WRR Ukraine

Conference on

FARMING SYSTEMS
«Root VS Iron»

INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL CONFERENCE FOR AGRIBUSINESS

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Dates

February 12-16
MARCH 21-22

25+

HOURS

17+

leading speakers

Format

ONLINE VIA ZOOM​

Language

English+Ukrainian​

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

  • TO TILL OR NOT TO TILL: Which tillage system to choose?

  • Can modern soil cultivation practices be not only productive, but also environmentally sustainable?

  • Modern technologies and soil health: battle for survival or opportunities for sustainable development?

  • Cover crops: a new philosophy or effective soil restoration technology?

  • How can we achieve a balance between production profitability, yield level and conservation of natural resources.

    During this conference, world agricultural experts and opinion leaders will share their experience and results of modern research on various soil cultivation practices, their impact on soil health, crop development, production efficiency and the environment.

  • 20+ hours of intensive learning on soil cultivation and cover crops in terms of their impact on soil structure.
  • 15+ leading foreign speakers.
  • English language + Ukrainian language of translation.
  • February 12-13, 15-16 – online meeting for all conference participants.
  • February 14 – day off.
  • March 21-22 – online meeting for all conference participants.
  • Brainstorming and effective networking with colleagues during the online part.
  • Access
    to video recordings of the conference (available a month after its completion).

Conference organizers

This online conference, is a collaborative effort between the WORLD TO REBUILD RURAL UKRAINE FOUNDATION and TraveliteAGRO educational platform in Ukraine. The conference is focused on supporting the Ukrainian agricultural industry during the russian fullscale agression.

In light of the current travel constraints and economic challenges brought about by the war, our conference is designed to furnish agricultural producers with essential knowledge. This initiative aims to enhance their farming practices, ensuring they remain productive and financially viable despite the difficulties, thereby allowing them to continue their operations without significant disruption.

Conference sponsors

PRELIMINARY Conference Program and topics

In «Iron VS Root», our goal is to enlighten Ukrainian farmers about the economic aspects and soil structural benefits of advanced tillage practices and the strategic use of cover crops. We plan to delve deeply into how different tillage methods and the root systems of cover crops significantly influence soil structure.
The conference will explore the various impacts of these practices on soil compaction and aggregate formation, demonstrating their critical role in optimizing soil health for better crop yields and cost-effectiveness. By presenting these techniques as part of a comprehensive agricultural strategy, we aim to highlight their potential to enhance the overall economic efficiency of farming operations. Our focus will be on providing practical insights into how each tillage practice and cover crop choice can be tailored to improve soil quality, leading to a more productive and economically viable farming system.

Principles, benefits, drawbacks, relevant research, suitable crops, tool recommendations, application examples in crop rotations (corn, soybean, wheat, canola, sunflower), impact on soil health and biodiversity, application costs, fertilization

Core concepts, advantages, limitations, studies, appropriate crops, tool suggestions, usage examples in various crop rotations, influence on soil ecosystem, cost considerations, fertilization methods.

Fundamental principles, pros and cons, research insights, compatible crops, tool advice, implementation in different crop rotations, effects on soil health, biodiversity considerations, expense analysis, fertilizer application strategies.

Key principles, benefits, challenges, research findings, fitting crops, equipment recommendations, application in crop rotations, soil health and biodiversity impacts, cost evaluation, fertilization

Basic concepts, advantages, disadvantages, research outcomes, suitable crops, tool recommendations, use cases in crop rotations, influence on soil ecology, cost implications, fertilizer application

Earth worms: ways to promote their Factors influencing their population. Earthworms reaction to various types of tillage

Speakers

                                                                                                                             Preliminary incomplete list of speakers 

Jodi DeJong-Hughes

Soil scientist. Regional Educator with the University of Minnesota Extension for over 25 years

  • Area of specialization includes tillage systems, soil compaction, and improving soil health.
  • Jodi’s work focuses on reducing soil erosion and building soil health to improve the grower’s bottom line and to reduce the movement of soil and nutrients to our natural waterways. She enjoys working alongside growers, Ag. industry, and government agencies to bring high quality, educational programs and research to the people of Minnesota.
  • Published many newsletters, articles and peer-reviewed journal articles.
  • Speaker at numerous national and regional meetings.
  • Organizer of the Tillage Conference and Tillage Shows throughout Minnesota.
  • Works primarily with growers, agriculture representatives, government agencies and crop consultants in Western Minnesota and the Dakotas.

Dr. Aaron Lee M. Daigh

Associate Professor of Vadose Zone Science, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

  • Ph.D. in soil science and environmental science, Iowa State University, 2013
  • M.S. in crop, soil and environmental sciences, University Of Arkansas, 2009
  • B.S. in environmental, soil and water science, University Of Arkansas, 2007.
  • Main Area of Focus: Vadose Zone Science.
  • Associate Professor of Soil Physics and Hydrology, North Dakota State University, 2020-2022.
  • Assistant Professor of Soil Physics, North Dakota State University, 2013-2020
  • Post-Doctoral Research Associate of Drainage Water Quality, Iowa State University, 2013.

Bud Davis

Conservation Agronomist, Natural Resources Conservation Service

  • Many years of work with no-tilling. He provides education and counseling to Kansas no-till farmers.
  • No-tilled crops: wheat, corn, soybeans, milo, sunflowers, cover crops
  • He promotes all aspects of no-tilling, including information on crop rotation, cover crops, carbon credits and more.
  • Davis’ efforts started in Kansas, where he served as a state agronomist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service for more than 15 years. He developed a significant interest in no-till management in 1993 and began promoting conservation-tillage throughout the state.
  • Davis has had a major influence on no-till adoption in Kansas. As a state agronomist, he taught growers the methods needed to be successful at no-till and helped them work through conservation regulations and compliance issues. Through his projects and research, he has seen dramatic changes in the health of no-till soils. In many cases, water infiltration rates have doubled.
  • Davis has reached thousands with his no-till message of improving soil health as he works toward the goal of having conservation-tillage adopted by the majority of growers.

Dr. Theodor Friedrich

Conservation Agriculture Expert​. Retired FAO Senior Agricultural Officer and Representative.

  • Theodor Friedrich graduated in Göttingen University/Germany with a MSc. in agriculture (Dipl.-Ing. agr.) and a PhD in agricultural engineering (Dr. sc. agr.).
  • Since 1982, he worked in different positions in international agricultural development in the fields of agricultural extension, research and university lecture, as well as directing cooperation projects in Latin America, Europe and Asia.
  • From 1994 to 2012 Friedrich served as Senior Officer of FAO/Rome in agricultural mechanization and sustainable crop production systems, as regulations for pesticide application technologies and sustainable intensification of agricultural production with Conservation Agriculture, with some 30 years of practical experience in this topic, working in more than 75 countries in the Americas, Africa, Asia, Europe and Australia, with more than 200 publications.
  • He was involved in the establishment of the term “Conservation Agriculture”, its definition and the creation of the FAO programme promoting Conservation Agriculture globally with publications, conferences, support to regional CA organizations and field projects and the World Congresses on Conservation Agriculture.
  • From 2012 to 2018, he was serving as FAO representative in Cuba, from 2018 until in 2020 in Bolivia.
  • In 2020 he retired to Germany and is still active in the promotion of Conservation Agriculture.

Carson Klosterman

Founder of the agricultural company C.H.K. Farms Partnership, North Dakota. Owner of the StripTill For You company.

  • A 4th generation farmer, who grows corn, sugar beets and soybeans.
  • He is also the owner of the company StripTill For You, which sells equipment for tillage by the strip-till method.
  • Cultivates almost 2.5 thousand hectares of land.
  • Works according to strip-till technology, uses chisel tillage and modifies sowing units for row application of fertilizers.
  • The crop nutrition system consists of dry (phosphorus and potassium) and liquid (nitrogen) fertilizers.
  • There is also drainage on the fields.

York Th. Bayer

Owner and chief manager of Bayer Handelsvertretung company. Berlin, Germany

  • York Bayer conducts trainings on soil fertility based on the Kinsey/Albrecht system.
  • According to the results of soil testing in the laboratory of Neal Kinsey (USA), he provides interpretation, implementation and adaptation to the specific client’s needs and
  • Develops individual strategies for the clients, identifying new business opportunities and finding the best resources.
  • Consults on CULTAN N fertilization – science and
  • Provides no-till support and practical assistance in implementing this
  • Region of activity: German-speaking countries, Eastern Europe from the Baltics to Romania, France, and Great Britain.

Paul Jasa

Extension Engineer, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

  • Paul Jasa serves as an Extension Engineer, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he develops and conducts educational programs related to crop production that improve profitability, build soil health and reduce risks to the environment. 
  • He has worked with with planting equipment and tillage system evaluation at the University since 1978, gaining valuable information about the “dos and don’ts” of no-till along the way in a number of crop rotations and soil types. He is happy to share information about the systems approach to long-term benefits of continuous no-till. 

Dr. Michael McNeill

President of Ag Advisory Ltd. Agronomic consultant in soil fertility, plant physiology, and quantitative genetics.

  • Michael has a PhD in agronomy (Iowa State University).
  • Owner and founder of Ag Advisory LTD (1983).
  • The company was founded to help producers develop farming systems that improve environmental protection and soil health to increase nutrients naturally, while increasing yields for sustainability and scalability.
  • His work resulted in farm plans for growers in six Midwestern states, as well as Florida and Hawaii – covering nearly 150,000 acres (about 60,702 hectares).
  • Farming systems developed by Michael McNeil provide better environmental protection and increased profitability, leading to climate-smart production.

Dr. Heike Bucking

Head/Professor of the Department of Biology and Microbiology at South Dakota State University

  • Deputy Dean for Research at the Department of Biology and Microbiology.

  • Author of 58 scientific publications.

  • Soil microbiologist who studies the interaction between plants and microbes. Her laboratory at the university studies the microbiome of food and bioenergy crops, metabolic processes in beneficial plant-microbe interactions, improving the relationship between plants and their microbial symbionts, as well as their application and environmental viability.

Steve Groff

Farmer, author, consultant and speaker known internationally for his work in cover-crops and no-till agriculture

  • Steve has a history of innovating and pioneering in the area of environmentally healthy farming practices.
  • He designed the first roller-crimper in North America that makes cover cropping practical and effective.
  • He developed the Tillage Radish, a unique cover crop that helps infuse the soil with rich nutrients and is now recognized around the world. And he was the first commercial farmer to no-till transplant tomatoes.
  • Started the first company in the world exclusively selling cover crop seed.

Dr. Ray Ward

Founder of Ward Laboratories

  • Received B.S. and M.S.  Soil Science degrees from University of Nebraska – Lincoln in 1959 and 1961 and a Plant Science Ph.D degree from South Dakota State University in 1972.
  • Ray Ward has served as lab division manager for Servi-Tech, Inc. in Dodge City, KS, from 1977-1983; associate professor at Oklahoma State University (OSU), Stillwater, OK, from 1974-1977; assistant professor SDSU and Manager, James Valley Research and Extension Center, Redfield, SD, 1972- 1974; and instructor at SDSU from 1961 to 1972.
  • He holds numerous memberships in scientific and honorary academic societies and organizations.
  • His goals for agriculture and agronomy are to help production agriculture use its resources as efficiently as possible, to provide information and data for developing the best use of soil and water resources while maintaining environmental quality, to be involved in “value-added” agriculture, and to provide accurate laboratory data for managing production enterprises.

Scott Day

Director of Agronomy at Fall Line Capital, advocate of no-till agriculture

  • He is a fifth generation farmer from Manitoba, Canada where he was an early practitioner and advocate of no-till agriculture.
  • In addition to farming more than 15 different commercial crops over 25 years on his own farm, Scott was an agronomist and crop diversification specialist for Manitoba Agriculture focusing on no-till agriculture and sustainable food production.
  • In this research and extension role, he worked with more than 60 different crops and a myriad of crop protection products and new equipment technologies.
  • His responsibilities included planting over 2,000 test plots annually in 10 different locations, making him a seasoned expert in a wide variety of crops and production systems.
  • Scott has direct farming experience not only in North America, but also in Australia and Europe and has been an adviser to governments, universities and farm groups in Europe (Ireland, UK, Ukraine) and Australia.
  • He has won numerous achievement awards for his ag extension work and promotion of no-till agriculture, including “Zero-till Farmer of the Year” and “Conservation Farm of the Year.”

Dr. Don Reicosky

Retired Soil Scientist for the USDA-ARS, North Central Soil Conservation Research Laboratory, Morris, MN, and Adjunct Professor in the Soil Science Department, University of Minnesota, St. Paul.

  • Dr. Reicosky has published widely on carbon management and soil quality as related to soil health, understanding and optimising soil management through conservation agriculture for more sustainable production.
  • Early research involved describing crop response and water use on conventional till and no-till systems with and without irrigation.
  • Later research focused on tillage and residue/biomass management as related to global change issues with emphasison measuring gaseous losses of soil carbon following intensive tillage with a portable chamber.
  • The incumbents research has attracted international attention through requests for reprints and scientific presentations at farmer run No Till or Direct Seed Associations around the world.
  • Invited keynote technical presentations at the first two World Congresses of Conservation Agriculture and at numerous national farmer-led organizations and international policy groups support the international significance of this research.
  • In retirement, he continues to write about carbon management and environmental issues and to travel and talk about carbon cycling and carbon management in agricultural production systems.

Dr. Kris Nichols

Soil Microbiologist. KRIS Systems Education & Consultation.

  • Kris Nichols is a leader in the movement to regenerate soils for healthy crops, food, people and a planet.
  • Kris has Bachelor degree in Plant Biology and in Genetics and Cell Biology (University of Minnesota, 1995), a Master’s degree in Environmental Microbiology (West Virginia University, 1999), and a Ph.D. in Soil Science from (University of Maryland, 2003).
  • She is the founder and principal scientist of KRIS (Knowledge for Regeneration and Innovation in Soils) Systems Education & Consultation and a sub-contractor with Soil Health Consulting, Inc.
  • Nichols was the Chief Scientist at Rodale Institute for over three years where she oversaw approximately fifteen projects on organic agriculture.
  • Prior to joining Rodale Institute, Nichols was a Research (Soil) Microbiologist with the USDA, Agricultural Research Service in North Dakota for 11 years and a Biological Laboratory Technician with ARS in Beltsville, MD for 3 years.
  • During her time with USDA, she focused on mycorrhizal fungi and the investigation of glomalin.
  • Throughout her career, Kris has given over 250 invited presentations to a wide variety of audiences, authored or co-authored more than 25 peer-reviewed publications, been cited or interviewed for more than 50 magazine or newspaper articles, highlighted in five books, and has numerous videos on-line.
  • In recognition of her work, Dr. Nichols has received several awards including the 2012 Conservation Research Award from the International Soil and Water Conservation Society.

Roberto Peiretti

Fourth-generation farmer in central Argentina. Leader in No-Till agriculture systems. Advisor and engineer working nationally and internationally.

  • Roberto Peiretti is a fourth-generation farmer in central Argentina.
  • They grow corn, soybeans, wheat, barley, oats, sorghum and sunflowers on eight thousand hectares.
  • With 25% to 35% of the farm double-cropped each year, they are also able to regularly incorporate some pulses and oats as a cover crop annually.
  • Trained as an agronomist, Roberto is a leader in No-Till agriculture systems, on their farm and as an advisor and engineer working nationally and internationally.
  • Roberto Peiretti volunteers as a board member for the Global Farmer Network and was a founding member of AAPRESID (Argentinian No Till Farmers Association) and CAAPAS (American Confederation of No Till Farmers Associations).
  • He is actively engaged in the World Association of Soils and Water Conservation (WASWAC) and was recognized as the WASWAC Distinguished Extensions Award in 2016.

Jay Fuhrer

Conservationist & veteran Soil Health Specialist from the Natural Resources Conservation Services, Bismarck, North Dakota.

  • Jay Fuhrer is a Conservationist & veteran Soil Health Specialist from the Natural Resources Conservation Services, located out of Bismarck, North Dakota.
  • He has boots-on-the-ground experience over 38 years, working with cropping systems, grazing systems, cover crops, and gardens.
  • Of his many contributions, Jay is most known for developing the 5 Soil Health Principles: establishing soil armor, minimizing soil disturbance, continuing live plant and root presence, and integrating livestock grazing systems.
  • Jay spends his time at the Menoken Farm, minimizing soil disturbance, adding soil armour, maximizing plant diversity, maintaining living roots in the soil, and integrating livestock.
  • He emphasizes Soil Health as a foundation for cropping systems, grazing systems, cover crops, soil biology, pollinators, insects, wildlife, and quality of life.
  • Jay also has an extensive background working with groups and entities; these include soil and water conservation districts, national and international no-till organizations, grazing clubs, watersheds, farm organizations, urban groups, and more.
  • Jay’s interest in soil health has resulted in numerous speaking engagements within the US, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, and South Africa.

Paul W. Syltie

Famous American researcher of biostimulants, soil scientist. Poet, author of books on the philosophy of life and theology.

  • Paul Syltie was raised on a crop and dairy farm in southwestern Minnesota.
  • He achieved a Ph.D. in soil fertility at North Dakota State University in 1980, where his first major book – The New Eden – was written.
  • Paul returned to Texas in 1980 to work with Dale Schurter as scientist to support international marketing of a soils and crops program, and continued in that capacity until 1995, when he joined Vital Earth Resources in Gladewater, Texas.
  • The cropping program initiated there has expanded to many countries across the world, and is currently improving crop yields and quality significantly.
  • Paul continues to work with Vital Earth as research director in South Dakota.

Neal Kinsey

Owner and CEO of Kinsey Agricultural Services, Inc. Specializes in building or re-building soil fertility for improving both quality and yields through soil and plant analysis.

  • Neal Kinsey owns and operates Kinsey Agricultural Services Inc. KAS specializes in soil fertility management.
  • Their detailed soil audits determine specific fertilization programs based on each individual soil and its fertility requirements.
  • Neal has been consulting since 1973 after completing a program of study developed and taught by Dr. William A. Albrecht.
  • Consultations include clients with small holdings to large farms and both conventional and organic farms.
  • Consulting practices includes soils received for analysis and recommendations from all over the United States and from 75 countries, principally from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Great Britain, Germany, Austria and France.

Dr. Steven Van Vleet

Research Agronomist at the McGregor Company. Regional Extension Specialist at Washington State University (in the past). USA

  • Steven has a PhD in Agronomy and Crop Science (University of Wyoming, 1996 – 1999) and an MSc in Entomology (University of Wyoming, 1992 – 1995).
  • He works directly with farmers, ranchers and fruit tree growers all over Eastern Washington.
  • Steven worked as regional extension specialist at Washington State University.
  • Develops and provides educational offerings for farmers and ranchers to improve their skills in business management, marketing, risk management, and crop diagnostics.
  • Develops and extends educational offerings that improve the understanding and management of natural resources in areas of water quality, weed management, soil conservation, and ecosystem health.
  • Develops ideas for improving ecosystem management.
  •  

Chris Martin

Head of soil health at Agrovista, UK

  • Agrovista UK Limited is a leading supplier of agronomy advice, seed, crop protection products and precision farming services.
  • Working in partnership with arable, fruit, vegetable, horticultural and amenity sectors, Agrovista is committed to helping customers manage their businesses more efficiently and more profitably.
  • Agrovista also embraces care for the wider environment, with an understanding of the important role now played by all those who manage the land, through dedicated initiatives such as Agrovista Soil Health and Agrovista Decision Support services.
  •  

Eric Watson

Farmer in Ashburton. Record holder for wheat harvest in 2020. Owner of Rangitata Holdings Ltd. New Zealand

  • Eric Watson grows a wide range of crops in varying soil types on almost 500 ha on the Canterbury Plains and have specialized in the production of grains, grasses, vegetables and legumes for seed.

  • He has been farming for over 40 years.

  • Eric has achieved the world record for the highest wheat yield for the second consecutive time in 2020.

  • The farmer produced 17.398 t/ha wheat crop, beating his previous record crop grown in 2017 of 16.791t/ha

Bill McKibben

Agronomist and author of 2 books relating to soils. Consultant on soil fertility since 1976

  • Bill graduated from Ohio State University with a Master of Science in soil chemistry (1971-1975).
  • Soil fertility consultant since 1976, working throughout the US and Canada.
  • Specialization includes crops from corn and beans to vegetables, nuts and medical cannabis.
  • Owner of Soil Tech Inc. and a consultant at Logan Labs.
  • Published the book ” The Art of Balancing Soil Nutrients: A Practical Guide to Interpreting Soil Tests “.

Dr. Dwain Beck

Research Manager at Dakota Lakes Research Farm in Pierre, South Dakota

  • Dwayne L. Beck is the Research Manager at Dakota Lakes Research Farm in Pierre, South Dakota.
  • As a professor in the Plant Science Department at South Dakota State University, he received his B.S. in Chemistry from Northern State University in 1975 and Ph.D. in Agronomy from South Dakota State University in 1983.
  • Before beginning his current position in 1990, he was the Research Manager at James Valley Research Center at SDSU.
  • Beck’s emphasis is on developing no-till systems for irrigated and dryland areas in central South Dakota. His primary achievements deal with development of programs that have allowed producers to profitably adopt no-till techniques in a large portion of central South Dakota. Identification of the extremely important role played by crop rotation in minimizing weed, disease, and insect problems while increasing potential profitability was the key contribution of this project.

Participants of our conferences

More than 100 representatives of these and other well-known Ukrainian agricultural holdings have already participated in our conferences and are implementing the knowledge gained in practice.

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  • Online Zoom access to four days of the conference (February 12-13, 15-16; March 21-22)
  • Brainstorming and communicating with colleagues during online Zoom meetings
  • Effective networking
  • Access to conference materials (video recordings and presentations)

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Roman Hrynyshyn

+1 573 589 00 50
+38 097 996 50 47;
roman@traveliteagro.com