This past winter, the Extension-organized no-till discussion group has been meeting since December and will have its final meeting for this season on March 30.
The group was organized in late 2003 and has been meeting every winter since.
Usually, the group invites a K-State researcher to provide information on the selected topic.
However, Tuesday, two members of the group led the discussion.
Ryan Speer and Terry Jacobs shared their experiences in using cover crops on their farm.
They have worked closely with Kaufman Seeds in Haven and have grown such cover crops as rye, radishes, cowpeas, sun hemp, forage soybeans and pearl millet. They summed up their experience as learning a lot but really ending up with more questions than answers.
Using cover crops as a way of harvesting nutrients, using up water, storing water, adding organic matter, and providing nitrogen are just some of the reasons farmers are looking at cover crops more closely.
Unfortunately, like Jacobs and Speer, the more we know about them the more questions we have.
Using a discussion format for the meetings allows a relaxed atmosphere where producers are more likely to share their own ideas with the group.
The group learns as much from each other as from the researcher.
The topics discussed are chosen by the group which, resulting in good group interest and participation.
Anyone interested in learning more about no-till farming is invited and encouraged to attend.
The next session will discuss soil fertility and will begin at 9:45 a.m. March 30 in the basement of the courthouse.
It is never too late to join in on the discussion.
Jonie James is Harvey County Extension agent, agriculture.
