Free soil health events set for Dec. 13, Jan. 16

The Delaware Soil Health Partnership will host two free soil health workshops aimed at helping producers improve operational efficiency by examining inputs and precision agriculture equipment. Both events will convene from 9 a.m.  to 1 p.m., at the Bridgeville Fire Hall.

The first event, set for Wednesday, Dec. 13, will focus on inputs and planning. Joseph Haymaker, graduate research assistant at Virginia Tech, will cover how to offset fertilizer inputs for corn on sandy loam soils. Tim Woodward, co-owner of Virginia Seed Co., will examine how to choose cover crop species that work for a particular farm. Nate Bruce, farm business management specialist at the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, will review soil health, cover crops and the connection to a farm’s business plan.

The second event, to be held Tuesday, Jan. 16, will examine precision agriculture equipment and considerations. Speakers include Lucas Criswell, no-till farmer from Lewisburg, Pa., Jim Hoorman, owner of Hoorman Soil Health Services, and Chris Morrison, precision ag specialist at Hoober.

“These events share invaluable knowledge and insight on how producers can make their operation more sustainable and profitable,” said Jen Nelson, executive director of the Delaware Association of Conservation Districts.

Preregistration is required and lunch will be provided. Nutrient management and Certified Crop Advisor credits are pending. For more information or to register, go to sussexconservation.org/events or call 302-856-3990, Ext. 3.