Crop Advantage series helps producers make decisions for 2019

Program brings extension specialists to 14 Iowa locations

Crop Advantage meetings provide a solid foundation of current, research-based crop production information to help producers make informed decisions for the farming operation. The 2019 meetings are an opportunity for farmers and crop advisers to hear current research and crop production information from Iowa State University.

Extension specialists will travel to 14 Iowa locations from Jan. 3 to 30, 2019, providing updated management options and recommendations on current and future crop production issues. Meetings offer continuing education credits for Certified Crop Advisers and pesticide safety recertification.

“There is no other program in our crop production education year that brings this many extension specialists together at individual sites across the state,” said Joel De Jong, field agronomist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

In 2018 nearly 2,000 individuals attended one of the meetings, representing all 99 Iowa counties and surrounding states. Eighty four percent of attendees responding to follow-up surveys said information from Crop Advantage would likely save them between $5 and $20 per acre.

“Our goal is to prepare producers to manage potential issues when they arise, or even before they arise, by sharing the most up-to-date scientific knowledge from Iowa State University,” said De Jong. “Content at the meetings is driven by county needs and local production issues.”

Program topics vary by location and are selected for regional concerns and issues. Topics on the agenda this year include: market outlook for 2019 and strategies for dealing with stress, weed management and herbicide resistance, soybean gall midge as a new Iowa pest, nitrogen management in variable environments, and soil pH and liming strategies with low crop prices.

For locations, times and program details visit www.cropadvantage.org.

Early registration for each location is $50; late registration made less than seven days prior to the meeting or on-site is $60. Registration includes lunch, printed proceedings booklet, private pesticide applicator recertification and CCA credits. Online registration and additional information is available at www.cropadvantage.org. Contact ANR Program Services at 515-294-6429 or [email protected], or contact your regional Iowa State University Extension and Outreach field agronomist with questions.

2019 CAS meeting dates and locations

Jan. 3—Sheldon
Jan. 4—Burlington
Jan. 8—Storm Lake
Jan. 9—Ames
Jan. 10—Moravia
Jan. 11—Mason City
Jan. 15—Okoboji
Jan. 16—Fort Dodge
Jan. 17—Waterloo
Jan. 18—Davenport
Jan. 22—Le Mars
Jan. 24—Atlantic
Jan. 29—Iowa City
Jan. 30—Denison