Soil Health Field Day to be Hosted by Lesch Farms in Chautauqua County

JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK (August 13, 2021): All are invited to participate in the upcoming informational program highlighting land stewardship through soil health. This in-person, on-farm field day will be held on Wednesday, August 25, 2021, from 9:15 am until 12:30 pm hosted by Lesch Farm, LLC, owned and operated by Dave, Irene, John & Heather Lesch and Family. The field site location is 4893 West Main Road, Fredonia, NY in northern Chautauqua County, look for the tent and park in the field. The program is FREE to attend, no pre-registration required, and will be held rain or shine. Complimentary morning refreshments will be provided. NYS DEC Pesticide Recertification Credits will be available.

Topics, presenters, and field demonstrations will include:

• Discussion on programs available from USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service and Chautauqua County Soil and Water Conservation District to assist landowners with implementing soil health practices.
• Overview of Lesch Farms tillage and cover crop practices. View cover crop interseeder, planters, and strip till equipment - Lesch Farms, LLC Field Day Hosts
• NY Soil Health Trailer Demonstrations - Fay Benson, Extension Educator, Cornell University SCNY Regional Dairy Team, Cortland, NY
• Weed, Insect and Disease Challenges with Tillage Practice Changes - Dan Steward, Field Crop Consultant, WNY Crop Management Association, Randolph, NY
• View and Discuss Field Soil Pits Highlighting Soil Health Indicators and How Soil Properties Influence Soil Function - Matt Havens, Soil Scientist, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Belmont, NY
• Moderate walking will be required at the field day to view demonstrations. Seating will NOT be provided - please bring your own lawn chair if needed.

NYS DEC Pesticide Recertification Credits are available: Category 1A- Ag Plant, 0.75 points and Category 21- Field and Forage, 0.75 points. Bring your NYS DEC Pesticide Applicator License to receive credits.

This informational program is being organized by: Chautauqua County Soil & Water Conservation District; USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service; and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County in cooperation with Lesch Farms, LLC; Western NY Crop Management Association; Pioneer Seeds; Preferred Seed and Lamb & Webster. For additional information, please contact Lisa Kempisty, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County at 716-664-9502 Ext 203 or ljk4@cornell.edu.

Last updated August 13, 2021