2019 4R Technology Review Field Day Focuses On Emerging Research and Innovation

More than 85 agricultural influencers came together for the 2019 4R Technology Review Field Day at Stateler Family Farms, a Blanchard River Demonstration Farm located in McComb, Ohio. Agricultural retailers, researchers, farmers and others were in attendance to discuss the latest research on nutrient management, water quality, conservation efforts, and experience field demonstrations.

The event featured presentations by industry experts, including:

• Eric Richer, Fulton County Extension Educator, OSU Extension, shared drag line research findings and developments from manure nutrient application in Ohio.
• Yvonne Lesicko, VP Public Policy, Ohio Farm Bureau, shared about the new Ohio Agriculture Conservation Initiative, a new effort to establish a baseline understanding of current conservation and nutrient management efforts and building farmer participation in a new certification program.
• Sarah Jamison, Senior Service Hydrologist, National Weather Service, shared updates from the National Weather Service on today’s atmospheric science and the process for forecasting, weather outlook for Ohio and agriculture, and the 2019 algal bloom prediction.
• Andrew Gladden, IT Manager, Luckey Farmers, Inc. shared how his company utilizes an integrated approach to various record keeping services for improved efficiency and value for customers.
• Dr. Greg LaBarge, Field Specialist Agronomic Systems, Ohio State University Extension, shared survey findings considering the 2018‐2019 fertilizer application season.
• Dr. Steve Culman, Assistant Professor in the School of Environment and Natural Resources, OSU, provided updates to the Tri-State Fertilizer Recommendations

All presenters stressed the importance of the 4Rs, which refers to using the Right Source of Nutrients at the Right Rate and Right Time in the Right Place. Attendees can evaluate and consider implementation of new techniques and best management practices into current conservation efforts.

Field demonstrations allowed attendees to get up close to new and innovative technology aimed at retaining nutrients where they are needed and reducing nutrient loss from fields. The technology demonstrated:

• Environmental Tillage System’s Soil Warrior
• Vertical Tillage Injector and Variable Rate Technology
• Edge of Field Monitoring Station - Water Quality Research
• Automated Drainage Water Management Structure
• Phosphorus Removal Bed and Ongoing Research

Hosted by the Ohio AgriBusiness Association, the event received generous support from industry partners, including: AgCredit, Agworld, AgVantage Software, Blanchard River Demonstration Farms Network, DTN, Environmental Tillage Systems, Farmobile, The Fertilizer Institute, Mosaic, New Leader, Nutrient Stewardship Council, Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association, Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio Soybean Council and USDA-NRCS. 

The agriculture industry remains committed to improving water quality, retaining nutrients where they are needed, and reducing runoff into Lake Erie and other waterways in Ohio. Events like the 4R Technology Review Field Day provide opportunity to share current research and technology to continuously strengthen that commitment.

Click here to view the event photos on Facebook.