Purdue News
Purdue News
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August 2, 2004 Forage conservation options explored at Purdue field dayWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - There is more than corn in Indiana. A drive through the country also reveals pastures and hayfields and, in many cases, those pastures and hayfields serve several purposes. "Forages have always been used for feeding animals, but they can also be used for conservation purposes," said Greg Bossaer, The Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service ag and natural resources educator in White County. From 4:30-9 p.m., Aug. 10, farmers and landowners can find out how to use their forage areas for conservation and wildlife at the White County 4-H Fairgrounds in Reynolds, Ind. The Forages for Conservation Twilight Field Day is free to the public and will feature presentations on forage varieties, the benefits of forages and their uses for wildlife. Pre-registration for the event is encouraged. Call the Purdue Extension office in White County at (219) 984-5115, or call 888-EXT-INFO and ask for the White County office prior to Aug. 6 to register. "While there are a lot of educational opportunities out there for producers who wish to use forages as crops, this one is geared more toward producers and landowners who want to use them for conservation activities," Bossaer said. The evening begins at the fairgrounds with registration and a discussion of current research. At approximately 5 p.m., the program moves to RDS Farms, Inc., where Keith Johnson, a Purdue Extension forage specialist, and Andy Edwards, a wildlife biologist with Pheasants Forever, will discuss the 23 forage plots at the site and using forages for the benefit of wildlife. At 6:30 p.m., the program moves back to the fairgrounds for dinner and a presentation about forage establishment, management and equipment, and a panel discussion about the benefits, incentives and help available for forage conservation. Representatives of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Pheasants Forever, The Nature Conservancy and White County Farm Service Agency will be on the panel. Bossaer said landowners can get more than an education from the program. "Not only are they going to meet key individuals who can offer assistance from the advice standpoint," he said. "But they're also going to learn about various agencies out there that can help with financial incentives for using forages for conservation and wildlife." The Forages for Conservation Twilight Field Day is cosponsored by Purdue, Monsanto, Diener Seeds, the White County Soil and Water Conservation District and RDS Farms Inc. Continuing education credits are available for certified crop advisors. Participants should wear comfortable shoes. Writer: Kay Hagen, (765) 494-6682, kjh@purdue.edu Sources Keith Johnson, (765) 494-4800, johnsonk@purdue.edu Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu Related Web sites:
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