The conference will consist of a number of concurrent sessions full of a wide variety of topics to wet anyone's appetite. Cropping systems, crop choices, livestock grazing, working within your environment, marketing groups, farmers markets, etc., are just a view of over 30 presentations that will be made during this 2 day conference. There will be 7-8 pesticide recert credits for the day. Watch for small reddish mites, often near the base of the plants. They are more likely to be seen in older fields, but can affect seedling fields as well.
Mites are most visible and active on overcast or cloudy days.
I thought it was worth sharing, especially in light of the loss of the sugar beet contract, ABT filing for bankruptcy, all of the other mergers taking place, and the general state of the agricultural economy. A recent meeting with farmers challenged and disturbed me. Having spent my childhood and youth on a farm, where we grew our own food and earned a small income, I thought I knew a little about the farm crisis. However, a way of life has passed away in one generation. The plight of modern farmers is far more complex and serious than I assumed.