2016 Tour Wrap-Up
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2016 Conservation in Action Tour
This tour showcased the diversity of crops in Idaho's Treasure Valley —- more than 180 crops ranging from potatoes to dairy products to trout.. Farmers, crop consultants, agribusiness professionals, state and federal agency representatives, and conservation group leaders visited four farms to see conservation agriculture and innovative conservation systems up-close.
What We Learned:
Stop #1 - Dixon Farm, Greenleaf, Idaho
Water quality and availability as it impacts high-efficiency irrigation
- Irrigation/water delivery system
- Semi-permanent drip irrigation
- Managing multi-year crops in highly variable soils
Stop #2 – M&M Feedlot, Parma, Idaho
Business and neighborly impacts of creating an attractive, low-odor environment
- Air quality and ammonia permits
- Nutrient and water management – composting demonstration, floodplain management considerations and constructed wetlands
Stop #3 – Arena Valley, Wilder, Idaho
Sustainability, nutrient management and conservation systems
- Potato research trials – nitrogen efficiency, new varieties and bio-pesticides
- Cropping systems – rotations, equipment and cover crops
- Sustainability audits
- Potato harvest demonstration
Stop #4 – McIntyre Farm, Caldwell, Idaho
Soil health systems
- Bringing livestock back into the system, grazing management, cover crops and soil pit
- Nutrient and water management – irrigation water use and rainfall simulator
See the Action:
Check out the 2016 tour photo gallery to explore what the tour had to offer.
