NEWS YOU CAN USE ~ NOVEMBER 2, 2018
A monthly collection of recent news, upcoming events, and articles of interest
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Sharing the Benefits of No-Till Practices, One Event, One Farmer, At a Time
As part of its ongoing effort to share the benefits of no-till and cover crop practices, the No-Till Alliance board of directors, with the cooperation of Stroud Water Research Center, is providing experts to speak or make presentations at conservation and soil health events - at no cost to the sponsoring organization! Our leadership is poised to speak on a variety of topics, ranging from the most basic principles of no-till and cover crop usages, to the most cutting edge practices being used – and the interrelationship between these practices, soil health, and ultimately the benefits to water quality.
Many of the board members have 20 years or more experience with no-till practices on their own farms and nearly as many years incorporating cover crops into their programs. This wealth of experience with what has worked well — and not so well — gives them personal experience and invaluable information to share with many other farmers! In addition, they continue to experiment with some of the newest practices such as planting green, various cover crop mixes and the most effective rotations.
Throughout 2017, various board members were asked to speak at dozens of events, including events in more than four states (aside from Pennsylvania), as well as in Ontario, Canada. Now, this expertise is being made available in a more organized manner to organizations across Pennsylvania! We can help steer you to the right speaker for every no-till or cover cropping situation. The Alliance is able to recommend speakers who will resonate with your participants and provide valuable information. Contact us today to utilize an expert for your speaker needs!
Speakers are available to provide presentations in all counties of the Commonwealth. The focus of any presentation is flexible, depending on the interests of the sponsoring organization.
Additionally, Alliance members are available to work with other farmers interested in beginning or improving no-till and cover crop practices on their farms on a one-to-one basis. This “mentoring” is also at no cost and can be tailored to meet individual situations.
Anyone interested in scheduling a speaker or receiving individual consultation may contact a Board Member directly or email Jay Howes, administrative coordinator of the Alliance, at
jhowes@pennag.com
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No-Till Alliance Cover Crop and No-Till Acreage Survey
The Alliance is interested in documenting the soil health work being done by members of the Alliance. Supporters who assist in funding the Alliance like to know their money is providing value and tangible results. Therefore, watch for an upcoming print newsletter that will provide additional information and include the survey.
This information will be used to continue the work the Alliance is doing on behalf of all farmers in Pennsylvania who want to enhance the soil health on their farms by adoption of improved no-till and cover crop practices.
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Watch for the Conservation/Stewardship Exhibit at the 2019 PA Farm Show
The Alliance has been asked to help coordinate the Conservation Display at the 2019 PA Farm Show in January once again. As many will recall, last year included 4800 sq. ft. of no-till and cover crop equipment and practices along with growing crops and informational signage explaining the techniques and benefits. Also included was a buffered stream with signage explaining why this was very beneficial in many situations.
Plans for 2019 are similar, with the possible addition of more information on no-till production of produce and other food crops.
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Alltech ONE Ideas Forum - November 8
The
Alltech ONE Ideas Forum
is coming to Elizabethtown, PA! It’s the one agricultural event you can’t afford to miss! Whether your goal is to improve efficiency and profitability or to learn more about the latest technologies to implement on your farm, this is the place for you to be. Join us at a stop near you to hear from experts in the industry and connect with peers from your local area.
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PennAg APC/Seed Council Winnter Meeting - November 14
The annual PennAg APC/Seed Council Winter Meeting will be held Wednesday, November 14 at Spooky Nook in Manheim, Pa. Not a member of the PennAg APC or Seed Council? Not to worry! All are invited! Join PennAg for updates and information regarding:
- Labeling Concerns
- Chesapeake Bay Model Status Update
- PA 4R Alliance
- The Nature Conservancy Overview, PA Program
- Seed Issues/Brown Bag and PA Dept. of Agriculture State Update and more!
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York Soil Health and Cover Crops Workshop - December 17
Penn State Extension will host and the Alliance provide presenters and help sponsor a Soil Health and Cover Crops Workshop on Monday, December 17 at the York County Annex Building (112 Pleasant Acres Road, York). This workshop is an "A to Z" look at soil health and cover crops. Participants will learn why and how to incorporate cover crops into their farms in a way that works for southern Pennsylvania.
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DEP Now Accepting Nominations For 2019 Governor's Awards For Environmental Excellence
The Department of Environmental Protection recently announced it is now accepting nominations for the
2019 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence
to showcase the best of the best among Pennsylvania’s environmental stewards. The deadline for nominations is December 17.
DEP oversees the application and award selection process, evaluating projects on seven criteria: degree of environmental protection, climate change, sustainability, partnership, economic impact, innovation, and environmental education and outreach. Projects don’t have to meet all criteria to merit an award and may be nonprofit or for-profit.
The Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence are open to all individuals, whether they led or participated in a project, and to all schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, farms, and government agencies. People may also nominate an individual or organization by applying on their behalf.
Projects must have been completed before October 17, 2018, to be eligible. Past winners may submit applications for new projects, but projects that have previously received an Environmental Excellence Award aren’t eligible.
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Renew Your Membership Today!
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2019 No-Till Alliance Membership Renewals Now Available
In early November, membership renewal forms will be mailed to all members. However, if you want to get an early start, just use the form below.
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Thank You Alliance Sponsors
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Each year, a number of sponsors step-up to partner with the Alliance in fulfilling our mission to promote the successful application of no-till through shared ideas, experiences, education, and new technology. Without their invaluable support, the Alliance would not be able to have the success it enjoys. Thank you to those who have renewed or initiated new sponsorships for 2018:
Gold Sponsors
Stroud Water Research Center
Univest Bank and Trust
Silver Sponsors
AgChoice Farm Credit
DuPont Pioneer
Gro-Mor Plant Food Co.
Lancaster Farming
MM Weaver and Sons
Melvin R. Weaver Crop Protection
Bronze Sponsors
American Dairy Association North East
Binkley & Hurst, LP
King's AgriSeeds
TeamAg, Inc.
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Pennsylvania No-Till Alliance
2215 Forest Hills Drive, Suite 39, Harrisburg, PA 17112
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