As part of their commitment to help production agriculture in Oklahoma and the Southern Plains of the U.S., the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, NRCS, Redlands Community College and the USDA Southern Plains Climate Hub will be hosting the next Central Oklahoma Soil Health Seminar Thursday, April 27, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. According to Eddie Hamilton, Governor of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribe, this event, which is part of the ongoing soil health partnership between the Tribes and NRCS, will provide farmers an opportunity to learn about some of the options they have for the application of soil health practices following winter wheat harvest this summer.

“We are very excited to partner with NRCS, Redlands Community College and the USDA Southern Plains Climate Hub to make this event happen,” Hamilton said. “Agriculture producers in our area have several options to improve the health of their soil by following winter wheat with some form or mix of cover crops. By having something green and growing on their land as long as possible, ag producers can increase the microbial activity in their soil, improve fertilizer efficiency and help their soil increase its water holding capacity.” 

Issues to be discussed at the event include grain and forage sorghum production following winter wheat; ongoing research on new crop species and varieties being conducted by the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS); producer perspectives on planting and grazing summer cover crops following winter wheat; presentations from the NRCS and the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation; a drill calibration demonstration; and an overview of the agriculture demonstration, education and outreach efforts being undertaken by the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribe in partnership with NRCS.   

Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by April 20 by calling Clay Pope at 405-699-2087.  There is no charge for the meeting and lunch will be provided. 

Registration will begin at 9:00 at the Redlands Community College Darlington Chapel located at 5005 Darlington Road, 3 miles north and 3 miles west of El Reno.  

For more information contact Clay Pope at 405-699-2087.