Check back often as more event details become available!

1. Conference Overview

With a desire to inspire your success, Ag Spectrum has developed a comprehensive conference program that covers practical farming applications, grower experience stories, and fundamental principles that can lead to the prosperity and growth of a farming operation.

Conference sessions feature presentations from a team of professional researchers, guest speakers, and company experts who have firsthand knowledge of the Maximum Farming System. You will learn how Ag Spectrum’s approach to putting science to work through the Maximum Farming System provides our customers with what they need to have profitable acres.

We will present relevant and valuable information, offer opportunities to connect with top farmers from across the nation, and celebrate success stories. After our meetings, there is time for social and leisure outings in the late afternoons and evenings and scheduled free time on the weekend.

Please join the conference’s Facebook group to connect with fellow attendees before and during the conference.

Hearing Assistance

New this year at the conference will be a hearing assistance tool called “Listen Everywhere”. This app-based tool allows you to connect to the audio system in the meeting room to hear the presenters through headphones on your device. If you think this tool may be of help to you, please download the Listen Everywhere app on your smartphone now and bring headphones to the conference. Additional instructions will be available in the meeting room.

2. Speakers

Dr. Erich Grotewold – Corn’s Responses to Nitrogen Form and Rate

Dr. Grotewold is a Professor and former Chair of the Department of Biochemistry at Michigan State University. He is a globally recognized expert in plant biochemistry specializing in the elucidation of gene regulatory networks. Much of his research focuses on the biosynthesis and metabolism of plant secondary metabolites involved in plant adaptation to environmental stresses. He will be presenting research describing how plant genetics and environmental variables interact to determine health and yields in corn.

Dr. Ryan Haden – Optimizing Soil Conditions for Soybean Emergence and Vegetative Growth

Dr. Haden is an Associate Professor at The Ohio State University’s Agricultural Technical Institute where he teaches practical courses in soil science and agronomy. He currently maintains an active and collaborative research program in the field of soil fertility. While he publishes his fundamental research findings in peer-reviewed journals, he also translates those results into practical guidance for farmers with a variety of technical presentations. He will be presenting research related to the influence of Ag Spectrum’s liquid and dry fertilizers on soil salinity and soybean growth in different soil types.

Dr. Stuart Grandy – Nitrogen and Phosphorus Cycling in Soils, Implications for Fertilizer Management

Dr. Grandy is a Professor of Natural Resources and the Environment at the University of New Hampshire. He is an internationally recognized expert in soil ecology and biogeochemical cycling in soils. Using a combination of chemical, molecular, and microbiological approaches, he studies the relationships between plants, soils, and microbes to discern how they regulate nutrient cycling and organic matter turnover. He will be presenting research describing how soil microbes cycle nitrogen and phosphorus in the root zone and the significance of their roles in supplying those two nutrients to crop plants.

3. RESORT DETAILS

Check-In Time: 4:00 p.m.

Check-Out Time: 11:00 a.m.

Contact Information

Address: 3800 W Starr Pass Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85745

Phone Number: (520) 792-3500

Website: https://bit.ly/3QnmDN9

Amenities

• Complimentary Luggage Assistance (Gratuity covered by Ag Spectrum. Please self-identify as part of the group so they receive their gratuity.)
• Wireless internet access in guestroom
• Mini Refrigerator
• Cable TV
• Hairdryer
• Iron and ironing board
• Bottled water each day in guestroom
• Self-parking
• 15% off all gift and clothing purchases at the Resort, Hashani, and Golf shops
• Unlimited golf driving range

There are incredible experiences on-site and near the hotel. From hiking trails, multi-tiered pools, the day spa, and golf courses, to Saguaro National Park and Old Tucson, enjoy dozens of kid-friendly things to do at the resort and around Tucson.

Lazy River, Waterslide & Pools

Lazily drift along the Starr Canyon River, brave the Monsoon Falls Water Slide, lounge by the Reflection Pools or play in the Dancing Springs.

Hashani Spa & Fitness Center

Indulge in treatments that combine the latest beauty and health technology with the ancient healing techniques and traditions inspired by the indigenous people of the region, using the healing properties of the revered Saguaro cactus, also known as Hashani. Make a reservation.

Starr Pass Golf Club

Sharpen your game by playing a round on all three of the resort’s nine-hole golf courses. Tee off with red-tinged Arizona desert scenery and looming mountains in the background at the Starr Pass Golf Club, designed by legendary Arnold Palmer.

Hiking

Explore four scenic mountain ranges – Tucson, Tortolita, Santa Rita and Santa Catalina. The trail-head for several hiking and biking runs can be found at the resort.

Mitakuye Oyasin (Mee-Tah-Kay Awe-Sin)

Join each morning on the Salud Terrace to participate in a traditional Native American ceremony and unique Sonoran Desert experience.

Tequila Toast

Gather on the Salud Terrace to watch the sunset and experience the resort’s nightly tradition – the Tequila toast.  Join for this unique experience where they feature one of our more than 150 artisan tequilas and a complimentary toast: “Arriba, Abajo, al Centro, al Dentro, Salud!” (Up, down, out and in).

Food & Beverages

Savor International cuisine in one of the onsite restaurants featuring authentic Mediterranean dishes and classic Mexican fare. In addition to the information below, more details can be found here, including reservation availability. No food or beverage purchased outside of the hotel is allowed in the meeting/banquet facilities.

Signature Grill – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Experience Southwestern cuisine boasting flavors honed from rich, local cultures at Signature Grill. The menu features classic Native American and Mexican dishes prepared with locally grown, farm fresh produce and custom spices.

• Dress Code: Casual
• Daily 6:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

Catalina Barbeque Co. & Sports Bar – Lunch & Dinner

Expect a dynamic combination of award-winning barbeque and a casual sporting environment at Catalina Barbeque Co. & Sports Bar.

• Dress Code: Casual
• Daily 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

Salud – Dinner

Dine below the stars near mesmerizing fire pits on Salud’s outdoor terrace. Take in the captivating views of downtown Tucson, while enjoying authentic Mexican cuisine, hand-crafted cocktails and fine tequilas from an extensive list of selections.

• Dress Code: Casual
• Sunday-Thursday 3:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
• Friday-Saturday 3:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.
• Nightly tequila toast at 5:30 p.m.

Passaggio – A Sonoran Trattoria – Dinner

Sharing the natural beauty and warmth of the serene landscape while delivering the flavors of a modern trattoria by using the hidden bounty of the Sonoran Desert.

• Dress Code: Casual
• Daily 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

Plunge Poolside Dining – Lunch & Cocktails

Lounge next to the shimmering outdoor pool with refreshing drinks and appetizing cuisine in a rejuvenating environment at Plunge Poolside Dining. Our casual restaurant and bar offers tasty dishes, a great kids’ menu and easy take-out options.

• Dress Code: Casual
• Daily 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

JW Market – Lunch & Dinner

Satisfy your cravings at JW Market, an on-the-go marketplace restaurant with locally inspired cuisine, specialty snacks and products from Tucson’s finest purveyors as well as regionally inspired artisan sandwiches and salads to go.

• Dress Code: Casual
• Sunday-Thursday 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
• Friday-Saturday 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

4. Transportation Details

Customers and prospects must provide their own airfare and ground transpor­tation to and from Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa. Tucson International Airport (TUS), located just a short distance from JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa, offers rental car and shuttle options.

Guests should plan to arrive at the resort by 4:00 p.m. on January 17th and depart on January 22nd at their convenience.

If you choose to rent a car, here are some recommendations:

• Self-parking is complimentary at the hotel – Upon arrival, visit the front desk first to get a ticket to enter and exit the parking garage. It is recommended to leave your luggage at the bell desk at this time since the parking garage is a decent distance from the guest rooms.
• There are many options within and near the Tucson International Airport that can be found here.
• It is advised to make rental car arrangements early as the rental companies often run out of cars during this season.

If you choose not to rent a car, the resort does offer a local shuttle for $35. Call them for more information. Utilizing private rental services like Uber and Lyft is also an option.

Tucson International Airport (TUS) Airlines

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines
• United Airlines

5. MEALS & ATTIRE

Ag Spectrum provides a variety of meals throughout the conference; however, there will be opportunities for guests to enjoy the fresh and flavorful dishes that the resort and area restaurants have to offer. We invite you to enjoy breakfast each morning of your stay, which is included in the package. Attendees and spouses gather at the resort for lunches, provided by Ag Spectrum, on Wednesday and Thursday. Dinner will be provided during the Welcome Banquet on Tuesday and the Appreciation Banquet on Saturday. No food or beverage purchased outside of the hotel is allowed in the meeting/banquet facilities.

Contact us at meetings@agspectrum.com with any special situations or food allergies for members of your party that you did not already include during registration so we can help make your stay as safe and comfortable as possible.

Layers are recommended throughout the conference as both outdoor and indoor temperatures may vary. The Welcome Banquet on January 17th will be a casual gathering allowing you to come as you are from traveling. Business casual attire is encouraged for meetings and meals, with the exception of the Appreciation Banquet held on January 21st that will be a themed event.

6. Appreciation Banquet

Throw on your boots and cowboy hats, and join us to celebrate the final night of the conference! A reception will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 21 with dinner, live music, and dancing to follow at 6:30 p.m.

7. Top Things to Do

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

2021 N Kinney Dr

(520) 883-2702

Children’s Museum Tucson

200 S 6th Ave

(520) 792-9985

Pima Air & Space Museum

6000 E Valencia Rd

(520) 574-0462

Titan Missile Museum

1580 W Duval Mine Rd, Green Valley

(520) 625-7736

Reid Park Zoo

3400 E Zoo Ct

(520) 791-3204

San Xavier del Bac Mission

1950 W San Xavier Rd

(520) 294-2624

Mount Lemmon

12856 N Sabino Canyon Park, Mt Lemmon

(520) 576-1468

Saguaro National Park

East: 3693 S Old Spanish Trail – (520) 733-5153

West: 2700 N Kinney Rd – (520) 733-5158

Sabino Canyon

5700 N Sabino Canyon Rd

(520) 749-7711

Catalina State Park

(520) 628-5798

Tombstone Historic District

395 E Allen St, Tombstone

(520) 457-3929

La Encantada Shopping Center

2905 E Skyline Dr

(520) 299-3566

8. Top Places to Eat

Charro Steak & Del Ray – $$$
188 E Broadway Blvd • Dinner
American, Steakhouse • (520) 485-1922

Hub Restaurant & Ice Creamery – $$
266 E Congress St • Lunch & Dinner
American, Dessert • (520) 207-8201

Prep and Pastry – $$
2660 N Campbell Ave • Breakfast & Lunch
American, Cafe • (520) 326-7737

Tiny’s Saloon & Steakhouse – $
4900 W Ajo Hwy • Lunch & Dinner
American • (520) 578-7700

Penca – $$$
50 E Broadway Blvd • Dinner
Mexican, Southwestern • (520) 203-7681

LaCo Tucson – $$
201 N Court Ave • Lunch & Dinner
Southwestern • (520) 622-0351

El Charro Cafe – $$
311 N Court Ave • Lunch & Dinner
Mexican • (520) 622-1922

Caruso’s – $$
434 N 4th Ave • Dinner
Italian • (520) 624-5765

Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink – $$
101 E Pennington St • Dinner
Italian • (520) 882-5550

Brooklyn Pizza Company – $
534 N 4th Ave • Lunch & Dinner
Italian, Pizza • (520) 622-6868

Obon Sushi Bar Ramen – $$
350 E Congress St • Dinner
Japanese • (520) 485-3590

El Berraco – $$
2960 N 1st Ave • Dinner
Seafood, Southwestern • (520) 620-9828

9. Weather Forecast

Daily high temperatures range between 55°F and 77°F with 68°F being average in January. Lows can fall to the 30s.

10. Post-Conference Survey

We are thankful you joined us for the 2023 Maximum Farming Club Conference. We hope you enjoyed your time at the conference and, since returning home, have had time to reflect upon your experience. Each year we look forward to refining the details of the conference so that we may continue to provide a valuable and rewarding experience.

We look forward to receiving your feedback from this brief (5-10 minute) survey.

Thank you for your time!

SUBMIT SURVEY HERE

11. Emergency Contact

In case of emergency please contact the Ag Spectrum representative who invited you, or our meeting coordinator, Robin Petersen (meetings@agspectrum.com).

12. Changes & Cancellations

If changes or cancellations are necessary, contact the Ag Spectrum representative who invited you and/or meetings@agspectrum.com as soon as possible so the cost incurred can be minimized. Examples of these changes include late arrival and early departure.