COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. — An upcoming workshop on production management will include sessions on chemical storage and handling, and determining how much nitrogen is needed.

The Multi-County Crop Production Workshop Management for Profit & the Environment is March 15 at Eagles Nest Event Center, Columbia City. The workshop is 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The workshop is sponsored by SWCD offices in Allen, Huntington, Kosciusko and Whitley counties, said Nadean Eldien, Whitley County SWCD office manager.

Additional topics include nutrient management, preventing DOT fines and field record keeping, she said.

Nitrogen has become an issue because of its cost, Eldien said. “Nitrogen is so expensive, and the question becomes, ‘How much do you really need,’” she said.

The USDA’s Conservation Security Program will be discussed, even though farmers in Whitley and Huntington counties are not yet eligible to participate.

Under the program, producers who maintain and enhance natural resources on their private lands are eligible for payments.

Only producers in certain watersheds are eligible and so far, no watersheds in Whitley and Huntington counties have been chosen, Eldien said.

“It’s important for our producers to be ready, so we’re suggesting they go ahead and put in filter strips and do other things that would be of benefit,” she said.

Cost for the workshop is $10. PARP and CCHs credits are also available for an additional $10. Fees are payable at the door, but Eldien suggests reservations be made by March 10. Lunch will be served.

Eagles Nest Event Center is on U.S. 30 east of Columbia City. Turn north on Indiana 205 and east on South Eagle Glen Trail.

Follow the road to the event center. For information, contact Eldien at 260-244-6266, extension 3.

This farm news was published in the March 1, 2006 issue of Farm World.