 8 at the Neely-Kinyon Research Farm near Greenfield.
Several mechanical weed control practices will be demonstrated in the field including rotary hoeing, cultivation and propane-fired flaming. Other hands-on exercises will cover weed scouting, crop rotations, cover crops and smother crops.
The workshop is targeted toward agency staff, educators, independent crop consultants, farmers and other ag professionals. The session runs from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Presenters will include university researchers, Iowa State University (ISU) Extension staff, and farmers.
The Neely-Kinyon Research Farm is located 1 1/2 miles south of Greenfield on Iowa Highway 25, and focuses primarily on sustainable and organic farming practices.
Alan Teel, ISU Extension education director in Cass County, attended a similar session a year ago in southeast Iowa and plans to go again. "Some of this technology is new, some of it has just been forgotten or ignored," Teel said. "Suddenly, however, it's all relevant in light of GMO controversies, rising popularity of organics and higher input costs throughout agriculture."
ISU Extension weed specialist Bob Hartzler said the information will be useful whether the goal is to reduce reliance on herbicides or eliminate them altogether.
Enrollment is limited, and pre-registration is required by May 31, 2000. More information is available by contacting Kathy Rohrig at (800) 478-3399 or by e-mail, x1rohrig@exnet.iastate.edu. Registration forms also are available at local ISU Extension offices. A $10.00 fee covers lunch and all materials.
Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.