The Pennsylvania No-Till Alliance is hosting its annual Summer Soil Health Field Days, offering valuable insights for current and aspiring no-till farmers interested in the benefits of no-till and cover cropping. The two Field Days, taking place on July 25 in Fredonia (Mercer County) and July 27 in Williamsburg (Blair County), will feature informative panels, educational presentations, and engaging demonstrations. Keynote speaker Monte Bottens from Bottens Family Farm in Illinois will share his experience in regenerating soil health through livestock and cover crops.
Monte and his wife, Robyn, established Grateful Graze, a marketing platform that provides grass-fed proteins directly to consumers. Their farm now raises cattle, pigs, and poultry on diverse pastures, contributing to crop rotation and enhancing soil health. By employing systems-based approaches like no-till, cover cropping, intercropping, and relay cropping, Bottens Family Farm continues to adapt their practices based on trial results.
The Field Days will also feature breakout sessions and demonstrations, including a drone cover crop seeding demo, cover crop pots, rainfall simulator, and equipment exhibits showcasing new precision planters and no-till drills.
In addition, a Meeting of the Minds dinner and discussion will be held prior to each Field Day, providing an opportunity for farmers and industry professionals to engage in conversations about current challenges in cover cropping and no-till practices.
Pre-registration for the events is encouraged and offers free admission. Overnight accommodations are available at Cobblestone Hotel in Greenville for the July 25th event and at The Quality Inn in Altoona for the July 27th event.
Join the Pennsylvania No-Till Alliance at the Summer Soil Health Field Days to gain valuable knowledge, connect with like-minded individuals, and explore the potential of no-till farming and cover cropping. To pre-register and find more information, visit the Pennsylvania No-Till Alliance's website.
Photo Credit: Pennsylvania No-Till Alliance
Categories: Pennsylvania, General