Speaking of conservation, please mark your calendars for the second annual Conservation Tillage Conference and Expo slated for Sioux Falls, SD, Feb. 1-2, 2006.

Sponsored by The Corn And Soybean Digest, return on investment (ROI) and how it relates to your tillage program will be the theme of this year's conference.

The last conference brought speakers from across the Midwest and even a few diehard conservationists from overseas. This year's program speakers should again draw from the ranks of no-tillers, strip-tillers, mulch-tillers and virtually anyone interested in conservation.

The program is designed to help experienced producers ramp up their conservation skills by learning about new technologies and at the same time keep an eye on reducing production costs and meeting government program guidelines. You'll also be able to take home hands-on knowledge of nearly every aspect of conservation tillage.

Here's a look at the four breakout tracks we have scheduled:

• New tillage techno tips that explore seed technology and multi-level sensing.

• Fertilizing for more profit with a look at variable-rate application, nitrogen usage and soil structure.

• Prepping for cost share with details on programs like EQIP, CSP and TSP.

• Been there, done that with farmers who tell how they make conservation tillage pay.

In addition to seminar speakers, the conference will also include a tradeshow where you'll see firsthand some of the latest in conservation tillage technologies and have a chance to talk with exhibitors.

Registration for the conference is $100 for the two days, which includes a reception, breakfast and lunch. To register, go to www.cornandsoybeandigest.com and click on “Conservation Tillage Conference & Expo” listed at the right of the page. Or call 800-722-5334/952-851-4698 and ask for the Conservation Tillage Conference.

I hope to see you there.