There are always changes in the world of crop production. However, the changes that revolve around the world of nitrogen management have been occurring at a fast pace recently. In addition to product price, there have been substantial changes in nitrogen rate guidelines, new products and technologies designed to improve nitrogen management, and the Best Management Practices (BMP’s) associated with nitrogen application. Understandably, there has been some confusion associated with these changes. It’s time to discuss some of the new things that have entered the nitrogen management picture.

Crop producers and the ag professionals who advise them will have an opportunity to focus on these changes in a series of meetings that will take place throughout Minnesota in November and December. These meetings will last for 3 to 3.5 hours. Three topics will be discussed. These are:

1. Guidelines for Nitrogen Rates in Corn and Small Grain Production. New data were collected in 2006. Will changes be made?
2. Best Management Practices for Nitrogen. The original BMP's were developed in the 1990’s. Some changes have been made. These will be described.
3. New Products and Technologies. New products that might affect nitrogen management have appeared on the scene and some might work. There are new tools to improve nitrogen management.

The schedule for these meetings follows.

Minnesota crop producers spend more for nitrogen than any other fertilizer input and get more in return. Therefore, it’s important to focus on the most effective management of this essential input. These meetings will provide new information, based on research, that supports current guidelines for nitrogen management.

These meetings are open to both farmers and ag professionals. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion.