Evalution of hay stands topic of haygrowers meeting

The Northeast Washington Haygrowers Association will hold its annual growers’ meeting on Saturday, December 1, in Clayton, announces Tom Platt, Washington State University Extension educator in Davenport. The focus of the meeting is on evaluating hay stands for health, pests and soil nutrient status and managing them for productivity and longevity.

The meeting will be held at John’s Auto Repair beginning at 8:15 a.m. and adjourning at 3 p.m. Steve Fransen, who is a forage agronomist at WSU Prosser is first on the program and will discuss forage stand evaluation and management. Next, Scott Zielske from Spay Center Electronics will explain how GPS can be used to improve precision of fertilizer and herbicide application, and a panel of growers will join him to discuss their experience with GPS. After lunch, Aaron Brown from WSDA will give tips on handling and storing pesticides safely, keeping pesticide application records and keeping square with WSDA Pesticide Division in general. Two pesticide applicator recertification credits are available for the GPS and Pesticide Safety presentations. The day will conclude with a report from Washington Haygowers’ Association and a short business meeting.

Advance registration by November 26 is $20 if paid along with membership dues. At the door, registration is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Registration includes lunch and handout materials. A meeting flier with registration form may be downloaded at http://www.wa-hay.org/chapters/northeast.html or obtained by calling WSU Extension at 509-725-4171. WSU Extension programs are offered without discrimination. For accommodation of special need, or for more information, contact Tom Platt at 509-725-4171.