MDA’s annual Greenbook highlights sustainable innovations in agriculture

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has just released its 2013 edition of the Greenbook, highlighting the results of innovative projects that test new approaches to raising crops and livestock in Minnesota. The projects are funded by the MDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant Program, with the aim of promoting environmental stewardship and conservation of resources.

MDA Commissioner Dave Frederickson says the Greenbook is a valuable resource for farmers, researchers, and others seeking to improve profitability and quality of life on farms and in rural areas.

“The Greenbookprovides farmers with insights into the successes and occasionally the failures of hundreds of new projects,” says Frederickson. “It enables them to evaluate what sustainable farming systems may work for them and as a result they can more quickly adopt alternative practices.”

Editor Jean Ciborowski says the new edition features nine sustainable agriculture projects in three major topic areas: cropping systems and soil fertility; fruits and vegetables; and livestock.

To view the Greenbook 2013go to the MDA’s web site: http://www.mda.state.mn.us/greenbook or call 651-201-6012 to request a free copy.

Look for the 2014 Sustainable Agriculture Grant Application on the MDA website in mid-September at www.mda.state.mn.us/grants/grants.aspx.

Row Crop Tour Set for Sept. 5

Farmers, crop advisers and agricultural industry representatives are invited to attend a row-crop field tour on Thursday, Sept. 5, at the North Dakota State University Carrington Research Extension Center. The tour will begin at 4 p.m. and conclude with a sponsored supper.

Participants will view field research trials and receive production recommendations on corn, dry beans and soybeans, according to Greg Endres, NDSU Extension Service area agronomist.

"Our objective is to concisely discuss as many production subjects and share as much research trial data as possible to give participants information they can utilize for their farms or farm clients," Endres says.

The tour agenda includes:

* Corn growing season review, plant establishment and intensive management

* Dry bean plant establishment and disease management overview

* Soybean variety selection and plant establishment

* Row crop disease management with emphasis on root rots, white mold (sclerotinia) and soybean cyst nematode

Tour speakers include NDSU agronomists and plant pathologists, plus industry agronomists.

North Dakota commodity organizations associated with the crops covered during the tour are refreshment and meal sponsors, and will provide brief updates on their activities during supper.

Continuing education credits will be available for certified crop advisers participating in the event.

Additional information about the tour is available from the Carrington REC at (701) 652-2951 or on the Web at http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/CarringtonREC.