SEAN DUFFUNIT COORDINATOR

EXTENSION AGENT CROP & SOILS

“The Practical Side of Soil Health” The beginning of soil health education

& outreach in Franklin

Snapshot of Franklin’s No-Till

Demographics

#2 in dairy production

#10 in corn silage production

95% of crop ground in no-till

2 groups of farmers

1. Majority are in small grain/corn silage rotation

2. Small group of farmers willing to take no till to the

next level

Starting Fresh

First Extension crop presence here in 10 years

The backbone to my programming Farmer Focus Groups-FC No-Till Alliance Chapter Quarterly meetings

“Keep it realistic and worthwhile”

Held in local farmers shop38 farmers attendedTopics covered:

Considerations during planting Planter Maintenance Leveling Common wear points

Finger meter testing on hand

Now for the interesting part!

I. Corn Planter Clinic

II. Teaching Soil Biology To Farmers

III. Results of Clinics

After Planting Survey:

Most spent at least 20 hours on corn planter

100% were impressed with finished stands

After Soil Pit Survey:

100% of participants wanted a soil pit every year

5 farmers went home and dug their own pit

The Results Speak For Themselves!