2023 4R Technology Review Field Day Focuses On Latest Research and Innovation

80 attendees from a broad spectrum of agriculture came together for the 2023 4R Technology Review Field Day at the Ohio State Northwest Research Station in Custar, Ohio on September 6, 2023. Agricultural retailers, researchers, farmers and others were in attendance to discuss the latest research on nutrient management, water quality, conservation efforts, and experience field demonstrations.

The event featured presentations and field demonstrations with:

• Robert Mullen, VP of Agricultural Technology at Heritage Cooperative, shared the legalities, opportunities and realities of drone applications in agriculture.
• Jennie Pugliese and Jed Stinner, USDA Agricultural Research Service, shared the latest information on the edge of field research network and strategies to improve nutrient loss from agricultural landscapes.
• Josh McGrath, OCP North America, and Matt Liskai, Green Field Ag, discussed phosphorus fertilizer management strategies utilizing the 4R concept as well as technology used to better manage farm data.
• Stephen Roswarski, ROGO Ag, and Jodi Jaynes, Suretech Laboratories, shared how improved soil sampling accuracy can have immediate and significant ROI for the retailer and producer.
• Scott Shearer and Andrew Klopfenstein, Ohio State University, and Adam Farmer, Mercer Landmark, demonstrated an autonomous tractor and discussed what the future could look like with this technology.
• John Fulton and Elizabeth Hawkins, Ohio State University, discussed technology for placement of fertilizer at the planter level and how that can help improve nutrient uptake.

The event was hosted by the Ohio AgriBusiness Association.

The agriculture industry remains committed to improving water quality, retaining nutrients where they are needed, and reducing runoff into Lake Erie and other waterways in Ohio. Events like the 4R Technology Review Field Day provide an opportunity to share current research and technology to continuously strengthen that commitment.