SLAYTON — There will be an in-person Winter Crops Day and Small Grains Program in Slayton on Thursday, February 22nd, presented by the University of Minnesota Extension.  Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. and the program will run from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. There is no cost to attend this program. 

“Whether you farm or work with farmers, this program is a great opportunity to hear the latest University-based research and information about corn, soybean and small grain production issues and management strategies,” University of Minnesota Extension said in a press release.  

The morning program will focus on corn and soybean management topics relevant to our growing area. The Southern Small Grains Program will follow in the afternoon, discussing successful small grain management. 

This event will be held in the Murray County 4-H Building at 3048 Broadway Avenue in Slayton, MN. The Murray County Extension office encourages you to register by Tuesday, February 20th to ensure adequate materials and food are available. You can register at z.umn.edu/2024WinterCropsDay , or by calling the Murray County Extension Office at 507-836-6927. Melissa Runck is a University of Minnesota Extension ag production systems educator based in Murray and Pipestone Counties. 

Schedule for the day: 

  • Check-in: 8:30 – 9 a.m.
  • Winter Crops Day presentations: 9 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
  • Lunch: 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
  • FSA, SWCD & NRCS program updates: 12:45 – 1 p.m.
  • Southern Small Grains Program: 1 – 3 p.m.

At the morning Winter Crops Day Program, Extension Crops Educator Liz Stahl will present, “Keeping your fields out of the weeds.” Integrated Pest Management Specialist Bruce Potter will discuss, “New worries in crop pest management.” Water Resource Educator Brad Carlson will talk about, “Key things to know about nitrogen management in 2024,” followed by Farm Business Management Educator Dave Bau, who will discuss, “Outlook 2024.” 

The Small Grains Program will follow lunch and updates from our local agencies. Small Grains Specialist Jochum Wiersma will focus on the latest recommendations for production and pest management. Topics covered by Wiersma will include production agronomics, variety selection, soil fertility and economics. As always, the small grains update will be a discussion-based meeting based on our area producers’ needs, so bring your questions. 

A special thank you to the following sponsors for their support of this program: Chandler Co-op, Farmers Agency of Avoca, Murray County Corn & Soybean Growers Association, Murray County Farm Bureau Association, Spronk Seed Farm of Edgerton, Schmitz Grain, Inc. and the Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers.