Thursday September 14th, 2023, 4-6 p.m.
Hastings Farm, 531 Sawmill Road, Townsend DE 19734
Come join us at the Hastings Farm for a soil health-oriented discussion and demonstration on pasture and grazing systems. We will have a no-till drill demonstration along with discussion on pasture related topics including soil management, pasture management, and grazing techniques. Natural Resource Conservation Service, University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, and New Castle Conservation District personnel will also be discussing potential cost share opportunities available to producers. The meeting is free, and anyone interested in attending is welcome. Nutrient Management Credits will be available.
If you have any questions, please contact Michael Popovich at the New Castle Conservation District: michael.popovich@delaware.gov or at 302-365-8991
Agenda
Introductions 4:00 – 4:05
Mike Popovich, New Castle Conservation District Planner
Soil Management 4:05 – 4:30
Soil testing, interpretation of soil test results, and proper application of soil amendments
Nicholas Adams, New Castle County Extension Agent, University of Delaware
Compaction and Avoidance Strategies 4:30 – 4:45
Discussion of leading factors to compaction in pasture and forage settings, penetrometer demonstration.
Michael Popovich, New Castle Conservation District Planner
Grazing, Forage, and Pasture Management 4:45 – 5:00
Topics covering NRCS grazing plans, decision making tools for pasture management.
John Bushey, Resource Conservationist, NRCS Delaware
NRCS and New Castle Conservation District Programs Overview 5:00 – 5:15
Discussion of available cost-share opportunities for NRCS Delaware and New Castle Conservation District
Justin Ford, District Conservationist, NRCS & Michael Popovich, New Castle Conservation District Planner
No-Till Drill Demonstration 5:15 – 6:00
Setup, calibration, and operation of a no-till drill for overseeding or establishing pastures. We will discuss site-specific options for establishing new forage.