Register now to attend July 17 Oklahoma Crops Conference in Alva

Monday, July 10, 2017

Crop producers working in northwestern Oklahoma should register now to attend the July 17 Oklahoma Crops Conference in Alva.

“The conference is one of four are putting on in July, with each focusing on all critical crops grown in a region and highlighting research-based best management practices designed to help growers get the most out of their operations,” said Josh Lofton, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension cropping systems specialist.

Free of charge and open to the public, the July 17 conference will take place at the Northwest Technology Center, located at 1801 S. 11th St. in Alva. The event will begin at 9 a.m. and finish at approximately 3 p.m. A donor-sponsored lunch will be provided free of charge to participants.

“A special feature of the Alva conference is the inclusion of a producer panel,” said Greg Highfill, Woods County Extension director and agricultural educator. “Jay Leeper, Brodie Bush and Larry Cochran will be sharing what they have learned about growing grain sorghum in our area.”

Additional sessions will feature the latest insights and practical management tips from experts with OSU’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

“Given current prices of Oklahoma commodities, it is important growers take full advantage of every opportunity to increase productivity while at the same time minimizing inputs,” Lofton said.

Lofton will lead two sessions: The first will focus on optimizing grain sorghum production and the second will tackle soybean production.

Brian Arnall, OSU Cooperative Extension precision nutrient management specialist, will provide the latest research-based insights relative to maximizing grain sorghum fertility.

Tom Royer, OSU Cooperative Extension entomologist and coordinator of DASNR’s Integrated Pest Management program, will share practical management tips relative to sugarcane aphid control strategies.

Josh Bushong, OSU Cooperative Extension area agronomy specialist, will lead two sessions: The first will focus on weed control in grain sorghum and the second will concentrate on canola as a crop option for area producers.

David Marburger, OSU Cooperative Extension small grains specialist, will share what was learned from the 2017 wheat crop and practical tips that can be drawn from that to promote the best possible 2018 wheat crop.

Jason Warren, OSU Cooperative Extension soil and water conservation management specialist, will provide the latest science-based information about winter cover crops suitable for the region.

Although the conference is free and open to the public, participants are asked to RSVP by contacting Lofton by email at josh.lofton@okstate.edu or by phone at 405-744-3389, or Marburger by email at david.marburger@okstate.edu or by phone at 405-744-9617.

“Having a head count really aids with our planning and helps ensure we have sufficient numbers of lunches, refreshments and conference materials on hand,” Marburger said.

The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service is a state agency administered by OSU’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, and one of three equal parts comprising the university’s state and federally mandated teaching, research and Extension land-grant mission.

Oklahoma ranks eighth nationally in the number of acres devoted to farming, according to USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service data.