Boost field drainage with expert guidance

By Andi Anderson

Field crops producers facing challenges with their drainage systems are encouraged to attend the Field Crops Virtual Breakfast on September 5, 2024. Effective water management is crucial for successful crop production, yet it remains one of the most challenging aspects for producers to control.

Over the past 18 months, fluctuating weather patterns have brought periods of both drought and heavy rainfall, making it even more difficult for farmers to manage water in their cropping systems.

To address these issues, the Michigan State University (MSU) Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series will focus on optimizing tile drainage systems during the upcoming session.

Ehsan Ghane, an MSU drainage specialist, will provide valuable tips for producers considering changes to their drainage systems due to underperformance. He will discuss important factors to consider before investing in adjustments, such as splitting lateral spacing.

Additionally, Ghane will highlight a common issue that can reduce drainage efficiency and offer solutions to improve system performance.

Alongside Ghane, Jeff Andresen, an MSU climatologist, will provide a recap of the past week’s weather and an extended forecast. This information is crucial for producers as they plan and adjust their water management strategies.

The MSU Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series runs live via Zoom every Thursday morning from 7 to 8 a.m. from March 21 through September 19. The series covers a wide range of topics relevant to field crop producers, with content that adapts to address rapidly changing conditions such as flooding and drought.

Participants in the Virtual Breakfast Series can also earn restricted-use pesticide recertification (RUP) credits and certified crop advisor (CCA) continuing education units. To receive these credits, participants must attend the live Zoom session.

Participation in the Virtual Breakfast Series is easy and free. Interested individuals need to sign up once to receive email notifications with instructions for joining the Zoom sessions. Weekly email reminders with the Zoom link and call-in phone number will be sent every Wednesday and Thursday, and participants can opt in or out of the emails at any time.

Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer