MU Crop Management Conference Offers Plant Pest Updates, Dec. 17-18
COLUMBIA, MO.
Crop pests of the past that may be big problems in 2014 will be featured in update sessions during the MU Crop Management Conference, Dec. 17-18 in Columbia.
The University of Missouri training for crop advisers and farmers will be combined with the winter convention of MO-AG, an industry trade group in Jefferson City.
The joint meeting reaches more people and brings a trade show to the annual meeting, says Kevin Bradley, MU Extension weed specialist.
The program offers three tracks for 30 one-hour sessions, Bradley says. They range from traditional updates on pests to latest technology. That includes new apps for smartphones to selecting the correct sprayer nozzle. Agronomic topics range from specifics on fertilizer applications to control of wily weeds.
The training gives continuing education credits (CEUs) for Certified Crop Advisers. However, it is open to farmers and others, Bradley said. The topic areas are crops, soil nutrients, pests, soil and water conservation, and professional development. MU Extension regional crop specialists get updated also. Increasingly, grain farmers attend to receive information firsthand.
Bradley, program chairman, varies the topics to serve all aspects of crop production.
Last year, forages were added. This year that expands to in-depth updates on cover crops planted for winter protection of soil. Cover crops reduce erosion.
The meetings are in the Holiday Inn Executive Center. The trade show is in the adjoining Expo Center.
Participants can enroll for one or two days. Registration fees and details are at www.plantsci.missouri.edu/cmc.
For phone registrations, call the MU Conference Office at 1-866-682-6663.
Those enrolled receive a CD of speakers’ teaching materials.∆