By Brent Pringnitz, Patricia Howard
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will offer the Crop Advantage Series to producers at 13 locations across Iowa during January. Crop Advantage Series provides the latest information to promote profitable decision-making for upcoming growing seasons.
Each location features a full agenda of workshops that attendees can choose from to develop a personalized agenda. ISU Extension and Outreach field agronomists will present program topics focusing on local needs and production issues.
“Each location has a variety of topics, including crops, pests, soil fertility and farm management,” said Joel DeJong, extension field agronomist in northwest Iowa. “Each year, attendees tell me they wish there were more breakout sessions during the day. They are interested in so many of the topics and can’t be at every workshop. The topics are in demand. It’s a great problem to have.”
“The Crop Advantage Series provides a statewide message on important issues yet retains local input on topics for that specific area,” said Brent Pringnitz, program coordinator with ISU Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension and Outreach. “Crop and pest management issues are different for each area of the state and these meetings are tailored to fit the needs of producers in that area.”
Each year more than 2,000 producers participate in a regional Crop Advantage meeting. “We’ve seen tremendous growth in attendance for the series,” DeJong said. “Response from producers has been very positive. In addition to receiving the latest research information from the university, the meetings have been a valuable way for producers to provide input back to ISU researchers and specialists on what their needs are. It works both ways.”
Each meeting is approved for Certified Crop Adviser continuing education credits. Each location offers the opportunity for private pesticide applicators to receive continuing education credits.
“Producers have appreciated the opportunity to get their pesticide applicator recertification done at the same time as the Crop Advantage meeting. It makes an efficient learning experience,” said DeJong.
Early registration for each location is $50; late registration made fewer than seven days prior to the meeting or on-site is $60. Registration includes lunch, printed proceedings and private applicator recertification. Online registration and additional information is available at www.cropadvantage.org or from anyl ISU Extension and Outreach county office.
For locations, times and program content, contact the hosts or visit www.cropadvantage.org. Dates include:
- Jan. 6 – Sheldon
- Jan. 7 – Okoboji
- Jan. 8 – Mason City
- Jan. 9 – Burlington
- Jan. 13 – Ames
- Jan. 14 – Storm Lake
- Jan. 15 – Honey Creek
- Jan. 20 – Atlantic
- Jan. 21 – Fort Dodge
- Jan. 22 – Waterloo
- Jan. 27 – LeMars
- Jan. 28 – Iowa City
- Jan. 29 – Carroll
Crop Advantage Series is presented by ISU Extension and Outreach with support from the Iowa Soybean Association and from the North Central SARE Program–Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education. For more information, contact ANR Program Services at 515-294-6429, anr@iastate.edu, or contact a local ISU Extension and Outreach field agronomist.
Source:iastate.edu