<b>By NANCY VORIS<br>
Indiana Correspondent</b></p><p>

FRANKLIN, Ind. — The Johnson County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Youngs Creek and Indian Creek Watershed Projects will celebrate Agriculture Week by introducing farmers to the latest technology.<br>

The groups are sponsoring a field day beginning at 10 a.m. March 19 at Scott Hall on the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Franklin. The event will follow the traditional Farmers Day Breakfast.<br>

The purpose of the Emerging Technologies in Agriculture Field Day is to allow the agriculture community to connect with the newest technologies available and to understand how they can improve the efficiency and profitability of farming. Adopting new technologies can result in more widespread use of Best Management Practices (BMPs), conserving natural resources and ensuring sustainability for future generations.<br>

It will be a trade show atmosphere, with some formal presentations and some simple demonstrations with question and answer time, said David Harrell, conservation resource specialist. Following lunch, several companies will have equipment outside for demonstrations.
“It will be learn, touch and go see in action,” he said.<br>

Technologies to be showcased include auto steer, radio-frequency ID (RFID), ultrasound technology, variable rate technology (VRT), real time kinematic (RTK), yield monitors, record-keeping software, guidance systems, global positioning systems (GPS) and conservation engineering.<br>

Harrell said the SWCD brainstormed to invite as many different brands of equipment as possible. Those scheduled to attend are Purdue University, Jacobi Sales (CNH), Precision Partners (Ag Leader, Trimble), Agro Chem, NRCS, Farm Works, MacAllister Machinery (Caterpillar), Indy Tractor (John Deere), Kova Fertilizer (Outback).<br>

Purdue University is scheduled to demonstrate RFID tags and ultrasound for carcass quality for livestock.<br>

Harrell said the field day is in keeping with the SWCD mission, because technology represents efficiency which results in financial and conservation rewards.<br>

“If you look at the big picture, these tools can help them be more efficient,” Harrell said. “If fertilizer application is managed, there’s less runoff. It’s kind of a circle.”<br>

RSVP is required by March 7. Contact Andy Nichols, ag programs specialist, or Harrell at Johnson County Soil and Water Conservation District, 317-346-6102, or go online at www.swcd.org where a complete schedule is available.