Sprayers, Precision Ag Are Focus of Aug. 16 Southwest Ohio Corn Growers Field Day

WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, Ohio — Organizers will focus on technologies that can improve accuracy and efficiency while saving farmers money, increasing yields and protecting the environment during the Southwest Ohio Corn Growers Field Day on Aug. 16.

A goal of the event is to help participants learn tips and techniques for improving farm productivity and profitability, said Ken Ford, an Ohio State University Extension educator. OSU Extension is the outreach arm of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University.

“It’s an opportunity for farmers to come hear about new technologies and new research to help growers increase the profit margins on their farms,” he said. “Topics for the day were generated from issues farmers are dealing with on their farms, especially techniques to improve efficiencies, which is what farmers are really after.

“It’s all about getting more nutrients to the areas they are needed and less in areas they aren’t needed. It’s about making fields more productive, saving money and increasing yields all while saving the environment because you’re only applying what’s needed.”

The field day, which will feature experts from OSU Extension and industry, is free and open to the public. It’s from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fayette County Farm, 2770 State Route 38 Northeast in Washington Court House. The event will also feature a trade show and legislative updates from the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association and the National Corn Growers Association, Ford said.

Some topics discussed during the event will include:

• Spray tip selection
• Sprayer management and in-field demonstration
• Cover crop demonstration
• Variable rate nutrient management
• Enlist research and demonstration
• Variable rate technology
• Aerial mapping
• Nitrogen sensor

Membership in the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association is available at the event, and members are eligible for two $500 gift certificate drawings.

For more information, contact Ford at 937-441-5762 or ford.70@osu.edu or call the Fayette County OSU Extension office at 740-335-1150.