Research field day looks at hard science in an on-farm application
Pfaltzgraff Farms in Haxtun, Colorado, is hosting a research field day blending hard science and practical on-farm applications—tailored for producers managing arid and semi-arid conditions across the High Plains on June 26.
According to Emily Kamala, marketing/programs director at Pfaltzgraff Farms, the event stands out for several reasons. First, it features real-world innovations. Topics to be covered include regenerative row spacing, carbon monitoring and water retention, and hands-on soil tests and reading with multiple 8-foot cores to compare results.
Former U.S. Department of Agriculture researcher Jerry Hatfield will be featured, along with Colorado State University’s soil health team and IN-RICHES. Roy Pfaltzgraff will share his firsthand trials and wins. Kamala said bonus coverage will include agrivoltaics, cordyceps mushrooms, and farm-to-table demo with local foods.
“This is a story about resilience, reinvention and rural leadership,” she said.
According to the Pfaltzgraff Farms website, the one-day event is packed with world-renowned researchers and projects that are at the forefront of change. “If you’re a producer, researcher, legislator, advocate, business, or someone who wants to learn more you have to be here.”
Speakers and sessions include Hatfield and Kevin Monk, who will discuss what the ideal management practices are that can be implemented on an operation. Tibor Hegedus, of Longboard Power, will discuss the one-of-a-kind dynamic agrivoltaic shelterbelt that produces renewable energy, protects crops, promotes soil moisture retention, and enhances plant water use efficiency.
Roy Pfaltzgraff will discuss several of the innovations that he’s implemented, including seeding on 3-inch row spaces, harvesting techniques to improve profitability, and doing farmer-led research.
CSU and the IN-RICHES Team will walk attendees through everything from how to do their own soil health sample and read the results, to how regenerative practices impact water conservation. They’ll also discuss the Soil Health Discovery Platform and the Open Soil Moisture Monitoring Network. Sam Wagner, of Shroomsquatch, will talk about the newest crop addition to Pfaltzgraff Farms—cordyceps.
Michael Burke, with Precision Ag Solved, will discuss what’s available to producers through proven variable rate technology to increase soil health and yield in your poorest performing fields.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Ed Gorman will discuss how a program can transform compaction issues and poor yield in headlands and corners. The Corners for Conservation project can also support protecting crops from invasive weeds and pests while improving soil health.
Chef Pablo Aya, Hispanic Restaurant Association, will prepare and combine products raised at Pfaltzgraff Farms with other local ingredients to feed the crowd. In his segment attendees can learn how farms and ranches can work with restaurants and make local foods the ideal choice for the community, health and enjoyment.
Ian Aksland, of SoilSignal, and CSU will talk about his work and how he’s helped lead an initiative to install soil sensors on existing weather stations throughout Colorado for public access.
For more information about the field day visit www.pfzfarms.com/field-day-2025.
Kylene Scott can be reached at 620-227-1804 or [email protected].
