Ag Producers, have you been thinking about switching to no-till? Are you already doing no-till and wonder if you can do better? If you have questions about no-till or the recent changes in farming practices, plan to attend the 2016 Farming Evolution.

The event will be on February 17 & 18 at the Phillips County Event Center in Holyoke. Keynote speaker, Dr. Jill Clapperton, is a well-known lecturer and advocate for soil health. Learn more about her at www.rhizoterra.com. Other presenters include Lance Gunderson from Ward Labs, Clark Harshbarger, Soil Scientist, and Paul Jasa from UNL. There will be several no-till producers on hand to share their no-till experiences. Local producers include John Heermann, Haxtun, CO, and Steve Tucker, Grant NE. Michael Thompson of Almena, Dietrich Kastens of Hendon, and Nathan Pearce of Wallace, KS, will also share their experiences. Wednesday, February 17’s theme is “Thinking About or New to No-Till”. Dr. Clapperton will talk about the ‘Soil - a Living Community’. Her second topic will be ‘Changes to Expect with No-till’. Paul will share how to transform existing equipment for no-till. Lance and Clark will share how tillage impacts soil structure and how to soil sample. They will be available to lead ‘hands on’ soil health demonstrations. They will also help folks read soil test results during the breaks and lunch.

‘Park the Iron – How to Improve Your Soil and Profits with No-Till’ is Michael’s topic. John will share ‘How and Why I went to No-Till’. Michael, John, Dietrich and Steve will be available for a question and answer panel. Thursday, February 18, will be geared toward those “Experienced with No-Till & Looking for the Next Step”. Dr. Clapperton will speak about ‘Soil Biology and Soil Health – Tweaking the System’. She’ll also help with ‘Choosing Companion and Cover Crops that Work for You’. Lance will discuss understanding the Haney test. Clark will explain ‘Where and How to Soil Sample’. Paul will discuss ‘Modifying the Equipment to Work with Additional Crops’. Nathan will share how he brought livestock into his no-till system. He has also converted CRP to cropland using no-till. Dietrich will give a thoughtful look at ‘Management Challenges in Long-Term No-till Systems on the High Plains.’ Michael will share his views ‘If You Build It, They will Come - Taking the Soils to the Next Level’. John will share what he has learned about cover crops in Eastern Colorado.

Registration through February 5 is $25 for one day and $35 for two days. Late registration is $10 more. Lunch is included. Check-in, coffee and rolls will open at 7:30 a.m. The presentations begin at 8:30 both days with ending times of 4:30 and 5 p.m. respectively. Complete agenda, lodging, and registration information is available at www.farmingevolution2016.eventbrite.com. Payment by credit card or check is accepted. If you prefer to pay by check, click on ‘show other payment options’ under the ‘order now’ button and follow the instructions. You may also call 970-854-2812 ext. 3 to register.

The Haxtun, Sedgwick, West Greeley, and Yuma County Conservation Districts, the Upper Republican Natural Resource District, and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are sponsoring this event. The Colorado State Conservation Board and Phillips County Pheasants Forever are providing valuable support.