22nd Annual Conference

February 2-3, 2010

 Workshops

Certified Crop Advisors – CEU 
Coloraod Commercial Applicator – CEC 

Kansas Commercial Applicators

Alphabetically by workshop title.  Scroll down

The mention of any commercial products or companies as part of the workshops,

or within the Handouts or Power Points is not intended as an endorsement

of the Colorado Conservation Tillage Association. 

All information is provided for educational purposes only.

CANOLA PRODUCTION IN THE EAST CENTRAL GREAT PLAINS - BILL HEER -  Research Agronomist, Kansas State University, Hutchinson, KS, also representing United State Canola Association, the great Plains Canola Association and the Canola Council of Canada.

Production do's and don'ts regarding canola..

1 CEU Credit in Crop Management

CLIMATE POLICY: DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU THINK YOU KNOW?- LAURA SANDS - Coordinator, Agricultural Carbon Market Working Group, Clark Group, consultant to the Bipartisan Policy Center, Story, WY.

The United States is moving closer to limiting our greenhouse gas output.  How can farmers and ranchers ensure the best possible policy for our industry?

COMPARING STRIP-TILL AND NO-TILL PRACTICES FOR DRYLAND GRAIN SORGHUM PRODUCTION -JEFF FARNIK - CEO ( Completely Exhausted Owner), Farnik's Fewtil Farm, New Raymer, CO

In consideration of a dearth of data comparing strip=till and no=till practices for dryland grain sorghum production, a study was undertaken to compare three different strip-till treatments to no-till.  Field-scale strip trials 0.5 acres in size were replicated ten times for each of the four treatments.  Operations, inputs, and costs were documented in detail.  Harvesting assistance was provided by personnel from the USDA-ARS Central Great Plains Research Station at Akron, Colorado to assure the authenticity of the data.

CRP CONVERSION OPTIONS - JOHN DEERING - Agriculture & Business Management Specialist, Colorado State University Extension, Akron, CO

The large amount of acres coming out of CRP contracts this year and next is leaving many landowners with questions of what to do.  This session will cover some of the options available and help with strategies to determine which option fits best in your operation.  An economic analysis of CRP acres coming out of production will look at how the shift in land use is likely to affect the rural Great Plains.  In addition to discussion of various cropping and grazing/haying options for expiring CRP acres, we will discuss alternative government programs and combinations of options that may be attractive.  Bring your questions and ideas to this session and leave with an improved understanding of your options.

1 CEU Credit in Crop Management

CULTURAL PRACTICES OF SODBUSTING - Farmer Round Table Discussion

Visit informally with farmers who have had experience with taking acres out of CRP.  What worked and what didn't will be discussed.

1 CEU in Soil & Water

DROUGHT TOLERANT CORN INNOVATIONS - BRAD LANCE - Sales Manager - Western Business Unit, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.  Lincoln, NE.

For more than 50 years, Pioneer has been at the forefront of drought-tolerant corn development.  Since the 1958 expansion of our drought research program, we continue to bring growers innovative drought solutions through the expansion of multiple research centers, the use of marker-assisted genetic selection and the development of transgenic drought traits.

1 CEU Credit in Crop Management

FARM POLICY AND GRAIN MARKETING - JOHN DEERING - Agriculture & Business Management Specialist, Colorado State University Extension, Akron, CO

The ACRE program and other programs in the 2008 Farm Bill warrant another look for this year's growing season and beyond.  This session will step through the ACRE program and other items of interest in farm policy as well as general grain marketing issues.

The 2008 Farm Bill brought some new options for producers in the form of a standing disaster program and the ACRE (Average Crop Revenue Election) program.  This program along with other farm policy issues including the latest on teh "Cap & Trade" legislation will be discussed.  For wheat producers especially, the ACRE program will be worth some review in 2010 as it is more attractive than last year for producers in Colorado.

Crop outlook reports for the major crops will give a look at the current situation in farm markets and will look at strategies to market wisely moving forward.  The wild times we've seen over the past few years make it more important than ever to know the latest available tools in marketing and crop insurance.  Please join me in a  discussion of these topics and more as we look forward in the world of Farm Policy and Grain Marketing.

1 CEU Credit in Professional Development

GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR NO-TILL ACRE - CHAD ASMUS - Technical Service Representative, BASF, Newton, KS.

BASF has a complete portfolio of products to help make your No-Till acre even better.  Te brand new Kixor family of herbicides will be covered, which provides excellent control of glyphosate resistant broadleaf weeds.  Seed treatments and fungicides will also be covered.

1 CEU Credit in Pest Management

GETTING TO KNOW TRIUMPH SEED CO. - MAURICE HAAS - , Triumph Seed Company,      La Crosse, KS.

The program this year focuses on the current trends that we foresee happening in the markets of all crops.  It will also give a brief background about Triumph Seed Co.  Finally, we will conclude with an overview of new products that we are bringing into the market.

GLOBAL AGRICULTURE 2010 AND BEYOND - MURRAY WISE - CEO - Westchester Group, Inc.

The presentation will offer the opportunity of seeing a firsthand view of how efficient American agriculture has become in the last 200+ years.  In addition, we will look at the world's population relevant to how the world is adding 1 billion additional people in a relatively short period of time.  We will look first hand at what is the driver to the world ag economy.  In Wise's view, global agriculture, but particularly US agriculture has an extremely bright outlook and he looks forward to sharing this with you.

GROUNDWATER DISTRICT/REPUBLICAN  PANEL - DENNIS CORYELL - Producer, Burlington, CO, Robin Wiley, Idalia, CO

Compliance with the Republican River Compact is important for east central Colorado.  The Yuma County Water Authority and the Republican Water Conservation District have led efforts to help meet compliance.  They will discuss continuing efforts within the region to further compliance.

HERBICIDE RESISTANT RYEGRASS -  THOMAS PEEPER - Warth Distinguished Professor of Agronomy- Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK

Herbicide Residue in Ryegrass & Other Grasses in Wheat

Tom Peeper, Professor of Agronomy, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK

Control of rye and ryegrass in wheat are serious problems for Great Plains growers.  Herbicide resistant ryegrass and variations in response of feral rye to labeled herbicides makes control of these weeds increasingly difficult.  The worsening situation in OK with these weeds will be explained and grower options discussed.

1 CEC Credit Pest Management - Category 103 - Agricultural Weed Control for attendance at ONE session.

1 CEU Credit in Pest Management

1 hr Recertification Credit in 1A - Agricultural Plant Pest Control

IRRIGATION WATER MANAGEMENT AT THE SEASONAL BOUNDARIES - FREDDIE LAMM - Northwest Research - Extension Center, Colby, KS

2010 Conference Power Point Presentation - Corn Irrigation Management

Decisions about when to initiate and terminate the corn irrigation season are important irrigation macromanagement decisions that can potentially save water and increase net income when made correctly, bit can have negative economic consequences when made incorrectly.  This presentation will discuss the results from both pre-anthesis and post-anthesis water stress studies.

1 CEU Credit in Soil & Water

LIMITED IRRIGATION - JOEL SCHNEEKLOTH - Northeast Regional Water Resource Specialist, Colorado State University, Akron, CO

Water is a scarce resource in Colorado.  In the South Platte Basin, water competion for agriculture and municipalities are a major concern as well as water declines and compact compliance in the Republican Basin.  Irrigation research is being conducted in Eastern Colorado looking at reducing irrigation with alternative irrigation management strategies as well as cropping systems that include less water intensive crops in the rotation.  An update of this research will be presented.

1 CEU Credit in Soil & Water

NO-TILL 101 - PAUL JASA - Extension Engineer, University of Nebraska Extension, Lincoln, NE.

No-till is far more than just planting a crop without tillage.  It uses a systems approach and residue to protect the soil, conserving soil and water.  Paul's presentation will feature equipment and management tips to handle residue and minimize soil disturbance to take full advantage of no-till while building the soil.

1 CEU Credit in Soil & Water

PLANTER  ISSUES - SUNFLOWER SEED SPACING ACCURACY - JOHN SMITH -  Professor, Biological Systems Engineering Dept./Machinery Systems Engineer, University of Nebraska, Scottsbluff, NE.

Sunflower Seed Spacing Performance of Common Row Crop Planners

Note:  May load slow as it is a very large program

John Smith, Professor, Biological Systems Engineering Dept, Panhandle Research and Extension Center, University of Nebraska, Scottsbluff, NE

Accurate spacing between confection sunflower plants is necessary to produce consistent, large seed preferred by the confection market.  There are many issues that can contribute to inaccurate plant spacing, including seed spacing performance of the planter.  This presentation will focus on planter issues that influence confection sunflower seed spacing accuracy.

1 CEU Credit in Crop Management

SOYBEAN PRODUCER PANEL - LESTER HASART,  Producer, Stratton, CO.:  ANDY HOUSE - Producer, Goodland, KS:  JOSH TOMES - Producer -

High Plains Soybean producers will discuss their successes, problems and suggestions related to soybean production.

STRIPPER STUBBLE HEADERS AND RESIDUE MANAGEMENT IN NO-TILL SYSTEMS - DIETRICH KASTENS -  producer, Kastens Inc. Farms, Herndon, KS.

Stripper Headers & Residue Management on the High Plains

Dietrick Kastens, Kastens Inc. Farms, Hendron, KS

Harvesting wheat with a stripper platform improves machine efficiency at harvest time as well as enhances grain yields in following crops.  This talk discusses both gains, with emphasis on the agronomic and economic implications of taller stubble height in no-till management.  Planting issues in stripper stubble are also discussed

1 CEU Credit in Soil & Water

SUCCESSION PLANNING  - JOHN SNOW ESQUIRE - Hackstaff Gessler LLC, Denver, CO

This session explores various strategies farmers and ranchers can use to create a succession plan.  It also discusses why a succession plan is critical for farmers and ranchers in light of the current tax laws.  Topics discussed include, family holding companies, life insurance trusts, gifting strategies, taxes (estate tax and gift tax): planning tools (will, family trusts, health care power of attorney, durable power of attorney) and more.

1 CEU Credit in Professional Development

SUNFLOWER HERBICIDE UPDATE -PHIL STAHLMAN -  Research Weed Scientist, Kansas State University Agricultural Research Center, Hayes, KS.

Sunflower Weed Management and Pre-Harvest Desiccation

Phil Stahlman, Research Weed Scientist, KSU Agricultural Research Center, Hayes, KS

This breakout will give an overview of the Central Great Plains Weed Survey Results in Sunflower and review of recent weed control research in sunflowers using Spartan, KIH-485 and EspressSun. Phil will cover the effect of soil fertility on beyond effectiveness in Clearfield Sunflower.  Preharvest desiccation discussion of sunflowers will include:  Why desiccate?;  Introduction of Kixor technology; Research results, Sharpen vs. Roundup vs. Gramaxone Inteon.

1 CEC Credit Pest Management - Category 103 - Agricultural Weed Control for attendance at ONE session.

1 CEU Credit in Pest Management

1 hr recertification credit in 1A - Agricultural Plant Pest Control

TECHNOLOGY IN MODERN AGRICULTURE - DIETRICH KASTENS -  Producer, Kasten Inc, Farms, Herndon, KS

Adopting Technology in Agriculture

Dietrich Kastens, Kastens Inc. Farms, Hendron, KS

Technology adoption is an important aspect of agriculture that is used to lower operating costs.  Controlling operating costs is the easiest and most effective way for farms to differentiate themselves from others from a "bottom line" perspective.  This presentation will look at different technologies and how they impact modern agriculture.

THE MECHANICS OF STRIP-TILL - - AVOIDING COMMON ERRORS - MIKE GROENE- Brother's Equipment Inc. Territory Manager,  North Platte, NE

Common sense practices can avoid costly headaches no matter what brand of strip-till equipment is used.  Overcoming the problems caused by high residue inherent with corn and wheat production on the high plains has been a major concern of the speaker.

1 CEU Credit in Soil & Water

THE TWO SIDES OF SORGHUM -    CHRIS COGBURN - Strategic Business Director, National Sorghum Producers and Dr. Virgil Smail  - United Sorghum Checkoff Program Executive Director, Lubbock, TX.

Discussion of current topics handled by the National Sorghum Producers and the United Sorghum Checkoff Program.  The National Sorghum Producers works with legislative regulatory matters, while the United Sorghum Checkoff Program works with research and marketing matters in sorghum.

WATER  ADMINISTRATION ISSUES IN THE SOUTH PLATTE, REPUBLICAN AND ARKANSAS BASIN - DICK WOLFE - Director and State Engineer, Colorado Division of Water Resources, Denver, Colorado.

The recent drought has reminded us all  of the scarcity of water in Colorado.  Mr. Wolfe will address current water administration issues in eastern Colorado and what steps are being taken to address them to ensure sustainability of this precious resource for agricultural, municipal, environmental and recreational needs.

WATER TECHNOLOGY TOOLS - CropSense for real time irrigation management - GABE HARDMAN - Regional Sales Agronomist, Fontanelle Hybrids:  CHRIS ARNOLD - Senior Technical Service Rep, John Deere Water Systems:  MARK REIMAN - Agronomist, Gothenburg Water Utilization Learning Center.

Fontanelle is currently providing growers the opportunity to plant the latest genetics and technology that helps them better utilize available resources such as water and nutrients and to better manage stresses in the environment.  Fontanelle is now also providing growers with tools, such as ET gauges and capacitance moisture probes through the AquaView program that helps farmers better manage their water resource.  ET gauges help growers know how much moisture the crop is using while capacitance moisture probes measure the amount of moisture that is available i the soil profile for the crop to use.  With these tools growers now can make more efficient irrigation management decisions when it comes to irrigating.  In short, these tools help make every drop of water count.  There will be an overview on the use of remote sensing technology for irrigation management covering the equipment used, data gathered and the management decisions that can be made from the data. 

1 CEU Credit in Soil & Water

2009 WHEAT DISEASE & INSECT PEST REVIEW -  What we learned - BRUCE BOSLEY - Cropping Systems /Natural Resources Extension Agent, Colorado State University Extension, Sterling, CO.: NED TISSERAT - Professor, Bioag Soil & Plant Sciences, Colorado State University, Ft Collins CO

Wheat Diseases

Ned Tisserat, Professor Bio Science & Pest Management, Colorado State University, Ft Collins, CO

Wheat Insects and Reduced Tillage

Bruce Bosley, Plant Disease Specialist, Logan & Morgan Counties, Colorado State University, Sterling, CO

Insect and Disease problems hit hard in many Colorado Wheat fields in 2009.  We will discuss why wheat wheat viruses, Russian wheat aphid, and brown wheat mites were so bad last year and give practical integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for avoiding severe pest problems in the future.

1 CEC credit Pest Management - category 101 - Agricultural Insect Control for attendance at ONE session.

1 CEU credit in Pest Management

1 hr recertification credit in 1A - Agricultural Plant Pest Control

WIND ENERGY AND CARBON CREDITS - Bill Midcap - Director of Renewable Energy, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, Greenwood Village, CO. 

If you would like to present or have a suggestion for a 2011 Conference Workshop,

please contact any of the CCTA Board Members. Go to About Us

Call for Presentations - 2011

23nd Annual High Plains No Till Conference

February 1-2, 2011

Speakers and panel members at the Annual Conference are made up of university personnel, industry representatives, experienced farmers, government workers and business people.

If you would like to be a part of the 2011 Conference, download the Call for Presentations and submit by August 1. 2010

Call for Presentations Application Form - pdf

Call for Presentations Application Form - word doc

Conference Workshop Archives

2009

2008

2007