By Christine Charles
Identification is the first step in solving any plant pest or disease issue. Fortunately, Michigan State University’s Plant & Pest Diagnostics offers a range of services to provide reliable identification of weeds and arthropods, plant diseases, plant parasitic nematodes, abiotic issues and more. Erin Hill, the weed science diagnostician on the team, will join the Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series on May 25 to discuss the services offered by Plant & Pest Diagnostics and the sponsored programs growers may be eligible for to receive financial assistance, such as programs funded through Michigan Wheat and the Michigan Soybean Checkoff program. Be sure to tune in and learn how Plant & Pest Diagnostics can be a helpful resource for you and your farm. As with each edition of Virtual Breakfast, MSU climatologist Jeff Andresen will also provide a 15-minute weather summary and forecast.
The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast series will run every Thursday from March 30 through Sept. 21, 7 – 8 a.m. EDT live via Zoom. Farmers, agribusiness personnel and others interested in agriculture can interact with MSU Extension specialists and educators to get their questions answered. Michigan pesticide applicators can earn enough restricted use pesticide (RUP) credits during the season to recertify their credential. One RUP credit (1A, 1B, Comm or Private Core) and one continuing education unit (CEU) for Certified Crop Advisors (CCA) are available with each live session.
Each week features a 15-minute presentation on a timely topic from a MSU Extension specialist or educator followed by a 15-minute weather summary and forecast by MSU Extension state climatologist Jeff Andresen. Participants then receive information to apply for credits and can leave or stay for a Q&A session. In addition to the scheduled speakers, other MSU field crops specialists and educators are frequently part of the call and available to answer questions.
Participating is easy and free! You can join the live meeting via Zoom using a computer, tablet, mobile device or regular phone line. If you are new to Zoom, simply download the Zoom app and you will be ready to join online every week to see visuals shared by presenters. A phone-in option is also available for the audio portion only.
Participants must use a one-time signup to receive an email notification with instructions for joining the Virtual Breakfast as well as weekly reminders. Registrants can opt out at any time.
Source : msu.edu