The “Mid-season Crop Update and Cotton Soil Health” field day was held at the farm of SHI Farmer Mentor Jacob Sandeford in Midville, Georgia, on July 24, 2023. Mr. Sandeford has integrated cover crops and reduced tillage into his cotton farming practices since 2012. The day covered a range of topics, from soil health to mid-season agronomic issues like bug scouting and herbicide application strategies. The session provided a valuable opportunity for growers to engage directly with Mr. Sandeford, particularly on effective cover crop management and strategies for achieving successful cotton establishment in residue-covered fields. SHI’s Technical Specialist in Georgia, Jason Mallard, demonstrated the blue dye test in the field, offering attendees a practical visual comparison of water infiltration rates between cover-cropped/reduced tillage areas and conventionally tilled plots. The event, co-hosted by SHI Soil Health Educator Jessica Kelton, along with Peyton Sapp, the Southeast District County Extension Coordinator for the University of Georgia Extension and SHI Technical Specialist, saw 35 participants, including 20 growers.
SHI Technical Specialist Peyton Sapp, also the Southeast District County Extension Coordinator for the University of Georgia Extension, discussed nematode levels in cover crop systems at a field day in Midville, Georgia. Photo credit: Jessica Kelton, SHI Soil Health Educator.
If you would like to get in contact with an SHI Soil Health Educator, Technical Specialist, or Farmer Mentor, please visit our Contacts page.