"Let's check the neighbour's field!" Now that was a comment that got everybody back into the half tons in a hurry! Half ton tours were organized by the staff this past summer to enable producers to compare conventionally seeded fields with direct seeded fields. Problems with direct seeded fields were looked at and solutions discussed. Many of the producers in attendance had attended one of the Kitchen Table meetings held in the winter. As a result, the tours provided an opportunity for follow-up from those sessions.
In the East Central Region, the tours occured in the morning with an average of 6 to 8 farmers in attendance. The Extension Agrologists for the respective areas, also invited to attend the tours, answered a variety of questions such as the timing of Tilt applications, identifying insects, potential midge damage and Bertha armyworm life cycles.
To inquire about having a half ton tour in your area next summer, contact your Regional Soil Conservationist.