Through the use of soil sampling, remote sensing, water and carbon use monitoring, and crop modeling, Dr. Jerry Hatfield will share with you the impacts of specific cropping systems in semi-arid and arid environments. You will learn what the ideal management practices are that you can implement for your operation as observed through this research.

Shelterbelts are vital in windblown areas to protect crops, but living shelterbelts require water and nutrients which compete with crops for these limited resources. Join Tibor Hegedus, designer of the one-of-a-kind dynamic agrivoltaic shelterbelt that produces renewable energy, protects crops, promotes soil moisture retention, and enhances plant water use efficiency. This presentation is for legislators and farmers looking for solutions to help conserve groundwater resources and increase crop production, data center representatives looking for off-grid options for data storage, and utility companies or co-ops looking for additional options for renewable energy. This presentation is part of The Heart of a Building fundraiser for PBS happening after the field day presentations.

Being innovative in farming has become a required skill to navigate extreme weather, funding restrictions or losses, and building a business that can thrive.
Roy will kick-off the Research Field Day sharing a few of the innovations that he’s implemented, including seeding on 3” row spaces, harvesting techniques to improve profitability, and doing farmer-led research.
He will also give an overview of Downforce Technology and how satellite imagery is helping to understand the impacts of specific practices on carbon.

This team has it all. Led by Megan Machmuller, PhD, through multiple presentations they will walk you through everything from how to do your own soil health sample AND read the results, to how regenerative practices impact water conservation. They’ll tell you about the Soil Health Discovery Platform and the Open Soil Moisture Monitoring Network.
These are big programs that make impacts in policy, programs, and practices.

Join recognized mycologist, Sam Wagner, as he shows you the newest crop addition to Pfaltzgraff Farms, cordyceps. Mushrooms have gotten a lot of attention in the last few years with some farmers hoping for it to be a silver bullet for “saving the farm.” Careful consideration has gone into this crop choice. Learn from Roy why he feels optimistic about this one, and what considerations you should take when looking into mushroom cultivation. This presentation is great for farmers, alternative construction designers, food scientists, and culinary artists.

 Hailing from Australia, Michael has seen agricultural solutions born out of producers required to develop practices that meet government mandates. With drought conditions and burgeoning soil health practices to regenerate our depleted soils in the future of US agriculture, learn about what’s available to you through proven variable rate technology to increase soil health and yield in your poorest performing fields.

The Corners for Conservation Program has seen success in it’s short year at Pfaltzgraff Farms.

Ed will discuss how the program can transform compaction issues and poor yield in your headlands and corners. The Corners for Conservation project can also support in protecting your crops from invasive weeds and pests while improving soil health. See first hand how the program is working at Pfaltzgraff Farms, and the benefits it’s showing on crops, insects, and weed control.

If you come for anything, come for the food. Chef Pablo, Culinary Director of the Hispanic Restaurant Association, is world-renowned and prepared to combine products raised here at Pfaltzgraff Farms with other local ingredients to fill your belly and excite your taste buds. Your typical field day will have your typical catering, but not us. Learn how farms and ranches can work with restaurants and make local foods the ideal choice for the community, your health, and your enjoyment.

With over five years of dedicated research in soil sensor technology, Ian has focused primarily on soil moisture content across diverse landscapes including dryland, irrigated, controlled environments, and turfgrass. His experience involves training state technicians and researchers on the effective use of soil sensor systems. Most recently, he’s helped lead an initiative to install soil sensors on existing weather stations throughout the State of Colorado for public access. Ian’s passion lies in ensuring that environmental sensors provide real, measurable value to operations, enhancing the understanding and management decisions.