The 84th Annual Soils and Crops Conference in Barton County begins at 8 a.m. on February 16 at Thiebaud Auditorium in Lamar.
“Crop Management Strategies for Maximum Profit” is the theme of this year’s conference according to Jay Chism, an agronomy specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
“Information for this meeting is designed to help producers minimize risk and maximize returns, by providing research-based data to aid in management decisions,” said Chism.
Ray Massey, an agriculture economist with MU Extension, will discuss the increasing cost of crop production and provide information that will help farmers make sound decisions about risk as it relates to input and crops prices.
Insects and diseases are ongoing crop issues for today’s agriculture producer. Wayne Bailey, an entomologist with MU Extension, and Laura Sweets, a pathologist with MU Extension, will discuss pest management considerations for 2010 with emphasis on the importance of field crop scouting and the impact of emerging pests.
Fertilizer decision making will be covered by Peter Scarf, an agronomy specialist with MU Extension. Scharf will provide information about fertilizer management in corn and soybeans.
Kevin Bradley, a weed specialist with MU Extension, will offer his thoughts on new weed management options for corn and soybeans and provide information about glyphosate-resistance in Missouri.
“Field crop diseases, soybean cyst nematodes and a weather outlook for the 2010 growing season are all part of this year’s conference,” said Jay Chism. “If you only have time for one workshop this winter, this is the one you don’t want to miss.”
The conference is sponsored by the Barton County Commission, City of Lamar, Heritage Bank, Lamar Bank and Trust, Metropolitan Bank, US Bank, and the Plant Protection Program at University of Missouri.
There is no charge for the conference, but to allow for adequate food preparation please pre-register by calling (417) 682-3579 no later than February 12.
