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MIFarmLink Sponsors 4th Annual Cultivating Resilience Field Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 28, 2023

CONTACT:
Sarah Bowman 616-842-5852 ext. 5
sarah.bowman@macd.org
www.ottawacd.org

Cultivating Resilience 2023 Farm Field Day

(Grand Haven, Ottawa County, MI) The Ottawa & Allegan Conservation Districts, and ODC Network are collaborating with the Ottawa County Department of Strategic Impact and Michigan State University Extension to host the 4th annual Cultivating Resilience Farm Field Day on August 17th, 2023 from 8:30 am - 1:45 pm with Morren Crops & Cattle at 10819 Quincy St, Zeeland, MI. This event is supported by the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program, Project Clarity, and by the Farmland & Water Quality Conservation Initiative.

The Cultivating Resilience Farm Field Day will showcase common practices and emerging technologies that promote soil health and water conservation, improve farm efficiency, and give producers practical conservation knowledge that they can use to evaluate their operations to create a more resilient farm. We have several talented speakers, local farmers, and educators who will be leading the day’s sessions. The day will kick off with rotating breakout sessions where attendees will learn from experts on how to incorporate agroforestry practices into their farming operation to make them more profitable and weather-resilient, learn how to identify 11 indicators of soil health in cropping fields, and have discussions with local farmers on both the successes and challenges they’ve had with conservation practice implementation and how to stay motivated. After a free boxed lunch, attendees will be able to observe a live drone demonstration and will learn how this technology can be used to implement common practices, such as seeding cover crops or spraying herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers, with increased efficiency and with less disturbance to fields. There will be a variety of vendor tables on site for participants to visit curing network breaks and lunch and learn more about local farmer resources from agri-businesses and natural resource industry partners.

Cultivating Resilience Farm Field Day is a free event and includes a complimentary light breakfast and boxed lunch along with a few exciting door prizes donated from local businesses. All participants are automatically entered into the door prize raffle and additional entries can be earned throughout the day by visiting vendor tables. Registration is required by August 11th to guarantee lunch. Producers will be eligible to earn 3 RUP credits and a MAEAP Phase 1 educational credit during this event. Register and learn more about the event here: ottawacd.org/cultivatingresilience/. As agriculture in West Michigan faces continued challenges - from extreme weather events, groundwater shortages, development pressures, and more - cultivating resilience in our agricultural community is essential. We hope to see you on August 17th!

AGENDA

8:30 AM: Registration & Light Breakfast Sponsored by Greenstone Farm Credit Services

9:00 AM: Rotating Breakout Sessions (40 min each), including a 30 minute networking break after two rotations.

● Ways to Use Forested & Riparian Areas - Nathan Ayers (Savanna Institute), Symon Cronk (Newaygo Conservation District Nursery)

● Challenges & Successes with Conservation Practices with a focus on the Morren’s Field Trials - Steve & Austin Morren (Morren Crops & Cattle)

● Your Soil: Where are you and where do you want to be? - NRCS Regional Soil Health Specialist

11:45 AM: Enjoy a free, boxed lunch catered by Wolfies of Zeeland sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance Mark Hop Agency Inc.

12:45 PM: Welcome & Thank you! Keynote Partner Announcements & Sponsor Comments

1:00 PM: Live Drone Demonstration - Dirk Boon (Lakeshore Ag & Aerial LLC)

1:45 PM: Closing – Stick around for our Vendor Door Prizes! Obtain your 3 RUP Credits and MAEAP Phase 1 Educational Credit