Second annual KBS LTAR Field Day is set for September 5

Tayler Ulbrich<chicoin1@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension - July 31, 2024

Come learn about tips, tricks and data from an aspirational farming system with layered conservation practices, including a diverse rotation, cover crops, no-till and precision management.

Strips of different crops in a field at the KBS LTAR experiment area. — Aerial image of the Kellogg Biological Station Long-Term Agroecosystem Research Aspirational Cropping Systems Experiment from May 2024. Photo by Ruben Ulbrich.

Are you interested in diversifying your farm operation? Wondering how to make no-till and cover crops work together? Curious if these practices can benefit your pocketbook and the environment? If so, join Michigan State University Extension and AgBioResearch for the second annual Kellogg Biological Station (KBS) Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) Field Day on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. The theme for the field day is “Sustainable Cropping Systems for the Future.”

The event will highlight early agronomic and environmental outcomes from the first two seasons of the LTAR’s Aspirational Cropping Systems Experiment (ACSE), as well as tips and tricks for what we’ve learned along the way. This ACSE compares a prevailing corn/soy cropping system (with conventional tillage and herbicide and fertilizer applications) to an aspirational system that integrates a five-crop rotation, no-till, cover crops and precision management.

Many farmers that visit the LTAR are thankful we can troubleshoot these complex conservation systems and share what works (and what doesn’t!). We look forward to conversations around this and other topics. All agricultural and conservation professionals, practitioners and scientists are welcome to attend the field day.

The field day will begin at 9 a.m. with the field tour occurring from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and ending with a free lunch. Email Tayler Ulbrich at chicoin1@msu.edu or Christine Charles at charl122@msu.edu for more information or accessibility needs.

Certified crop adviser (CCA) and restricted use pesticide (RUP) credits have been requested and participants can get one MAEAP Phase 1 educational credit. The event is free, but registration is strongly encouraged and closes Aug. 23.

This event is co-hosted by KBS LTAR program and MSU Extension.

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