Golden Sands to Host Argonomist in June
The Golden Sands Recourse Conservation & Development Council is hosting an argonomist in June.
On Wednesday, June 18th, Conservation Agronomist Ray Archuleta will present two site-based soil discussions.
The first begins at 9 AM at the Sandstone Ranch, 401 Dewey Drive, Stevens Point. The soils formed here are sandy residuum. Rotational grazing along with bale grazing through the winter has improved soil biology and pasture yields. Ray will compare soil pits from rotationally grazed pastures and a corn/hay rotation.
At 1 PM another discussion will take place at the Robert & Tammy Brandt Farm, 1108 Ancestor Lane in Mosinee. The soils here are silty drift over loamy till. The Brandts have been rotationally grazing for many years. One year of corn is used to preempt complete renovations to hay land or pastures. Ray will discuss the soil benefits of their management.
Archuleta teaches soil health and the principles of agroecology throughout the country. He has 25 years of experience with the Natural Resources Conservation Service working in New Mexico, Missouri, Oregon, and now in North Carolina and has held the following positions: Soil Conservation Technician, Soil Conservationist, Nutrient/Irrigation Specialist, Water Quality Project Manager, District Conservationist, and Area Agronomist.
He is also a Certified Professional Soil Scientist with Soil Science Society of America. Archuleta worked for two years in Guatemala as a Livestock Specialist in the Peace Corps. He has a B.S. in Agricultural Biology. His infectious enthusiasm for soil health has earned him the moniker “Ray the Soils Guy”.