Registration for Mid-State Technical College’s (MSTC) Soil Management course is underway. The course will emphasize all aspects of successful management and problem solving for today’s farmer and other key management staff. Education is also beneficial to employees at off-farm related businesses. Instruction will take place on the farm as well in the classroom. It will focus on soil management with an emphasis on the actual construction of a nutrient management plan. Other topics include in-depth study of soil nutrient needs by a variety of crops, identifying nutrient deficiency symptoms, interpreting soil test reports, evaluating the nutrient value of manure and other by-products, examining the advantages and disadvantages of strip-till and no-till farming, along with analyzing the economics of raising several crops.

Federal National Resource Conservation Service along with county land conservation staff will present their programs and offer assistance to farmers. The class will also examine what land is worth and discuss emerging agricultural issues and technology.

• Instructor Phil Ely conducts ten classroom sessions which begin the middle of October. Classes meet at 8 p.m. in Junction City, Auburndale, and Chili.
• Instructor Mike Sabel conducts ten classroom sessions which also begin the middle of October at Almond-Bancroft High School, Tomorrow River (Amherst) High School and at the Vesper Community Center.
• Classes begin on December 2 at 1 p.m. at the College’s Adams County Center.

The course cost is $323.35. Tuition assistance grants are available for students who meet financial qualifications. To register for MSTC’s Farm Management Soils course or for more information, please contact Phil Ely at 715-389-7032 or Mike Sabel at 715-422-5387.