By Katie Nichols, Alabama Cooperative Extension System

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Row crop producers are invited to a series of farmer-focused nutrient management meetings in early December. The regional meetings — led by farmers, crop consultants and Extension specialists — are designed to help farmers navigate the uncertainty surrounding agricultural markets and inputs.

Rishi Prasad, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System nutrient management specialist, said high input costs reduce profit margins and further impact farmers’ revenue, especially in a year like 2024, when there is also drought.

“This meeting will provide research-based information on managing nutrient inputs and preparing for unpredicted years,” Prasad said. “We will share the latest research work done in the farmers’ field and valuable insights we got from on-farm data. We will also provide information on how to use a combination of organic (manure) and inorganic fertilizers to optimize yield and profitability.”

Additional topics will include the following:

— Nutrient removal from commercial row crops.
— Estimates of on farm nutrient losses and strategies to reduce them.
— Economics of applying chicken litter versus commercial fertilizers.
— Nutrient drawdown.
— Is it worth it?

Dates and Times
Prasad said the meetings will be informative and thought-provoking. Each meeting will include a meal for participants. To RSVP or for more information, contact Prasad by email at rzp0050@auburn.edu.

Central Alabama Meeting

Dec. 4 at 11:30 a.m.
E.V. Smith Farm Services Unit
4725 County Road 40, Shorter, Alabama 36075
North Alabama Meeting

Dec. 5 at 11:30 a.m.
Town Creek Library / City Hall
15971 Main Street Town Creek, Alabama 35672
South Alabama Meeting

Dec. 16 at 5 p.m.
Ketchem’s Restaurant
115 Main Street, Hartford, Alabama 36344

More Information
This meeting series is part of the Future of Farming project funded by a conservation innovation grant. Learn more about the on-farm management of nutrients by visiting www.aces.edu.