The Prince Edward Island Soil and Crop Improvement Association will be holding its annual conference and general meeting at the Dutch Inn, North River on Wednesday March 31, 1999. The 1999 conference, "Agricultural Challenges and Changes: 2000 and Beyond" will feature presentations on GPS potato yield mapping and soil conservation; Island Quality Vegetables; Atlantic Grains Council - Research Foundation; the Prince Edward Island Food Strategy Initiative; Environmental Farm Plans; ryegrass as a forage or cash crop; and woodlot management.
In addition, the association is planning two keynote addresses, "Nutrient Management Planning for Efficient Crop Production" and "Marketing Sustainable Production - Capturing Value in the Marketplace."
"Nutrient Management Planning for Efficient Crop Production," the keynote address of the morning program, will be presented by Don Hilborn; Byproduct/Waste Management Specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. An agricultural engineer, Mr. Hilborn's current focus is the development and implementation of nutrient management plans on Ontario farms. Through effective nutrient management planning, producers can match the nutrients available in on-farm resources such as soil nutrient reserves and manures with commercial fertilizers to the nutrient requirements of crops. By utilizing nutrient management planning, Island producers can minimize the impact on the environment of manure and overfertilization, and gain economic benefits through reduced fertilizer costs.
"Marketing Sustainable Production - Capturing Value in the Marketplace," the keynote address of the afternoon program, will be presented by Theresa Steig, Marketing Consultant, Seattle Washington. Ms. Steig will present examples of successful food marketing strategies utilized in other areas of North America and Europe and discuss key issues relevant to the development of a successful food marketing strategy for Prince Edward Island products.
The day long event will also feature the presentation of the Conservationist of the Year Awards in the cash crop and livestock categories; a noon-time buffet; a trade show; and an opportunity to meet the speakers at the end of the day.
To pre-register for "Agricultural Challenges and Changes: 2000 and Beyond," please contact your local agricultural district office or contact Margaret Drake at 675-4640 or Tyler Wright (evenings) at 887-2535. On the day of the conference, the cost for those pre-registered will be $20.00; for those who are not pre-registered, the cost will be $25.00.