BEAR LAKE — The public is invited to learn about regenerative agriculture, biochar production and soil health during the annual Farm Field Day hosted by the Mason-Lake and Manistee Conservation Districts on Thursday, June 11.
The event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. at Brixstone Farms, 11240 Milarch Road and will feature presentations and demonstrations focused on sustainable farming practices and environmental conservation.
Topics will include biochar production, healthy soils, regenerative agriculture, safe agri-chemical storage, cost-share opportunities and the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program. Attendees will also be eligible to receive one restricted-use pesticide credit if they remain for the entire event.
A catered dinner will be provided at no cost. Organizers said donations are appreciated. An RSVP is requested by June 4. Registration is available through the Mason-Lake Conservation District website or by contacting Agriculture Technician Pete Rustad.
This year’s field day will include a guest presentation on the use of biochar as a soil amendment and a live demonstration showing how orchard operators can convert woody debris from dead trees into biochar to improve soil quality. Participants will also tour an agri-chemical handling facility funded through U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service programs and learn about available conservation and safety assistance programs.
The Mason-Lake Conservation District will also demonstrate its recently acquired roller crimper, a piece of equipment designed to terminate cover crops without the use of herbicides.
“We will be performing a short demonstration on how the roller crimper is used, and what benefits it brings to regenerative agriculture systems,” Rustad said in a news release.
The event is supported through a grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, which also supports MAEAP, a voluntary program that helps farmers and landowners reduce environmental risks and implement conservation practices.
For more information, visit www.mason-lakeconservation.org or contact Rustad at 231-613-4507.
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