AUG. 26 FIELD DAY OFFERS UPDATES ON UW’S ORGANIC CROP AND LIVESTOCK RESEARCH

UW-Madison researchers and cooperating farmers will present the latest in organic crop and livestock research at the university’s third annual Organic Field Day on August 26 at the Arlington Agricultural Research Station. The event will run from 9:30 a.m.—3 p.m. at the Arlington Agricultural Research Station. The program will cover a wide variety of topics of interest to organic growers, including no-till production, fertility management, insect management and economics.

“We are extremely excited about this year’s field day,” said Erin Silva, organic research scientist in the UW-Madison’s Agronomy department.  “There are relevant, applicable research findings to share from both new and continuing projects. And this year we’re adding presentations on livestock research to broaden our discussion of the entire organic production system.”

The event begins at 9:30 a.m. at the public events building. The first field tours will leave from there at 10 a.m. to offer updates on ongoing projects and a first look at new ones. Among the tour presentations:

• No-till soybean production using rolled/crimped rye

• No-till corn production using rolled/crimped hairy vetch

• Field and laboratory studies designed to identify and define mechanisms in the interaction between soil fertility, crop plant mineral nutrition and insect response

• Management of seed corn maggot using organic production practices

• The latest economic analysis of the Wisconsin Integrated Cropping Systems trial

• Sweet corn variety trials

• Management for organic sweet corn, green beans and potatoes. 

In addition to the field tours, this year’s event will include tent sessions on livestock management. Dairy science professor Pam Ruegg will discuss her research project on organic dairy herd health.  Jim Munsch, beef farmer from southwest Wisconsin, will describe research on organic pastures being conducted on his farm in cooperation with UW researchers. UW-Madison grazing specialist Rhonda Gildersleeve will speak on estimating pasture dry matter intake. Gary Oates, a researcher in the Department of Agronomy, will talk about managed intensive grazing.

Lunch will be available for $10.  Over the lunch hour, participants will have time to view poster summaries of research projects and take a look at various pieces of field equipment.  

If you plan to attend, please register in advance by contacting Erin Silva at 608-890-1503 or by sending an email (emsilva@wisc.edu).  While registration is not required, it’s appreciated.

2.5 hours of CCA credits are requested.

The Arlington Agricultural Research Station is about five miles south of Arlington and 15 miles north of Madison on U.S. Highway 51 in Columbia County. Exit Interstate 90-94 at Wis. Highway 60 or exit U.S. Highway 51 at Badger Road.