D4B-Lancaster Fanning, Saturday, January 26,2002 Barenbrug Seed Company Offers Grass Seminar INTERCOURSE (Lancaster Co.) Area graziers had the chance to attend a day of pres entations on forage grasses and grazing here January 16. Sponsored by Barenbrug seed company in cooperation with King’s Agriseeds of Ronks, the seminar focused on the theme of “Better Crass For Ruminants.” Presenters included a dairy farmer from Northern Ireland; a Wisconsin nutritionist, farmer, and author; and local Barenburg representatives. David Johnston of Northern Ireland “home of the green, green grass,” gave an over view of the strongly grass-based dairy and beef industries there. Farmers in his country view grazing as the most efficient use of all resources, according to Johnston. “We look on our grass as a 30th National Agricultural Plastics Congress To Take Place In San Diego HARRISBURG (Dauphin tion: How Far Have We Pro- and fumigation alternatives. ti on an( j chemigation- flower & Co.) The American Society gressed?” Methyl bromide soil Another highlight of the pro- an( j ornamental production- Congress attendees will also for Plasticulture (ASP) will host fumigation is scheduled for total gram is the presentation of tech- greenhouses and controlled en- have the °PP ort unity to visit its 30th National Agricultural phase out in the U.S. and other nical reports from over 50 vironment agriculture- elastics witll P lasticulture industry sup- Plastics Congress on Feb. 23-26 developed countries in individuals from the academic technology and reevding of P ,iers ' n designated exhibit at the Doubletree Hotel Mission of 2005. Dr. Stapleton’s presen- community, manufacturing, and plastics; row covers low tunnels area- T ar ‘°V S hidustry repre- Valley in San Diego, Calif. tation will provide a progress production enterprises, repre- an( j high tunnels; small fmh -ntatives wiU be on-site show- The event will highlight the report on current and projected sentmg the U.S. and countries production; solarization and ? aSi ££ "® WeS * a " d latest in the development, man- alternatives, including chemical, from around the world. Presen- fumigation; and vegetable pro- ian products available to ufacturing, and utilization of biological, and/or physical treat- tations will cover the latest in ac- duction. ° * aid in the ihutfovement of crop plastic products in agricultural ment options for growers. ademic research, applied Tours will offer attendees the yields thr&fpipjastics technol production systems, bringing to- Dr. Stapleton, IPM plant experiences, and product devel- opportunky to witness oast re- a " d , gether industry professionals pathologist with the University opment research from educa- search pfit Info practice - Con- No * educational from around the world. of California’s statewide IPM tional institutions and the current tours ' showcasing event<(he Cott §r(?ss also serves The Congress will begin with project, is based at the UC Kear- private sector. agricultural production and %dndiVidu a presentation from keynote ney Agricultural Center, near Among the categories in plasticulture activities will be a s ia -to speaker James J. Stapleton, Fresno. He has more than 20 which papers will be presented conducted-on Tiifesdav Feb 26 ne^ w dHs^aod Ph.D., entitled “Alternatives to years research and extension ex- are crop production systems as an addition to the Congress rg ®® e^^P“ ons^i P s Methyl Bromide Soil Fumiga- perience with soil fumigation with plasticulture; drip irriga- program. ° around the world. crop,” he said. He pointed out a study show ing the cost of raising grassfed beef is about 17 percent of the cost of raising “housefed” beef in Northern Ireland. Gary Zimmer of Wisconsin spoke on “Healthy soils, healthy grass, and healthy animals.” “In this country we’ve ig- nored soil mineral balance and supplemented everything (in the feed ration),” he said. Aaron King of King’s Agriseeds has been selling Barenbrug grass and legume forage seeds since 1993. A dairy farmer, King told the group he believes in the seeds he offers. “We try out the grasses on our own cows before we sell them,” he said. Barenbrug’s seed company was founded in Holland in 1904. Speakers and Barenbrug seed company representatives at local gracing seminar. From left, David Johnston, Northern Ireland; Gary Zimmer, Wis«*nsilH John Thyssen, Oregon; Tim Guttridge, Barenbrug representative for NortheaitOftl UJ,: and Chad Martin of Agri-King.