The 37th annual Extension/Riverland crop production field day will be held on Aug. 28 at the Kuiters’ Farm corn plot, one-fourth of a mile south of Clarks Grove on Freeborn County Road 45.

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. with an opportunity to observe the corn hybrid plots. A variety of topics pertinent to long-term farm success will be covered immediately following registration. The program will wrap up at noon with lunch to be provided.

With exploding crop production costs and soaring land rental rates, farmers need to pay particular attention to crop production costs. Ryan Miller, U of M Extension educator, will discuss increasing crop production costs and cover several crop production topics that could help improve profitability. With recent increased crop prices and input costs, starter fertilizer and sulfur fertilization have gotten a lot of attention. Dan Kaiser, U of M Extension soil fertility specialist, will be on hand to share information on these two fertility topics. Craig Schrader, U of M Extension educator, will discuss the value of tile drainage. Jeff Coulter, U of M Extension corn specialist, will talk about twin-row corn and plant populations. Dennis Byron, vice chairman of Qualisoy, will discuss low linolenic soybeans, and Rick Steinberg of CHS will talk about marketing opportunities for low-lin soybeans, as well as oil and protein premiums. Finally, Barry Kurtz and other Riverland Farm Business Management instructors will be available to help producers work through their 2009 cash flow projections.

For more information please contact Ryan Miller or Mary Jane Stearns at the Rochester Regional Extension Center (888) 241-4536.