High input prices and wildly fluctuating commodity prices are making crop decisions for 2009 especially difficult. Fertilization Decisions in Uncertain Times is one of the featured topics at the 2009 Crop Advantage Series held at the new Kirkwood Community College Convention Center in Cedar Rapids on January 7, at the Great River Convention & Event Center, Burlington, on January 9, and the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa on January 21. All programs begin at 9:00 a.m. Marlin Rice, Iowa State University Extension entomologist will be another featured speaker with an update on soybean aphid management. Elwynn Taylor, ISU Extension climatologist, and Chad Hart, ISU ag economics professor, will also be featured in Cedar Rapids and Burlington.
“This year’s program brings timely topics, such as adjusting to the current economic situation, directly to our producers,” says Jim Fawcett, ISU Extension field agronomist for SE Iowa. “With the rapid changes taking place in Iowa crop production it’s important that we provide the latest information to growers.” The remainder of the program will feature presentations on fungicide research, weed management issues, marketing and managing risk, precision agriculture, and crop production issues. These topics are different at each of the 13 Crop Advantage meetings held at various locations across Iowa, all sponsored by ISU Extension.
Private pesticide applicators can renew their certification and certified crop advisors can obtain credits by attending.
A full listing of meetings and topics and registration information is available at www.cropadvantage.org. For more information about this program call Jim Fawcett at 319-337-2145 or email aep@iastate.edu.
12/23/2008