Michiana Crops Conference to help farmers plan for 2010
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue and Michigan State universities have teamed up once again to host the 2009 Michiana Crops Conference on Dec. 4 in Shipshewana, Ind.
The crops conference is designed for farmers, certified crop advisers, commercial and private pesticide applicators, and agribusiness professionals who are interested in the latest information about seeding rates, corn and soybean diseases, and the value of manure.
"This year we've had a later-than-normal harvest, and some areas of the state have seen significant disease problems associated with the corn crop," said Gene Matzat, Purdue Extension educator in LaPorte County. "At the conference, specialists will be on hand to discuss and provide tips to help farmers minimize risk for the same disease occurrence next year."
The conference will be from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Blue Gate Restaurant and Bakery, located at 195 N. Van Buren St. Preregistration costs $35 per person and is due Nov. 30. Registration after Nov. 30 is $40 per person.
A brochure and registration form can be downloaded at http://www.agry.purdue.edu/dtc
Topics and speakers include:
* "Global Economic Outlook for Agriculture," by Chris Hurt, Purdue Extension ag economist.
* "Manure: Is it Part of Your Core Values?" by Brad Joern, Purdue Extension nutrient management specialist.
* "Weed Resistance Issues From 2009," by Bill Johnson, Purdue Extension weed expert.
* "Corn and Soybean Disease Wrap-up," by Kiersten Wise, Purdue Extension plant pathologist.
* "Thoughts on Seeding Rates for Corn," by Bob Nielsen, Purdue Extension corn specialist.
* "Cover Crops: Using Legumes in a Management Way for Fertility," by Dale Mutch, MSU Extension cover crops integrated pest management specialist.
* "DriftWatch," for the private applicator recertification program, by Steve Engleking, Purdue Extension educator in LaGrange County.
Matzat said farmers in the Michiana area were probably more timely in getting their crop planted than the central and southern parts of the state. However, rain was scattered and corn on sandy soils and high ground displayed stress from the low moisture levels at times this summer, he said.
Where there was adequate moisture or irrigation was in place, growers are producing near record yields at 220 bushels per acre, Matzat said.
Continuing education units for certified crop advisers, continuing certification hours for Indiana commercial pesticide applicators, private applicator recertification credit for private Indiana applicators and restricted-use pesticide credits for Michigan applicators will be available to participants for an additional $10.
For questions and additional information about the Michiana Crops Conference, contact Corey Gerber at 765-496-3755, gerberc@purdue.edu, or Connie Foster at 888-EXT-INFO, cfoster@purdue.edu.
Directions and maps are available at http://www.riegsecker.com/php/site_wide/maps.php
Writer: Julie Douglas, 765-496-1050, douglajk@purdue.edu
Source: Gene Matzat, 219-324-9407, ematzat@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-8415;
Steve Leer, sleer@purdue.edu
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