• • Lakefield Standard

The Heron Lake Watershed District will host a local conservation tillage tour Wednesday, July 1.

District education coordinator Melanie Luinenburg Raine says the tour is the public’s opportunity to see firsthand how local producers make conservation tillage a profitable, workable practice on their farm. The producers will be available to answer questions throughout the event, she said.

In addition, two speakers will provide attendees with basic conservation tillage information, as well as the latest economic data at a local demonstration plot.

“This event will be of special interest to producers, agricultural professionals and government entities interested in conservation tillage,” Raine said. “Various aspects of conservation tillage will be highlighted and will include tillage and residue management, input costs, equipment options and fertilizer timing and placement.”

The tour will include some walking on uneven ground and through grassy areas, so Raine encourages attendees to dress appropriately.

The tour will run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Heron Lake Community Center at Third Avenue and Tenth Street in Heron Lake.

There is no cost to attend the event and lunch will be served.

Those seeking more information or who are looking to pre-register may contact the HLWD at (507) 793-2462 or e-mail hlwd@roundlk.net.

The tour is sponsored by the HLWD, the University of Minnesota, Fairland Management Co., Alba Grain Inc., North Heron Lake Game Producers Association, Mark Pietz, Vern Uit de Flesch, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program.