Multiple opportunities exist for farmers and agricultural business managers to learn more about organic and inorganic nutrients utilized by both livestock and grain producers. Several are on the horizon in western Ohio, specifically in the Grand Lake St. Marys Watershed (GLSM).

Next Monday’s manure technology workshop is at the Knights of St. John Hall, located at 8608 St. Rt. 119 in Maria Stein. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., program participants should benefit from an agenda sponsored by Ag Solutions and Ohio State University Extension. Most folks have a general idea of what Extension does but what about Ag Solutions?

Ag solutions is a farmer-led group meeting regularly, encouraging good management practices that reduce agriculture’s impact on water quality.  Their mission: “To identify and eliminate, through the use of technology and environmentally sound farming practices, agricultural factors that are negatively affecting the environmental health of Grand Lake St. Marys, while also enhancing the vibrant, prosperous farming economy that is an integral part of the local community.”

The March 19 workshop fits that mission statement. “What does it mean for agriculture in our region and why should I be concerned?” is the focus of Jim Hoorman, the Mercer County agriculture and natural resources extension educator who emphasizes cover crops in dealing with the dissolved phosphorus issue.  

Tom Menke, president of Menke Consulting, Inc. and GLSM Adapt Network Coordinator’s subject is, “The Adapt Network:  Learning by Doing.” Amiran Technologies/AG Conversions Paul Chadwick and Mercer County Economic Development Director Jared Ebbing will discuss strategies in taking the local agricultural economy to the next level.

Experiences with a newly-installed GHD/DVO Plug Flow Digester and Goals to Improve Nutrient Management/Water Quality are to be shared by Brian Furrer, farmer and president of BioTown AG Beef Feedlot, from Reynolds, Ind. Norma McDonald, operating manager of Cincinnati’s Phase 3 Renewables follows with “On farm examples of dairy/pork digester methane potential and economic returns for pipeline/compressed gas and grid.”

A down-on-the-farm home-cooking type lunch will be served at noon. With a full stomach, learn about utilizing manure with wheat and corn in creating new application windows from Glen Arnold, OSU extension field specialist for manure nutrient management systems. Then get the spin on how the Centrisys Centrifuge Separation Technology improves phosphorus management for the Dane County, Wisc. Cow Power Facility from Clear Horizons, LLC’s Leo Maney.

Terry Mescher, a professional engineer with ODNR plans to present, “Designing manure systems for future needs.” Micah Vieux will provide and overview of Ohio-based Quaser projects, including future plans followed by Jim Sattler from NuVention Solutions giving an update of on-farm research with swine manure. The Ohio BioProducts Innovation Center’s Steve Baertche and Denny Hall plan to be on hand to discuss partnership opportunities.  

Credits are available for both professional engineers and ODA Certified Livestock Managers. Thanks to the sponsors, there is no charge for the program, but reservations are needed.  Call 419.586.2179 or email ellis.301@cfaes.osu.edu to reserve your spot. Questions? Contact Jim Keller at mcdo@roadrunner.com or 419-733-0240.

Two other related meetings which may also interest readers are: Livestock Mortality Composting Certification, March 22, 6:30 p.m. at St. Marys Township Hall (Fire Station 1) 10752 St. Rt. 364, St. Marys, Ohio. Reserve by March 16 to save $5. Call 419-739-6580 or register online by e-mailing augl@osu.edu

Or  attend the distressed watershed rules meeting and discover what landowners and producers located in the GLSM need to do and required records to stay in compliance by January 2013. This meeting will take place at the Maria Stein American Legion 8140 St. Rt. 119, Maria Stein, Ohio at both 9-11 a.m. and again from 8-10 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided. Call 419-586-3289 (Mercer SWCD) or 419-738-4016 (Auglaize SWCD) for details.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Roger Bender may write to him in care of this publication.