WASHINGTON, DC  (June 18, 2015) – The National Black Growers Council (NBGC), announced today the 2015 Model Farm Series tour dates at participating member farms across the southern United States.  NBGC is a national nonprofit organization of African American farmers.

The mission of the organization is to improve the efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of Black row-crop farmers.  The 2015 Model Farm tour will kick-off on Wednesday, June 26, 2015 at Patterson Farms in Leland, MS.  Nearly 500 area farmers and agri-business professionals are expected to attend the Model Farm Series.

NBGC has been working with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the agricultural industry to demonstrate effective usage of USDA programs and agricultural technology.  With grant support from USDA’s Office of Advocacy and Outreach, the Council has worked to showcase “the best that agriculture has to offer.”  Referred to as “model farms”, field days have been scheduled to demonstrate integrated usage of USDA programs and agricultural technologies that can be used to improve farm productivity.

NBGC has worked with USDA agencies to demonstrate various programs, including: Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), and Risk Management strategies (e.g. grain storage, crop insurance usage).  The Council is working with Monsanto Company to demonstrate the latest seed and trait technologies in corn, cotton, and soybean.  Monsanto has also worked with NBGC on demonstrating effective weed control programs, including control of glyphosate resistant weeds.  John Deere is cooperating with NBGC to demonstrate use of GPS technologies, including autosteer guidance systems, variable rate applications, and yield mapping.  Other agricultural technologies featured will include irrigation improvements and grain bin usage.  NBGC has partnered with 1890 land-grant universities and community based organizations to reach more farmers.  Student interns from select 1890 universities will work on some model farms to receive in-depth training on row crop production and agricultural business.

The NBGC has announced the 2015 Model Farm tour dates at the following participating farms across the southern United States: