Crop conference offers updates on diseases, pests and new ag technology
MU’s Division of Plant Sciences hosts the 2018 University of Missouri Crop Management Conference Dec. 18 to 19 at the Columbia Holiday Inn Executive Center. MU Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley says the annual event offers updates from MU and other leading university researchers.
Scott Brown, director of strategic partnerships in the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, gives the keynote address. He looks at current trade agreements, tariffs and potential effects on 2019 crop markets. Rob Kallenbach, MU Extension Agriculture and Environment program director, is the luncheon speaker on Dec. 18.
Speakers include:
• Shawn Conley, University of Wisconsin, gives tips on key management practices that explain soybean yield gaps.
• Larry Steckel, University of Tennessee, talks about the rise of glyphosate-resistant grass species.
• Rick Cruse, Iowa State University, discusses future challenges Missouri faces with soil and water conservation.
• Kevin Bradley, MU Extension weed scientist, will give updates on changes and requirements in dicamba labeling. In a separate session, he discusses weed management, herbicide resistance and new technology.
• Peter Scharf, MU Extension nutrient management specialist, will discuss cover crops that protect against topsoil erosion without hurting yields. In a second session, Scharf talks about phosphorus management research from the MU Strip Trial Program.
• Michelle Segovia, MU assistant professor in behavioral economics, will discuss decision-making.
• Kaitlyn Bissonnette, MU Extension plant pathologist, tells about field crop diseases in a year that went from drought to downpour.
• Doug Peterson, Natural Resources Conservation Service soil health specialist, discusses management changes needed when integrating no-till and cover crops into a soil health system. In a second session, he talks about nutrient management and water quality.
• Greg Luce, MU Extension grain crops specialist, and plant pathologist Kaitlyn Bissonnette discuss wheat management research.
• Kent Shannon, MU Extension field specialist, gives an update on mobile technologies and apps and how they can be used in row-crop agriculture.
• Kevin Rice, MU Extension entomologist, shares emerging pests in Missouri field crops.
• Michael Hicks, MU Extension video producer, gives tips on how to take photos from drab to fab. He asks participants to bring their cellphones for hands-on learning.
To register, go to https://plantsciencesweb.missouri.edu/cmc or call 573-882-4349. Up to 13 continuing education units are available for attendance.
