AMES, Iowa — Drainage experts from around the Midwest will gather November 23 in Ames to share and discuss updates on drainage issues and technology at the 2021 Drainage Research Forum in Ames.
The annual educational forum will include presentations of results and updates of drainage research projects from across the U.S, with an emphasis on topics relevant to the upper Midwest.
The event will be held at the Ames Gateway Hotel and Conference Center on Green Hills Drive with a virtual online option for participation. The meeting begins at 9:00 a.m. with registration and refreshments, and the program is scheduled for 9:30 to 3:45 p.m.
“This forum always attracts a diverse audience,” said Matt Helmers, Iowa Nutrient Research Center director and Iowa State University Extension Drainage Specialist Matt Helmers. “There will be information of interest to scientists, but also to drainage stakeholders, including state and federal agency staff, county supervisors, crop consultants, contractors, farmers and others.”
Highlights this year include a 20-year retrospective on the Drainage Research Forum and a mini-workshop on transforming drainage, as well as presentations on scaling up for nutrient reduction, multi-purpose oxbows and edge-of-field monitoring in Ohio.
The event is jointly sponsored by the Iowa Nutrient Research Center, University of Minnesota, Iowa State University, South Dakota State University and the Iowa Soybean Association.
Advance registration is encouraged. More details and registration information is available online. An “early bird” discount is available through Nov. 10.
A block of rooms has been set aside for forum attendees at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center at the special rate of $89 per night plus tax. To reserve a room, participants should call the hotel directly at 515-292-8600 and indicate they are participating in the Drainage Research Forum.