The 2019 Alfalfa and Forage Field Day is coming up on Thursday, September 19 at the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Parlier. The half-day event will feature forage research demonstrations and educational presentations in the field and in the classroom. The field day itself has a long history of keeping industry members up to date with the latest research and information available.
“It’s a tradition that I think has been carried on for more than 30 years at this point,” said UC Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor Nick Clark. “In general, the topics that we like to cover at the Alfalfa and Forage Field Day are comprehensive in regard to issues that growers and PCAS and crop consultants would face in forage production.”
Over the years the event has evolved to better engage the industry. There is typically a broad range of topics which are discussed at the annual field day in order to appeal to a wider audience. “We try to make sure that it’s not just an irrigation seminar, it’s not just pest management or crop fertility. We try and touch on all of those issues. At the same time, we also try to be responsive to trends in the industry,” said Clark.
In response to feedback from the industry, organizers have tried to incorporate more interactive types of presentations. Last year’s event featured a demonstration of using a mobile application to assist with weed identification as well as a drone demonstration which provided real-time imaging. “We’re doing that to try and reach people who have a different learning modality than just standing and hearing a lecture or sitting down and hearing a lecture,” said Clark.
As with years past, there is no cost to attend and lunch will be provided at the conclusion of the presentations. Continuing education credits have been applied for and those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP through the website set up for the event.
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