Extension Office Organizes Annual Crop School
 | Author:
Allison Kosto, MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent
MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent |
Extension Office Organizes Annual Crop School Allison Kosto, MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent A tradition for many years in Broadwater County is the annual Crop School which takes place at Headwaters Livestock Auction at the southern end of the county. This year the program is on Wednesday, February 15th from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm. The program focus this year is soil health and is partially funded by a grant from the Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (WSARE) program through the United States Department of Agriculture. The purpose of WSARE is to support programs for agricultural producers and professionals to learn about sustainable agricultural concepts and techniques. Programs should meet one or more of the WSARE goals which include satisfying human food and fiber needs, enhancing environmental quality, making the most efficient use of nonrenewable and on-farm resources, sustaining the economic viability of agriculture operations and their communities, and enhancing the quality of life for farmers and ranchers. Healthy soil is a critical component of a productive and sustainable agriculture operation and addresses several of the WSARE goals. It provides the basis for plant health, nutrient exchange, animal productivity, water quality and more.
This year’s Crop School features a couple of presenters to discuss several components of soil health. The main speaker is Anthony Bly, a Soils Health Specialist from South Dakota State University Extension. Mr. Bly will discuss the basic principles of soil health in addition to how manure can be used as a fertilizer. He will share his research in addition to practical experience from his own farming operation. Additionally, Franck Groeneweg, owner of Living Sky Grains, a farming operation in southern Broadwater County will discuss how he has integrated soil health principles into his operation, changes he has seen, and recommendations for growers who want to start improving soil health.
In addition to soil health, the program also features Mat Walter, MSU Extension Agent for Lewis & Clark County, who will discuss how water quality affects pesticide use and Chris Caron, MSU Research Associate who will provide a cropland insect update for grasshoppers, alfalfa weevils and wireworms.
Crop School is a multi-county program through MSU Extension, coordinated by county offices in Broadwater, Gallatin and Madison/Jefferson Counties. Pesticide education credits will be offered. The event includes a free lunch catered by The Rancher’s Table and sponsored by Rocky Mountain Supply, Headwaters Flying Service, Ag Depot, Circle S Seeds and Harrison Elevator.
Please RSVP by Tuesday, January 31st to MSU Extension in Broadwater County at 406-266-9242 or broadwater@montana.edu.
Stay up-to-date on programs offered in Broadwater County at https://www.montana.edu/extension/broadwater/.
Upcoming programs are listed on the left side of the page. You have an option on the page to sign-up for the email list if desired.
