Hands-on Education in Pumpkin Creek

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Three demonstration sites have been selected, representing the geographic uniqueness of the western, middle, and eastern zones of the Pumpkin Creek Watershed. The EQIP eligible cooperators also represent three different agricultural production styles practiced in the region. Crop selection, planting, cultural and harvest management have been completed. Three field days were conducted to disseminate the lessons learned in the project.

Alton Lerwick represents the medium-size farming no-till production with a small cow-calf operation. His well field performance is representative of western edge of the Pumpkin Creek Watershed, which cannot sustain the pumping levels of the current 14-inch allocation. Lerwicks and University specialists have demonstrated a no-till spring canola cropping management practice under a pivot circle.

Photos of the Lerwick Operation
 

Lane Darnall's production system is located in the middle portion of the Pumpkin Creek Watershed. His is primarily a large livestock production system that drives a sizable farming operation. The well fields in his area may be stressed to pump the annual 14–inch allocation. In cooperation with University specialists, he has demonstrated no-till spring canola and is currently conducting a winter camelina trial.

Photos of the Darnall Operation
 

Kirk Laux represents the medium size livestock and farming production system mix. His operation is located in the eastern part of the Pumpkin Creek Watershed. Over the years, Kirk has learned to adopt no-till cropping technologies and has realized considerable benefits. The well fields in his general area may also be stressed to pump the annual 14-inch allocation. Kirk and the specialists have successfully demonstrated no-till dry bean cropping trials under two pivots with 15- and 30-inch rows.

Photos of the Laux Operation