Beech Tree News Network

On Thursday afternoon 160 people were in attendance at Butler County’s Annual Field Day hosted by Shane Wells’ Mockingbird Hill Farms. Wells welcomed everyone to Rochester.  Tracy Cowles, Extension Service, held a painting project at the community building.  Warren Beeler, Governors Office of Ag Policy, addressed those in attendance. 

Jim DeCesare, 17th District State Representative, also addressed the crowd.  The wagon tour started at the Porter Farm, operated by Mike and Kathy Porter.  They have 5-6 honeybee colonies on the banks of the Green River.  While on this ground, Rick Burrbridge, NRCS District Conservationist, spoke to us about pollinator habitats. 

Tyler Reagan, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, explained the different flowering plants in the pollinator habitat.

 The next speaker was Caleb Smithson, an agronomist from Drake’s Farm Service.  He gave a demonstration on precision agriculture.  He spoke on grid-sampling, which uses GPS and GPS Ipads to control costs and maintain fertility.

Lance Lockhart, Kentucky Young Farmer Teacher, gave a fascinating drone demonstration.  The technology is mind-blowing. The drone had two cameras, including a GOPRO camera.  Up to a mile can be covered by these drones, says Lance.  You have to keep the drone within line of sight, according to FAA regulations. 

Dr. Carrie Knott, UK Grain Specialist, and Dr. Claire Vernard, UK Soybean Variety Trial were next to give presentations.  Dr. Vernard spoke on the UK soybean test plot.  Dr. Knott, a state agronomist, talked about Soybean research that would be useful on the farm. 
Returning to the Rochester City Park, awards were presented before dinner.  Butler County Outstanding Conservation Cooperators Award for 2016 was presented to Mike and Kathy Porter for their pollinator plot. 

Media awards were given to Beech Tree News, WLBQ 101.5 FM and JPI Publishing. 

Brett Guthrie, 2nd District Congressman, addressed the crowd.  Everyone enjoyed the meal prepared by Lloyd Saylor and 4-H members.  Afterward, door prizes were presented, and the meeting adjourned.